Arusha National Park- Wildlife Safari Tour: Self Drive East Africa
Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern 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. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colors and are known for their wading birds. Arusha National Park lies on a 300-kilometre axis of Africa’s most famous national parks, running from Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.
The park is just a few kilometers north east of Arusha, though the main gate is 25 km east of the city, it is also 58 km from Moshi and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport and the park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania.
Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife, but visitors shouldn’t expect the same game-viewing experience they find in other national parks of Tanzania’s northern circuit. Despite the small size of the park, common animals include giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, lion and many other African animals. Leopard populations are present, but rarely seen. Bird life in the forest is prolific, with many forest species more easily seen here than elsewhere on the tourist route Narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon are both possible highlights for visiting birders, whilst the range of starling species provide somewhat less gaudy interest.
Mount Meru is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Africa and the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The summit is reached by a narrow ridge, which provides stunning views of the volcanic cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
Activities in Arusha National Park.
Amboseli national park boasts of all kinds of attractions and there’s just so much to keep you occupied, this wondrous park has something to offer, irrespective of when you’re visiting. From abundant bird species and beautiful rolling plains to stunning lakes and Rivers, these are the top things to do in Amboseli National Park.
Bird watching
It’s also a prime destination for birders, with brilliant flocks of pink flamingos blanketing the Momella Lakes and over 400 different species of birds can be spotted here
Wildlife viewing
Game drives will enable you view a wide variety of animals such as giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, lion and many other African animals.
Climbing Mount Meru
Visitors with a few days to spare can also climb picturesque Mount Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest peak after Kilimanjaro that overlooks the park
Canoeing
Enjoy a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lake and can take 2- 2.5 hours which will reward you with view buffaloes, bush buck, giraffes, hippos and many water birds living in and close to the water.
Walking Safari
Arusha National Park is special because it is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you have the opportunity to do a safari by foot with an armed ranger where you experience the wildlife up-close, it is a two hour walk where you cross the Jekukumia River and visit a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing ‘shower’.