Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park, located in northern Tanzania, serves as a safari destination and is inhabited by a diverse array of wildlife species.

The national park encompasses around 137 square kilometers and features stunning landscapes, including Mount Meru, craters, waterfalls, woods, lakes, and grasslands.

During safaris in Tanzania’s Arusha National Park, one can observe a variety of wildlife species, including buffalo, bushbuck, warthog, zebra, black and white colobus monkeys, and giraffe.

Arusha National Park hosts a variety of avian species, including the small bee-eater, silvery-cheeked hornbills, long-crested eagles, flamingos, and crowned eagles, among others. This national park boasts approximately 350 bird species observable during a birding excursion in Tanzania.

Entrance fees for Arusha National Park

Visitors to Arusha National Park are required to pay admission fees during their safaris, which are as follows, excluding an 18% tax;

Non-East African nationals visiting Arusha National Park incur entrance costs of 50 USD during peak season and 45 USD during low season for anyone over 16 years of age, while children aged 5 to 15 years are paid an entrance price of 15 USD.

Expatriates or locals visiting Arusha National Park incur an entrance cost of 25 USD during peak season and 22.5 USD in low season for people over 16 years, while minors aged 5 to 15 are charged 7.5 USD.

The entrance fees for Arusha National Park are 10,000 Tanzanian shillings for Tanzanians and East African individuals over the age of 16, while children aged 5 to 15 are charged 2,000 Tanzanian shillings.

Children under the age of 5 years are exempt from the park entrance fee during safaris to Arusha National Park.

Attractions in proximity to Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park features numerous attractions observable during safaris in Tanzania, including the following:

Mount Meru

Mount Meru is the second tallest mountain in Tanzania, standing at an elevation of 4,566 meters, and is the fourth highest mountain in Africa.

Hiking is a prominent activity available during excursions in Arusha National Park, and the ascent of Mount Meru requires four days to reach the summit and return. This trek commences at Momella Gate, proceeding to Miriakamba Hut, then to Saddle Hut, ascending to the peak, returning to Miriakamba Hut, and concluding on the last day with a descent back to Momella Gate.

Hiking on Mount Meru on a safari in Tanzania serves as an excellent preparation for climbers embarking on an expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters, situated a brief drive from Arusha National Park.

Ngurdoto Crater

Another point of interest accessible during safaris in Arusha National Park is the Ngurdoto Crater, located in the eastern region of the park.

The Ngurdoto crater is a volcanic formation of approximately 3 kilometers in diameter and 400 meters in depth. This crater is home to several wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, monkeys, baboons, warthogs, zebras, and duikers, among others.

Another destination to explore is the Ngurdoto Museum, where one can acquire further knowledge about the Ngurdoto Crater and its attractions.

Hikes are conducted along the crater rim when visiting the Ngurdoto crater during the safari. Additional craters located in the northern region of Tanzania are the Empakaai crater, Olmoti crater, and Ngorongoro crater.

Momella Lakes

The Momella lakes in Arusha National Park comprise the small and large Momella lakes, which are among the seven shallow lakes that also include Kusare, Lekandiro, Tulusia, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito.

Various wildlife species inhabit the beaches of the Momella lakes, where several avian species can also be observed during a Tanzania wildlife tour. Canoeing is an additional activity conducted on the small Momella lakes.

Meru Waterfalls

Waterfalls observable on a safari in Arusha National Park include the Tululusia, Napuru, Maio, and Meru waterfalls, among others.

The waterfalls are observable on hikes in Arusha National Park with the assistance of a ranger guide, providing an exhilarating safari experience at the location.

Things To Do in Arusha National Park

Day trips in Arusha National Park encompass the exploration of the destination and the observation of its diverse features. The national park, situated 25 kilometers from Arusha, is readily accessible and serves as an excellent starting point for a wildlife safari in Tanzania, particularly for expeditions to northern destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Walking safaris are conducted in Arusha National Park, providing an intimate opportunity to appreciate the park’s beauty and attractions. These excursions can be conducted in locations like as the woodland within Arusha National Park, where wildlife may also be observed.

Ascend Mount Meru, an essential endeavor when exploring Arusha National Park, can be undertaken year-round, albeit the optimal period is during the dry season.

Best Time  to visit  Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park, akin to other Tanzanian safari locales, draws numerous tourists each year to partake in safaris within the park. These safaris can occur in any month of the year, encompassing both the dry and rainy seasons.

The optimal period for a safari in Arusha National Park is from June to October and in December.