Arusha National park also known as Ngurdoto crater National park is located 25 kms east of Arusha, 35 km from Kilimanjaro international airport and 58 km from Moshi in northern Tanzania. The park is famous for being a home to the second highest mountain in Tanzania, Mount Meru and the world’s largest giraffe population. Arusha National park covers an area of 137 sq km conserving some parts like Ngurdoto crater and Mount Meru. The protected area was established in 1960 as Ngurdoto crater National park and later in 1967 it was changed to Arusha National park. The name Arusha was derived from local Warusha people who used to live in this area. Arusha national park offers many tourist facilities like picnic sites, camping sites, and lodges which allows visitors to feel more at ease when visiting the park. The park is just approximately 148 Km (1.30 Hours drive) to Tarangire national park.
Vegetation in Arusha National park
The vegetation in Arusha National park is characterized by different vegetation types, for instance, the lower parts of the park are covered by the savannah vegetation. This is dominated by open grassland areas interspersed with acacia woodlands. This part supports a variety of herbivores and are scattered with shrubs like whistling thorns (Acacia drepanolobium). The slopes of Mount Meru are covered by montane forest dominated by species like podocarpus, olive trees, fig trees, and juniper. The forest is lush, moist, and home to epiphytic plants like orchids and mosses.
The Lower montane forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. Around the Ngurdoto crater there is tropical vegetation characterized by marshes, swamps, and grassy areas surrounded by forested slopes. The Momella lakes are covered by wetlands and swampy vegetation.The fringes of the lakes have tall grasses and aquatic plants like papyrus. On high slopes of Mount Meru, the vegetation transitions into alpine vegetation featuring hardy shrubs, heathers, and grasses. Alpine vegetation supports species like giant lobelias and giant groundsels
Wildlife in Arusha National park
According to the landscape of the park, the park holds low wildlife diversity. Arusha national park is a home to the world’s largest giraffe population. Other wild animals include; elephant, Cape buffalo, Warthog, bush pigs, waterbucks, bush bucks, duikers, dik- dik, spotted hyenas, leopards and lions. Black and white colobus and blue monkeys are residents in the park. The park is a home to 400 bird species and these include endemics, forest and migratory species. Some of these species include; Flamingos, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, Great crested grebe, African fish eagle, Peregrine falcon, Verreaux’s eagle, Black saw-wing, African olive pigeon, Hartaub’s turaco, Egyptian goose, Red –fronted parrot, Tawny eagle, Narina trogon, Bearded vulture, scaly francolin, Bar-tailed trogon, silvery cheeked hornbill, yellow billed storks, white browed coucals, red billed oxpeckers and bronzy sunbirds.
Activities in the park
- Canoeing
This is one of the popular activities done in Arusha National park. The activity is done on the Momella lakes as the visitors drift along the shallow waters. Momella lakes offer views of wildlife like buffaloes and bucks in the open landscape. Hippos and water birds can be spotted. Canoe trips often last 2-3 hours. Alternatively tourists can opt for the traditional safari experience. - Climbing Mount Meru
Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at a height of 4566 meters above sea level dominating Arusha national park’s horizon. Mount Meru is an active, but dormant volcano and known for its huge cliffs and green surroundings at the foot. Mount Meru offers unparalleled views of the steppes of the park, momella lakes and Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Meru is a bit challenging and requires more technical skills of its climber. The mountain can be climbed for 3 or 4 days however it is not often climbed thus giving climbers more private experience. - Nature walk
Due to the absence of predators, the park offers walking safaris which are accompanied by park rangers. The walk goes through various forests and savannah while observing different wildlife species like colobus monkeys and a huge population of giraffes. There is also a great opportunity to spot birdlife. On the slopes of Mount Meru is surrounded by waterfalls, lakes and green forests. One of the highlights on a walking safari is walking up to the top of Tululusia Hill, a lookout point during Tanzania’s tribal wars. The hill top also offers panoramic views of the lower reaches of Arusha National Park. - Game viewing
This is one of the popular activities done in Arusha National park. During game drive you will follow different tracks in different regions of the park in search for animals. Some of the animals that can be spotted during game drive include; dik- dik, waterbucks, bush bucks, duikers, Cape buffalo, elephant, Warthog, bush pigs. Predators like hyenas, leopards and lions can also be spotted but on rare occasions. Primates that can be spotted include Black and white colobus and blue monkeys around the Ngurdoto museum. The trails to Momella lakes and Ngurdoto Crater offer opportunities to see hippos in water and other animals gathering along the shores.
Best time to visit park
The park can be visited all year around depending on the visitor’s choice. However, Arusha National park is known as a great place for bird watching. The best time to visit the park is between the months of November to December and March through May. During this time it’s when the migratory birds are arriving from other parts of Africa and Europe. If you prefer spotting animals, the best time to visit Arusha National park is during the dry season between the months of June and October. Also during the months of January and February is the best period to hike Mt. Meru.
How to access the park
The park can be accessed by road or air depending on the traveler’s choice. By road the journey is 45 minutes from Arusha town to the national park. Alternatively, the park can be accessed by use of domestic flights from Kilimanjaro International airport to Arusha airport and the journey takes 20 minutes.