GUIDE ON ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK IN TANZANIA

Situated in northern Tanzania in between Arusha and Moshi township is the little-known treasure of Arusha National Park. Covering approximately 552 sq. km (212 sq. miles), the park features a variety of ecosystems, such as grasslands, swamps, crater lakes, highland forest and much more, and the three largest landmarks in the park are Momela Lakes, Mount Meru and Ngurdoto Crater.

As you travel through the Arusha wilderness during your exploratory tour, you may find yourself winding along a road that is shaded by a canopy of trees overhead. The dense forest begins to open up and before you lies a large grassland that is dotted with small lakes and surrounded by mountains. In the distance, you may see the majestic Kilimanjaro but an up, close and personal view of the rugged Meru mountain.



The other prominent features of the park are Ngongongare Springs, Lokie Swamp, Senato Pools, Lake Jembamba and Lake Longil. Some of the small pools are dry until the rains, at which time you may see waterfowl, as well as other animals coming to drink. Grazing herbivores are frequently seen at Lake Longil and the rich grasses make it a lovely place for a picnic.

As you relax, you may even spot a fish eagle diving for Tilapia fish. The high forests of the mountains are home to black and white colobus, and on the open plains, you may see zebra, giraffe, warthog, bushbuck and other herbivores. These prey animals attract limited predators, and your guide may be able to help you spot these stealthy carnivores though the park is not predator concentrated.

With over 400 species of winged fauna, Arusha National Park is a bird lovers destination. High above you may see Augur Buzzard, African Crowned, Tawny and Snake Eagles, and both the forest trees and lakes are favored residences for pelicans, bee-eaters, flamingos hornbills, herons, ducks, waders and many others.



Discover this and much more during your wildlife safari of this expanse of Africa with a game drive or canoe excursion. Game drives cover the greatest distances and allow you to observe the largest variety of wildlife and animal behavior. These unbelievable daily excursions show you the diversity of Arusha National Park, all while you travel in the comfort of a safari vehicle.

Your AfricanMecca guide is an expert in all things and is delighted to share knowledge about the plants, animals, tracking techniques, conservation efforts and cultures around the park. Canoeing safaris are more leisurely experiences – a nature wander on water, taking you along the Momella Lakes to observe aquatic wildlife and other terrestrial fauna that graze along the shores.

You have the opportunity to listen carefully to the sounds around you and you may even have some up-close and personal moments with the wildlife, all while your guide helps you maintain a safe distance. You can also add a few days to your stay in the park by climbing to the summit of Mount Meru or a simply just bush walk around the foothills.