Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park
Dated back to 1960, the forest was set aside as Ngurdoto Crater National Park to protect the region’s wildlife and natural resources. Later in 1967, the area surrounding Mt. Meru was added to the park and name was changed to Arusha National Park. Arusha National Park is a small charming park, located in the northeast of Tanzania. It is near the city of Arusha and provides great views of the Mount Kilimanjaro. This Park is also the only place in northern Tanzania where you can easily spot the black-and-white colobus. Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most convenient parks and is a fantastic destination for a day trip. The Park hosts a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from vast savannah and rainforest through to acacia woodlands and up to alpine vegetation on the higher reaches of Mount Meru. It is also home to the world’s largest population of giraffe, Black and white colobus, the Vervet monkeys, the red forest duikers, hippos, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, bushbucks. Hosting to more than 400 numbers of bird species it is a grand choice for the bird lovers.
Activities and attractions
Mount Meru
This is the second highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest in Africa. It takes 4 days to climb this mountain and 3 days to hike to the summit. Climbing the mountain starts and ends at the Momella gate and this activity also offers views such as the volcanic crater. During the hiking, you are also able to come across wildlife species such as waterbucks, zebras, buffalos, black and white colobus, etc. When trekking Mount Meru on a clear day, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro which is around 50 miles away. The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the dry season, which is from June to March. You will get a great view of the snow covered Kili from the top, and climbing will also be easier since the weather will be clear. Mount Meru climb can also be done during light rains, that is in November and December. Although, the weather won’t be clear and there will be light rain while you’re climbing.
Ngurdoto crater
The crater is extinct and as a result of volcanic activity and is made up of steep walls and also consist of forest and grassland. There are certain points however, that your armed ranger /guide can take you to, where you will get some stunning views of the entire crater. From the Leitong viewpoint on the rim, you can also get a view of the snow covered Kilimanjaro. Momella Lakes and the nearby human settlement will also be visible. Wildlife can be spotted around this crater and these include; elephants, buffalos, black and white colobus, antelopes, etc.
Bird watching
The Park has got over 400 bird species making it one of the best places in Tanzania where you are able to do birding. The Park has got both resident and migratory birds that call this place a home. Birds here include; spur winged goose, hamerkop, secretary birds, eagles, herons, grey parrots, red shark, not to mention but a few.
Momella lakes
These are alkaline in nature and lesser and greater flamingos are among the bird species that can be spotted here. Lake Momella actually refers to a collection of seven shallow lakes within the national park. These include, Kusare, big Momella Lake and small Momella Lakes, Lakandiro, El Kekhotoito, Tulusia as well as Rishateni. You are able to enjoy these lakes during a canoe ride at Small Momella which takes about approx. 2 hours. During this activity you will get a chance to spot hippos and other animals at the banks of the lake like bushbucks, buffaloes, giraffes, etc. You will also be able to spot birds like herons, flamingoes, and grebes. Water birds like to collect around the lake and feed on algae present in it.
Walking safaris
Here you are led by an armed game ranger as you make your way through the various forest and savannah habitants as you observe wildlife from a safe distance. You are also able to come across different bird species as well as tree species. You walk at the foot of Mount Meru surrounded by verdant woods, lakes, waterfalls and large population of giraffes.
Game drives
During this activity, you are able to spot different wildlife like the buffalos, zebras, elephants, waterbucks, leopards, warthogs, etc as well as different bird species. The Park has got morning, afternoon and night game drives giving you an opportunity to come across these animals.
