Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a captivating and diverse destination located just outside Arusha Town, offering an array of unique landscapes and wildlife. The Park is renowned for its stunning Mount Meru, which provides a dramatic backdrop, and its Momella Lakes, home to vibrant birdlife, including flamingos. Visitors can experience exciting wildlife viewing, spotting animals like giraffes, zebras, and buffalo, and birdwatching with over 400 species recorded. The Park is also a great place to easily spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, particularly in the lush forested areas around the lower slopes of Mount Meru. Adventurers can enjoy walking safaris and the opportunity to climb Mount Meru. Whether for adventure, photography or simply enjoying the natural beauty, Arusha National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro, is a majestic and scenic gem that towers at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) above sea level. Located in Arusha National Park, it offers a thrilling challenge for climbers and a stunning backdrop for the surrounding landscape. The mountain’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush forests at the base to alpine meadows and volcanic craters at the summit, provide a unique and varied experience. The climb to the top takes about 4 to 5 days, with trekkers passing through diverse terrain, observing wildlife, and enjoying breathtaking views. Reaching the summit rewards adventurers with panoramic vistas of the Great Rift Valley, the surrounding plains, and the distant peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a first-time climber, Mount Meru offers an unforgettable adventure.
Activities to do in Arusha National Park
- Canoeing on Momella Lakes
- Mount Meru Climbing
- Photography & filming
- Horseback riding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Walking Safaris
- Birdwatching
Special Bird Species to See in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a chance to spot rare and range-restricted species within its diverse habitats. Among the highlights are the striking Hartlaub’s Turaco, the elusive Kenrick’s, Sharpe’s, and Abbott’s Starlings, and the vibrant Red-fronted Parrot. The park’s montane forests provide refuge for the Forest Batis, Scaly Spurfowl, and the secretive Evergreen Forest Warbler, while wetlands and open grasslands host species such as the Maccoa Duck and the Pangani Longclaw. With its rich avian diversity, Arusha National Park is a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts seeking unique East African species in a breathtaking setting.
Climate
Arusha National Park has a diverse climate due to its varying elevations:
- Lower Altitudes: The climate is semi-arid, with warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), especially during the dry season from June to October.
- Higher Altitudes: Temperatures cool to 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) around Mount Meru, with occasional mist and rainfall, particularly during the wet season (November to April).
- Rainy Seasons: The Park experiences short rains (November to December) and long rains (March to May), with occasional heavy showers
Best Time to Visit
Arusha National Park is a year-round destination, offering unique experiences throughout the year. The best time to visit depends on your preferences: During the dry season from June to October, wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around water sources. For birdwatching, the rainy seasons (short rains in November to December and long rains in March to May) are ideal, as migratory birds flock to the park. Climbing Mount Meru is possible year-round, though the dry season offers clearer skies and more stable weather conditions. The park’s diverse climate ensures there’s always something special to explore, whether for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or climbing Mount Meru.
How to Get There
To reach Arusha National Park, follow these options:
- By Car: The Park is approximately 25 km (15 miles) from Arusha Town, which is about a 30-minute drive. You can hire a private vehicle or arrange a transfer through a tour operator.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 55 km (34 miles) from the park. From there, you can take a transfer or private vehicle to the park.
- By Public Transport: From Arusha Town, you can also find public taxis or buses heading towards the park’s entrance.
The Park is easily accessible and is a great day trip or part of a longer safari itinerary.
Facts About Arusha National Park
- A giant fig tree forms an arch across the road, large enough to drive a car through.
- Cattle and sheep ranching by European settlers during the early 1900s
- Ngurdoto Crater is a swampy crater inhabited by a large variety of animals.
- Area size of 137 square kilometers (53 square miles).
- Arusha National Park was established in 1960
- Transitioned into a Game Reserve in 1948
- Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Rhinos’ Decline in Arusha National Park.
Once, black rhinos roamed freely in Arusha National Park, but by the late 1970s, they had completely disappeared, largely due to poaching driven by the high demand for rhino horn in illegal markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. In a tragic tale from Arusha National Park, a once-vibrant black rhino fell victim to a poacher’s snare.
Though she managed to escape the trap, the cruel wire remained entangled around her leg, causing unbearable pain. Despite her best efforts to run and free herself, the snare remained, cutting deep into her flesh and causing severe injuries.
The brave rhino continued to endure the agony, living with the snare for an extended period before finally succumbing to her wounds. Her story, a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers poaching poses to wildlife, lives on through her skull, which is kept at the Ngurdoto Museum in Arusha.
The display serves not only as a tribute to her resilience but also as a stark symbol of the ongoing need for wildlife protection and conservation efforts. One of the most devastating moments in this dark chapter came in October 1977, when 16 rhino carcasses were discovered, signaling a critical turning point in their local extinction. This mass killing was part of a wider poaching crisis that devastated rhino populations across Tanzania.
