Things to Do in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of northeastern Tanzania. The Park is small but varied, with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. In the southeast, Ngurdoto Crater is grassland. The shallow, alkaline Momella Lakes in the northeast have varying algal colors and are known for their wading birds.
Discover and explore the diversity of Arusha National Park!
The Park is nested on the foothills of Mount Meru, Africa’s most beautiful volcanoes and fifth highest peak.
Only 45 minutes drive from Arusha City center, one finds this beautiful Park.
Mount Meru makes an ideal high-altitude acclimatization warm-up before conquering the Kili.
The Park offers way too many attractions compared to its area
The unforgiving landscapes of Mount Meru and Ash Cone, scenic view of Momella Lakes, tropical forest clearings, and Ngurdoto Crater are just a few
Visitors to this Park will have opportunities to view the game, ride horses, climb Mount Meru, and take organized walks with a ranger!
It is famous for being home to Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, Mount Meru, and the world’s largest population of giraffes.
Walking Safari in Arusha, NP
Due to the absence of predatory animals, such as lions, Arusha National Park lends itself perfectly to an exciting walking safari with a ranger.
Walking freely alongside Tanzania’s wildlife offers a truly unique experience. You’ll be walking at the foot of Mt. Meru, surrounded by green forests, lakes, waterfalls, and a massive population of giraffes. A walking safari offers a fantastic chance to be up close with wildlife. The Colobus monkey is one of the highlights in Arusha, NP, and can often be found swinging from the trees.
Mt Meru
Mount Meru is an active but dormant volcano and forms the center of Arusha National Park. It is known for its vast cliffs and green surroundings at the foot.
Mt. Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain. It might not be as tall as its big brother, but it requires more technical skills than its climber, making it a real challenge. The mountain isn’t climbed as often and gives you a unique, more private experience. It can be climbed in a 3-day or 4-day route.
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK: BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Arusha National Park depends on your preferences. The time of your visit can significantly affect your wildlife experience. The Park is a great place to spot birds, and the best time to do so is generally between November and December and March through May. This is when the migratory birds, such as the flamingos, arrive.
However, if you prefer to spot mammals, the best time to visit would be in the dry season, between June and October. This is the dryest period of the year, making them significantly more straightforward to spot in the ordinarily thick, lush forests. Since water is more scarce, there’s a great chance to spot wildlife near one of the freshwater sources.
The dry months, including January and February, are also the best period to take on Mt. Meru.
CLIMATE & SEASONS
The Park usually has a pleasant and mild climate with fresh mornings and evenings but lovely and warm temperatures during the day. Due to the Park being at the foot of Mt Meru, the mountain highly influences the climate, resulting in unpredictable weather and higher chances of rain near the slopes than in the surrounding areas.
The temperature differences can be pretty drastic. It’s highly advised to bring a thick sweater for early morning safaris, as the average nighttime temperature is around 10 degrees. Daytime temperatures are usually around 20 degrees, depending on the time of year and elevation.
Activities in National Park PARK
The Park offers more than ‘just’ wildlife spotting. You can undertake many fantastic activities on your way to the Park.
For example:
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Walking Safari
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Climbing Mt. Meru
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Maasai Visit (in the Area of Arusha)
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Visiting nearby areas & waterfalls
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Local Coffee Tours
DRIVING TIME & DISTANCES
- Driving from Arusha to the Park will take about 30 minutes.
- Driving from Ngorongoro to Arusha National Park takes about 3,5 hours.
- Driving from Lake Manyara to Arusha National Park takes about 3 hours.
- Driving from Tarangire to Arusha National Park takes about 2,5 hours.
- Driving from Moshi to Arusha NP takes 1-1,5 hours, depending on the current traffic situation.
You can only drive in the parks between 6 am and 6 pm.
Explore at the pace of the wild, sync your pulse with the earth, and discover true freedom.
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