Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a protected area in northern Tanzania, located within Meru District and Arusha Rural District in the Arusha Region. This National Park includes Mount Meru, a striking volcanic mountain rising to 4,566 meters, making it the second-highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro. Although relatively small compared to many other Tanzanian parks like Serengeti National Park, Arusha National Park is known for its exceptional variety of landscapes that spread across three main ecological zones. To the west lies the Meru Crater, through which the Jekukumia River flows, with Mount Meru dominating the crater rim. In the southeast, the Ngurdoto Crater is characterized by wide grasslands, while in the northeast are the shallow alkaline Momella Lakes famous for their colorful algae and large populations of wading birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro, located about 60 kilometers away, provides a dramatic backdrop to the east of the park. Arusha National Park sits along a 300-kilometer corridor linking some of Africa’s most renowned protected areas, stretching from Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east. The National Park is situated just a few kilometers northeast of Arusha city, although the main entrance is about 25 kilometers east of the city. It is also approximately 58 kilometers from Moshi and 35 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The history of Arusha National Park is closely connected to the Rwa people, who were the earliest inhabitants of the area long before colonial influence. In 1876, Hungarian explorer Count Teleki visited the Momella area and noted the large numbers of hippopotamuses and black rhinoceroses present at the time. During the British colonial period, the Trappe family from England settled in the Momella area in 1907, using much of the land for farming and cattle ranching. Mrs. Trappe, recognized as East Africa’s first female professional hunter, later donated a large portion of the Momella estate to create a game reserve, which became part of the park when it was established in 1960.
The National Park was originally gazetted as Ngurdoto Crater National Park to protect the Ngurdoto Crater and surrounding areas, excluding Mount Meru. In 1967, after Mount Meru was incorporated, it was renamed Arusha National Park, a name derived from the Waarusha people of the region.
Wildlife and other attractions in Arusha National Park
Although it is not comparable to the iconic Serengeti National Park when it comes to wildlife viewing, Arusha National Park is still a remarkable wildlife viewing destination in Tanzania. Although it is quite different from the classic game-viewing safaris found in other national parks along Tanzania’s northern circuit. Rather than large concentrations of plains animals, the park is best known for its diverse habitats and the wide range of species that live within a relatively small area. This variety makes the park especially appealing to visitors interested in scenery, walking safaris, and birdwatching or even those that are less interested in crowded destinations.
Arusha National Park is home different wildlife species. Giraffes are commonly seen moving gracefully through open woodland, while Cape buffalo often gather in herds within forested areas and grasslands. Plains zebra and warthogs are also frequently observed, particularly in open spaces near the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater. Elephants inhabit parts of the park, especially around Mount Meru’s lower slopes, though they are less predictable than in larger parks. Bushbuck are widespread, often found along forest edges and near water sources.
Primates are one of the park’s major attractions. The black-and-white colobus monkey is especially prominent and easily spotted in the forest canopy, using its long tail for balance as it moves between trees. Blue monkeys are also common and add to the lively atmosphere of the montane forests. Leopards do live in the park, but sightings are rare due to their secretive behavior and dense vegetation.
Birdlife in Arusha National Park is particularly impressive and is considered one of its strongest attractions. The forest environment supports a wide range of bird species that are harder to spot elsewhere on the main tourist route. Birdwatchers may be rewarded with sightings of the Narina trogon and the bar-tailed trogon, both prized forest birds. Flamingos can often be seen feeding along the shores of the Momella Lakes, adding color to the landscape. In addition, various starling species, while less brightly colored, contribute to the park’s high avian diversity.
Beyond wildlife, Arusha National Park is celebrated for its dramatic scenery, including Mount Meru, volcanic craters, lush forests, and alkaline lakes. These natural features, combined with varied wildlife and excellent birding opportunities, make the park a unique and rewarding destination.