Arusha National Park: Hidden Gem of Northern Tanzania

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbors like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha National Park remains a true hidden gem in Northern Tanzania. This small yet incredibly diverse park, located just a short drive from the city of Arusha, offers a unique safari experience that combines lush forest, open savannah, and spectacular volcanic scenery. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip or an extended visit for those seeking an alternative to the more crowded safari circuits.

A Microcosm of Natural Beauty

Arusha National Park is a mosaic of three distinct and equally stunning habitats, each offering a different kind of adventure.

• The Momella Lakes: A series of seven shallow, alkaline lakes, the Momella Lakes are a vibrant spectacle. Their colors, which range from emerald to turquoise, shift with the mineral content and lighting. The lakes are a paradise for birdwatchers, home to thousands of flamingos and various other aquatic birds. You can take a canoe safari here, offering a unique, water-level perspective of the wildlife, including waterbucks, giraffes, and hippos that frequent the shores.
• Ngurdoto Crater: Known as a miniature of the Ngorongoro Crater, this volcanic caldera is a natural amphitheater of dense forest and swamps. The crater floor is a lush habitat for buffalo, warthogs, and elephants. While descent into the crater is not permitted, you can explore the rim by vehicle and enjoy panoramic views from a series of viewpoints.
• Mount Meru: The park is dominated by Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak. Its slopes, covered in dense montane forest, are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including Colobus monkeys, leopards, and elephants. For adventurous trekkers, a multi-day hike up Mount Meru is a spectacular experience and an excellent way to acclimatize before attempting a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

A Different Kind of Safari

What makes Arusha National Park particularly special is the range of activities it offers beyond the traditional game drive. The park’s unique ecosystem and the absence of large predators like lions make it an ideal location for walking safaris. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you can explore the park on foot, getting a thrillingly close and personal perspective of giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the smaller details of the bush and the sounds of the African wilderness.

In addition to walking and canoeing, day and night game drives are also available, providing excellent opportunities to see an impressive range of herbivores. Arusha is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of giraffes, and you can often find them roaming freely across the savannah. Other animals to look for include zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, and a variety of primates, including the black-and-white colobus monkey, which are a common and beautiful sight in the forest.

Perfect for a Day Trip or a Longer Stay

Arusha National Park’s accessibility from the city of Arusha makes it an easy and convenient day trip for those with limited time. It serves as a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and a great way to acclimate to the African environment before embarking on a longer safari. For hikers and birdwatchers, the park’s many trails and diverse habitats make it a worthwhile multi-day destination. It is a place that rewards those who take the time to explore its quiet trails and appreciate its subtle, yet extraordinary, beauty.