Overview–tanzania

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is dominated by Mt Meru (4,562m/14,967ft), Tanzania’s second-highest peak after Mt Kilimanjaro. The popular climb takes four days. A day hike to Meru Crater is less challenging, but very rewarding too. Wildlife viewing is rather low-key, but the varied landscapes, flocks of flamingos, and superb forest birding make the park a great addition to a Northern circuit safari.

Scenery

The most prominent landmark in Arusha is Mt Meru. Ngurdoto Crater is another highlight not to be missed. With its forested walls, the 400m/1,300ft-deep extinct volcano is often described as a mini Ngorongoro. And no visit to the park is complete without a drive around the Momella Lakes. Flocks of flamingos usually make for some great photo opportunities, and on a clear day, a backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro completes the scene.

Activities

There are lots of exciting activities on offer aside from game drives and walking safaris. Climbing Mt Meru is an excellent way to acclimatize to Mt Kilimanjaro. You might even enjoy it more. Tanzania’s second-highest mountain is blissfully uncrowded and you’re likely to see some wildlife along the way. Other activities include canoeing on the Momella Lakes, guided mountain biking, and a scenic half-day hike into Meru Crater.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Mar

April

May

Jan

Feb

Nov

Dec

Rates

From: $152 to $651 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to October (Animals are easier to spot)

High Season

From: July to March (The park can get busy)

Size

From: 552km² / 213mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Arusha National Park is the ‘odd one out’ in Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit – of the Big Five, only buffalo is regularly seen. There are plenty of photographic opportunities though. You’ll see large groups of giraffes walking in front of Mt Meru, troops of monkeys swinging between trees, and hippos bobbing up and down in the Momella Lakes.

Wildlife Highlights

Arusha National Park is home to many forest-dwelling animals not often encountered in northern Tanzania, including blue monkeys and Kilimanjaro colobus. You’ll see many bushbuck. Also, keep an eye out for Harvey’s red duiker and suni – these unusual antelope thrive in the park’s primary forest. The only large predators are leopard and spotted hyena, but you might see a serval or even an African wild cat.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Arusha National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the Dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing. Wildlife is easier to spot because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around predictable water sources. April tends to be very wet. At this time some of the roads might become difficult to navigate, which can interfere with your wildlife-viewing experience.

General Wheather

Arusha National Park’s climate is normally pleasant and mild. It rarely gets hot during the day and it is usually cool to cold at night and in the early morning. It is important to pack warm clothing for use in the evenings and on game drives.

The Dry season is from June to October. The Wet season consists of two rainy periods (the short rains from November to December and the long rains from March to May), with a dry spell in between. Afternoon thundershowers are common in the Wet season, but it would be rare for it to rain all day. Arusha National Park incorporates Mt Meru, which creates a microclimate with more rain and clouds than is typical for the area.

Dry Season –June to October

Temperatures in the afternoon are generally around 19°C/66°F. Sunny weather and clear skies are common during the day.

June, July, August & September – Expect cold nights with temperatures around 9°C/48°F at a minimum. There can be occasional cold fronts with temperatures near freezing. Warm clothes are strongly recommended for early morning game drives.
October – The short rains could start in October if they arrive early.

Wet Season –November to May

The Wet season's temperatures are mild, similar to the Dry season. Temperatures in the afternoon are usually around 22°C/72°F, while temperatures at night are around 12°C/54°F.

November & December – 'Short rains' – A month of unpredictable rains usually occurs between November and December. The rains rarely affect your safari since it is unusual for it to rain all day long. Showers during the afternoon are likely.
January & February – Usually, there is a dry period between the rains, but it is not possible to predict this with accuracy.
March, April & May – 'Long rains' – These months are the wettest. It rains most days, but rarely all day long. Clouds are common.

Prons

Very scenic with different habitats, including forest
Views of Mt Kilimanjaro
Excellent birding with about 400 species
Close to Arusha and accessible for a day trip
Canoeing, mountain biking, walking, and mountain climbs offered

Cons

Some major safari animals aren't present or easily seen
Small game-drive circuit

How To Get There

Arusha National Park is only a 45-minute* drive from the town of Arusha, the starting point of any safari in northern Tanzania.

There are several ways to get to Arusha. The easiest is to get a direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated about 50km/31 mi from Arusha. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about 1½ hours*. Alternatively, you can fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and get a connecting domestic flight to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport and take care of further transportation.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Charter flights are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package. Domestic flights to Arusha or Kilimanjaro can be booked with various local carriers: