Tourism activities to do in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is situated in the Northern part of Tanzania, sitting at an elevation of about 4,566 meters above the sea level in the Arusha region. The park was established in 1960 mainly to protect and preserve its wildlife. It covers 137 square kilometers and the Tanzania National Park Authority is managing it, which is a government organization that has a responsibility of protecting all the national parks.
However, this article presents to you some of the tourist activities to do while in a Tanzania safari in arusha national park and they include;
Game viewing
Game viewing at Arusha National Park is one of the top activity visitors enjoy. It provides an exciting chance to see Africa’s wildlife in their natural environment. Most game viewing is done in sturdy 4×4 vehicles, especially around the Ngurdoto Crater and nearby forests. These areas are home to many animals, including giraffe, Cape buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, leopard, elephant, zebra, dik-dik, hippopotamus, klipspringer, baboon, blue monkey, eland, spotted hyena and black and white colobus all can be spotted while on your game drive safari. The best times for game drives are early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active and easier to spot.
Canoeing safaris
Canoeing safaris in Arusha National Park is conducted on “Small Momella” (one of the seven Momella lakes). This is a truly unique experience that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Arusha National Park. These beautiful lakes, with Mount Meru towering in the background, are full of birdlife, making them a favorite spot for birdwatching. Canoeing Safari has enabled visitors to experience aspects of nature that are inaccessible during Game drive and Walking Safaris. While canoeing, you’ll have an opportunity to spot different wildlife species such as hippopotamus, waterbuck, occasional elephant emerging from vegetation around the lake and also a chance to explore water bird-life. This amazing activity in Arusha National Park often lasts from 2-3 hours, and are a great alternative to the traditional safari activities
Birdwatching
Arusha national park is renowned as a bird watchers paradise, boasting over 400 species of birds. During your birdwatching excursion, you have excursion the chance to spot some of these colorful bird species such as pink hued flamingos, African fish eagle, African olive pigeon, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Egyptian goose, Augur buzzard, Bar-tailed trogon, Bearded vulture, Black saw-wing, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Great crested grebe, Hamerkops, white browed coucals, bronzy sunbirds, pied Avocet, red billed oxpeckers, great headed bush shrikes, pelicans, golden eagles, yellow billed storks, Hartlaub’s turaco, Little grebe, Narina trogon, Peregrine falcon, Red-fronted parrot, Scaly francolin, Southern Pochard, Tawny eagle, Verreaux’s eagle among others
Hiking Mount Meru
Mount Meru is an inactive volcano situated 70 kilometres west of Kilimanjaro in southeast Arusha Region, Tanzania. It stands at a height of approximately ,562.13 metres (14,968 feet). On clear day, you can see Mount Meru from Kilimanjaro. It’s considered the fifth-highest of the highest mountain peaks of Africa, dependent on how you count. The mountain is a popular spot for tourists, especially those who enjoy hiking. Hiking Mount Meru normally last for four days and the whole mountain can last for about three days. It’s known for its impressive cliffs, diverse wildlife and beautiful green surroundings. The slopes of Mount Meru are home to variety of animals, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, antelopes, white colobus monkeys, and leopards. The area also hosts over 400 different bird species, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Nature walks
Nature walks in the park is one of the best ways to explore and experience the hidden gems of the true African protected area. When you go on a nature walk in the park, you walk along different trails while guided through the lush forests and open savannahs of Arusha National Park. During this safari, you will also have the chance to spot a variety of the forest animals such as black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes, and they can be seen during the nature walk safaris. Walking Safari offers unusual recreational opportunities, environmental education and sense of touch with nature and natural treasures. Currently there are six nature trails used for walking safari each with its different attractions, scenery and experiences.
Cycling Tour
Cycling in the Park is a fun and thrilling way to experience, often overlooked by safari goers. This opportunity offers to explore attractive diversity of habitats within a few hours while exploring beautiful areas giving you the ultimate wilderness experience.
Horse riding safaris
Horse riding safaris let visitors truly feel like they are in the wild and get closer to nature. This type of riding offers a special experience that’s different from other kinds of tourism activities.
Cultural encounters
Cultural encounters in the park involves visiting and engaging with local communities near arusha national park, providing a deep and meaningful experience during your visit. The park is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Maasai and Chaga people, each with their own unique traditions, crafts, and way of life. During your cultural encounter safari, you will have the chance to learn more about the history and custom of these communities. You might also participate in activities like traditional dance performances, art workshops, cooking classes, or beadmaking, giving you a chance to connect more closely with their vibrant culture.
Best time to visit Arusha National Park
The ideal time to visit Arusha National Park really depends on what you want to do and see. the dry season, from June to October, is generally the best time to visit for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. During these months, the weather tend to be cooler and drier, which makes it easier to see animals since they gather around water sources. the vegetation is not as thick, giving you better views during game drives and hikes. Additionally, this is a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds are present.
Accommodation in Arusha National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania and visiting Arusha National Park, there’s no need to worry about where to stay. the park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit traveler’s budget. Some of the accommodation facilities here includes Ilboru Safari Lodge, Moyoni Lodge, Zawadi House, Palace Hotel Arusha, Lush Garden Hotel , Shu’mate Camp, Maasi Giraffe Eco Lodge, Kiota Nest, Itikoni Seasonal Cam, Momella Wildlife Lodge, L’Oasis Lodge And Restaurant Arusha, Rivertrees Country Inn, African View Lodge -Arusha, Twiga Lodge, Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge -Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, The African Tulip Hotel , Lake Duluti Serena Hotel , Hatari Lodge and Mvuli Hotel Arusha among others.
How to get to Arusha National Park
Getting to 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 a few ways to reach there. The simplest way is to take a direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is roughly 50 kilometers from Arusha. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about 1:30 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).
You can also travel by road, which is a good choice. Regular buses run regularly from all over Tanzania to Arusha. From Zanzibar’s Abeid Ahmed Karume international airport, take a ferry or domestic aircraft to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. After landing in Dar es Salaam. From there, many buses leave from the Ubungo bus terminal heading toward Arusha and other cities like Mwanza and Tanga, making the journey exciting and scenic as you prepare for your safari adventure.