Arusha National Park
Location: Northeast of Arusha
Only about half an hour from the city of Arusha, the park is popular for day trips as it can be explored within a day. The park can be visited all year round; however, the best time is between June and September and December to early March. The park is situated at an altitude between 1700 and 4566 m above sea level.
The Arusha National Park is a small but diverse national park. In the park there are sights like the Ngurdoto as well as the Meru Crater, the small Serengeti (Serengeti Ndogo), the mineral Momela Lakes and the freshwater lake Longil, and Tululusia Waterfall. The park is dominated by the famous Mount Meru which is the second highest peak in Tanzania (4566 m above sea level).
The mountains, valleys, lakes and plains give the visitor a graceful feeling of peace and solitude. There are also opportunities to explore the flora and fauna on foot, from horseback or by canoe.
Wildlife
There are no lions in Arusha National Park, but in the open grasslands, called "Serengeti Ndogo", and in the Ngurdoto Crater various animals can be seen in large herds, such as buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks.
Arusha National Park is also home to the black and white colobus monkeys, which can be easily spotted.
Birdlife
Arusha National Park is home to more than 400 species of birds, including Eurasian migrants, which can be seen between October and April.
The Momela Lakes are an important feeding ground for flamingos and are one of the most important places for birdwatchers.
Activities
In addition to game drives, short or long walks, a mountain hike to Mount Meru, canoeing, horse riding or cycling can be undertaken.
One of the hikes, guided by a trained, armed park ranger, leads through the Momela forest to the Tululusia waterfall. During the approximately three-hour hike, you will see several animals at a safe distance.
The scenic canoe safari on the small Momela Lake offers you the exclusive opportunity to see hippos, giraffes, buffalos, bushbucks and many water birds. Usually the activity lasts 2 - 3 hours