Arusha National Park
Northern Circuit
Overview
Arusha National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a hidden gem that presents visitors with a surprisingly rich and varied safari experience in a relatively small area of 552 square kilometers.
Only a short drive from Arusha city, this park serves as a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a range of ecosystems from dense rainforests to rolling savannas, crater lakes, and alpine landscapes at the base of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak.The park’s ecological variety is unmatched, encompassing everything from montane rainforests to open savannas, and even the misty slopes of Mount Meru. This diversity allows Arusha National Park to support a wide range of wildlife.
A collection of shallow alkaline lakes, the Momella Lakes provide a peaceful setting and attract hundreds of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons. The lake shores are often dotted with grazing animals like giraffes and waterbucks, making this an ideal spot for peaceful wildlife viewing and a popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers.Ngurdoto Crater, also known as the “Little Ngorongoro,” is a volcanic caldera filled with lush marshes and dense vegetation that attracts a variety of animals, including buffaloes, warthogs, and monkeys.
Although visitors cannot enter the crater, there are viewing points around the rim that provide stunning panoramic views of the crater floor, offering an excellent opportunity to observe the wildlife below.In summary, Arusha National Park may be small, but it offers an immersive wildlife experience with remarkable diversity in landscapes and species. Its accessibility, combined with unique activities like walking and canoeing safaris, makes it a worthwhile stop, either as an introduction to a broader Tanzanian safari journey or as a standalone adventure.
Park Main Attraction
- Mount Meru
- Momella Lakes
- Ngurdoto Crater
- Diverse Wildlife Viewing
- Birdwatching Paradise
- Lush Forests and Waterfalls
- Canoeing Safaris