Description: Often over-looked by visitors, Arusha National Park has incredible volcanic scenery, wonderful views of Mt Kilimanjaro (on clear days), a beautiful rain forest and plenty of wildlife. The main features are Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes. The Momella Lakes attract a wide variety of birds, particularly flamingos. Guests sometimes enjoy this park just as much as the Serengeti. Its close proximity to Arusha usually means that it gets put first on a Northern Parks itinerary.

Location: Northern circuit, 40 minutes outside Arusha on the way to Moshi

Things 2 Do: Game-Drives, Forest Walks, Canoeing, Mt. Meru Climb

Time: Usually 1 full day but 2 days if hiking and canoeing. Day trip from Arusha is possible.

Animals: Abundant: Zebras, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Reedbucks, Klipspringers, Hippos, Buffaloes, Hyenas, Mongooses, Dik Diks, Warthogs, Baboons and Vervet and Colobus Monkeys. Perhaps Elephants and Leopards, but no Lions or Rhinos.

Accommodations

For accommodations in the Kilimanjaro/Moshi area click here.

$
A2T Camping (public campsites)
Forest Hill Carnival Hotel
Outpost Lodge
Pamoja Expeditions Lodge
Tumaini Cottage
Venus Premier Hotel

$$
Ahadi Lodge
Ilboru Safari Lodge
Karama Lodge
Kibo Palace
Mount Meru Game Lodge and Sanctuary
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Planet Lodge – Arusha
Planet Lodge – Airport Location
Zawadi House

$$$
African Tulip
Arumeru River Lodge
Dik Dik Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton – The Arusha Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha
Moivaro KIA Lodge
Kigongoni Lodge
Makoa Farm
Mount Meru Hotel
Ngurdoto Lodge
Kahawa House 
Rivertrees Country Inn

$$$$
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Safari Lodge
Arusha Serena Hotel
Hamerkop House by Lemala
Hatari Lodge
Kambi ya Tembo (West Kilimanjaro)
Lake Duluti Lodge
Ndarakwai Ranch (West Kilimanjaro)
Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
Onsea House

 

Get The Best Arusha National Park Tour

Have you ever imagined exploring a park where volcanic craters, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife converge just a short drive from Arusha? Arusha National Park offers an exceptional safari experience, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both adventure and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in an Arusha National Park day tour or an immersive Arusha National Park walking safari, this destination provides unforgettable encounters with Tanzania’s rich flora and fauna.

Introduction to Arusha National Park

Situated in the northern circuit of Tanzania, just 40 minutes from Arusha on the route to Moshi, Arusha National Park is often overlooked by travelers rushing to the more famous Serengeti. However, this park is a hidden gem, offering a combination of scenic views, wildlife encounters, and unique natural features. Its proximity to Arusha makes it perfect for a day trip or an extended adventure including hiking and canoeing.

The park’s main attractions include the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes. The Ngurdoto Crater is often called the “Ngorongoro of the small scale” due to its dense vegetation and abundant wildlife. Meanwhile, the Momella Lakes provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, attracting flamingos and a variety of other water birds. On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Wildlife Experiences on an Arusha National Park Tour

Arusha National Park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife. Game enthusiasts can spot zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks, klipspringers, hippos, buffaloes, hyenas, mongooses, dik-diks, warthogs, baboons, and vervet and colobus monkeys. Occasionally, elephants and leopards make appearances, offering thrilling sightings for lucky visitors. While lions and rhinos are absent from this park, the abundance of other species ensures an engaging safari experience.

For travelers opting for an Arusha National Park day tour, game drives provide an accessible way to encounter wildlife while enjoying the park’s scenic routes. Those who prefer a more active experience can choose an Arusha National Park walking safari, which allows for closer interaction with the forest environment and a chance to spot smaller animals, birds, and plant species often missed from vehicles.

Activities Beyond Wildlife

Arusha National Park is not only about game viewing. Visitors can also enjoy forest walks that reveal the park’s rich botanical diversity. Canoeing is available on select lakes, offering a tranquil perspective on the park’s birdlife and aquatic species. Adventurers can also combine their visit with a climb of Mount Meru, adding a challenging yet rewarding experience to the itinerary.

For most visitors, a full-day tour is sufficient to explore the highlights. However, a two-day visit is recommended for those interested in combining hiking and canoeing, allowing for a more in-depth encounter with the park’s ecosystems.

Accommodation Options Near Arusha National Park

Travelers have a wide range of accommodation choices near Arusha National Park, from budget-friendly options to luxurious lodges. Budget accommodations include A2T Camping public campsites, Forest Hill Carnival Hotel, and Outpost Lodge, which offer simple but comfortable stays.

Mid-range options such as Ahadi Lodge, Ilboru Safari Lodge, and Karama Lodge provide cozy rooms and excellent service, while higher-end lodges like African Tulip, Dik Dik Hotel, and Four Points by Sheraton – The Arusha Hotel offer luxurious amenities and immersive safari experiences. For ultimate luxury, guests can stay at Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha Safari Lodge, or Arusha Serena Hotel, each providing exceptional comfort, fine dining, and proximity to the park.

Planning Your Arusha National Park Day Tour

An Arusha National Park day tour typically starts early in the morning from Arusha town. Visitors are transported to the park, where they embark on a guided game drive or walking safari. During the tour, travelers experience the Ngurdoto Crater, observe diverse wildlife, and enjoy the scenic Momella Lakes. The day often concludes with a picnic lunch and optional short hikes or canoeing activities before returning to Arusha in the late afternoon.

For travelers seeking more than a single day, a two-day itinerary allows deeper exploration. Overnight stays in nearby lodges or campsites provide the opportunity to enjoy early morning and late afternoon wildlife sightings, as well as night-time sounds of the bush that can only be experienced in this region.

Why Choose Arusha National Park for a Safari

Arusha National Park stands out due to its accessibility, diverse activities, and unique features. Unlike larger parks where game drives require long hours, this park offers a condensed but fulfilling safari experience suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Its combination of volcanoes, forests, lakes, and abundant wildlife ensures that every visitor finds something memorable.

Whether your preference is an easy day tour or an immersive walking safari, the park offers an unparalleled introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and natural beauty. It serves as a convenient yet enriching complement to the Northern Parks circuit, allowing visitors to enjoy a rich safari experience without long drives.

Enhancing Your Safari Experience

To maximize your visit, consider hiring knowledgeable guides who can explain the park’s ecosystems and point out elusive wildlife. Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife encounters. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for forest walks and short hikes.

Visitors may also consider combining the Arusha National Park tour with other activities in the Arusha region, such as cultural visits to local villages or coffee plantation tours, enhancing the overall travel experience.

FAQs

Q1: How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha town?
Arusha National Park is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Arusha town. Its proximity makes it perfect for a day trip, while also being an ideal starting point for the Northern Parks circuit.

Q2: Can I do a walking safari in Arusha National Park?
Yes, Arusha National Park offers guided walking safaris. These allow visitors to explore the forest, observe smaller wildlife, and enjoy birdwatching while experiencing the park at a slower, more intimate pace.

Q3: What wildlife can I expect to see?
Visitors may spot zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, hippos, buffaloes, hyenas, baboons, and various monkey species. Occasionally, elephants and leopards appear, but lions and rhinos are not present in this park.

Q4: How long does a typical day tour last?
An Arusha National Park day tour usually lasts a full day. Tours start early in the morning, include game drives, forest walks, and a picnic lunch, and return to Arusha in the late afternoon.

Q5: Are there accommodations near the park?
Yes, options range from budget campsites and lodges to luxury hotels. Notable choices include A2T Camping, Ahadi Lodge, African Tulip, and Arusha Coffee Lodge, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Q6: Can I combine the park visit with other activities?
Absolutely. Visitors can add hiking to Mount Meru, canoeing on lakes, or cultural tours to local villages, coffee plantations, and markets to create a more comprehensive travel experience.

Q7: What is the best time to visit Arusha National Park?
The park can be visited year-round. Dry months (June to October) are ideal for wildlife viewing, while wet months (November to May) offer lush landscapes, active rivers, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.