Arusha national park facts
Arusha national park facts : Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania
- popular day trip destination
Arusha national park is among the wildlife viewing destinations which are found in the northern part of Tanzania.
This national park is a good destination to make a stop before continuing to other national parks in Tanzania like Serengeti national park, Tarangire national park and Lake Manyara national park and also the Ngorongoro crater.
Safaris to Arusha national park involve wildlife viewing, hikes, bird watching and so much more which can be done at any time of the year.
- easily accessible
The national park is among the easily accessible national parks in Tanzania and it is found about 40 minutes’ drive from Arusha town and it is also a short drive from Moshi town which is at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest mountain in Africa.
Arusha national park is about 60 kilometers from Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) which operates international flights around the northern part of Tanzania. Another airport which can be used during tours to Arusha national park is Arusha airport (ARK).
- good for wildlife viewing
Arusha national park is also a good destination to enjoy wildlife viewing when visiting Tanzania. The national park has a variety of flora and fauna.
Some of the wildlife species which can be seen during safaris around Arusha national park include giraffes, buffalos, zebras, black and white colobus monkeys, hippos, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs among others. These wildlife species can be spotted during safaris around the wooded savannah and grassy hills.
Apart from wildlife species, there are also different bird species found around Arusha national park and they include lesser and greater flamingos which can be seen along the shores of the Momella lakes and other birds include hadeda ibis, helmeted guinea fowl, silvery cheeked hornbills, white backed duck, turacos and white faced whistling ducks among others.
- hiking destination
Arusha national park is another destination in Tanzania where you can take part in hikes during the year. The best time to engage in hiking Mount Meru is the dry season from June to October.
Mount Meru which is the second highest mountain in Tanzania is found in Arusha national park and it is at an altitude of 4566 meters. The route which is used for hikes on Mount Meru is called the Momella route and these hikes take about 3 days or 4 days and there are also day hikes carried out on the mountain.
During hiking in Arusha national park, the hike starts from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut on the first day, the second day of the hike begins from Miriakamba hut to saddle hut and on the 3rd day is for the summit attempt which begins from Saddle hut to the summit and then back to Miriakamba hut. On the last day of the hike, you start from Miriakamba hut to Momella gate.
Mount Meru is also the 5th highest mountain in Africa and the hike on this mountain costs about 950 USD per person for a 4 days hike and this fee includes park fees and hiking fees, Arusha national park facts.
- scenic park
Arusha national park is also a very scenic park which is found on edge of the Great Rift Valley. The park has varied ecosystems and spectacular views which can be enjoyed during safaris in Tanzania.
There are also waterfalls in the national park which can be seen during hikes and nature walks around Arusha national park. The park also has streams and rivers, a shadowy montane forest and a beautiful crater which are among the attractions in Aursha national park.
Different flower species are also found in the alpine desert zone and Arusha national park also has giant lobelias and open heath.
- numerous activities to do
A number of activities are carried out during safaris around Arusha national park and they include game drives, nature walks, hiking, bird watching, horse riding among others.
Game drives around Arusha national park can be done in the morning or in the afternoon and they involve searching for the various wildlife species at the destination such as giraffes, waterbucks, buffalos, bushbucks, zebras among others which can be seen around the savannah and also in the forests.
Nature walks around Arusha national park are carried out in the forests around the park and a ranger guide moves with the visitors during this activity. Waterfalls can also be spotted during the activity. Another activity to not be missed during safaris in Arusha national park is hiking which is done on Mount Meru.
- among the smallest parks in Tanzania
Arusha national park covers about 137 square kilometers and is among the small national parks in Tanzania as compared to other parks found in the northern part of the country.
Visit Arusha national park and experience beauty of wildlife as you Explore Tanzania.
