A day trip from Arusha city to the Arusha National Park is a wonderful start to your safari in the north of Tanzania. The green park is not very big but has numerous remarkable sights and fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru. The main attractions of this park are the ancient fig trees, crystal clear water in flowing mountain streams, and a chance to spot colobus monkeys. Some of the numerous sights are the Ngurdoto crater, rain forests, acacia forests, crater lakes, and of course mount Meru.
Here are things to do in Arusha National Park
Safari
A safari in Arusha National Park is a great start for a safari tour in northern Tanzania. This Park is easily accessible for a day trip from Arusha city. You visit what we call the ‘mini-Serengeti’; an area where you often see large groups of giraffes and buffalo. Besides, you visit the shady mountain forest, which is inhabited by curious blue monkeys, colorful turacos, trogon birds, and the acrobatic black and white colobus monkey. These animals are easily spotted here. The spectacular Ngurdoto Crater is located right in the middle of the forest. Its steep rocky cliffs surround a wide swampy bottom with herds of buffalo and warthogs. About 200 elephants live in Arusha National Park, often found in the forests on the slopes of Mount Meru. In addition, 400 species of birds call this park home.
Walking safari
Enjoy a walking safari in Arusha National Park. You start at Momella Gate (the entrance to the park) and walk through this stunning area with an armed park ranger. Enjoy the impressive flora in the rainforest, the birds and animals, and the volcanic landscape of Mount Meru and the Ngurdoto Crater. During your walk, you have a nice view of the Meru and Kilimanjaro mountains on a clear day.
Canoe safari
A canoe safari on Lake Momella in Arusha National Park offers the unique opportunity to get close to the animals. The canoe safari takes approximately three hours. Float quietly with the guide, and behold buffalo, giraffes, waterbucks, and many different species of birds on the shore. In addition, you have spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro and Meru mountains.
Climbing Mount Meru
Arusha National Park is the starting point for a four-day climb of Mount Meru. A beautiful hike through the rainforest to the top of the 4,566-meter-high mountain. Mount Meru is a beautiful mountain to climb. The flora and fauna on Mount Meru are highly diverse. The route to Miriakamba Hut is more than just a mountain climb, it’s a true walking safari. There’s a good chance that you’ll see buffalo, wild boar, monkeys (including the rare, beautiful Colobus monkey), giraffes and elephants, and many bird species. During the climb to the top of Mount Meru, you can enjoy beautiful views of the plains around, and the Kilimanjaro in the distance. Book your Mount Meru Climb
On the mountain, you stay in well-kept mountain huts with dazzling views: you see Kilimanjaro rise above the clouds.
Bicycle safari
In the morning, you’re picked up at the hotel and brought to the entrance of the Arusha National Park. First, you make a short safari through the park, En route to the starting point of this mountain bike safari: the Ngurdoto crater. The tour goes mainly around the edge of the crater where you have a beautiful view. During the trip, a park ranger joins you, as there is a chance that you’ll encounter buffalo, colobus monkeys, giraffes, and various bird species.
The ride is partly on a dirt road and partly on steep and narrow paths that can be muddy.
Equipment: Merida En Titan Mountain bikes En helmets
Level: High
Time: morning till late afternoon
Horseback safari
With Kilimanjaro on one side and Mount Meru on the other, this horseback safari takes place in one of the most beautiful areas in east Africa. Chances are you to see many animals while riding. You ride through beautiful scenery, along elephant paths, far away from the main roads and other tourists. An area where, other animals like elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, and gazelles live. Exploring the African bush by horse is an extraordinary experience! The safari is suitable for experienced riders. You spend two nights on a private pitch in comfortable tents (3-day safari). Or you spend the first and last night at Makoa Farm and 3 nights in a private campsite in comfortable tents (5-day safari). Read more on a Complete Guide to Arusha National Park
Learn more on Places to Visit in Arush
Read more on things to do in Moshi Town
