Serengeti National Park

Arusha National Park, located in close proximity to Arusha town, northern Tanzania’s safari hub, is a multifaceted gem often underestimated by safari enthusiasts. Despite its compact size, it offers an enticing array of ecosystems to explore within just a few hours.

Wildlife Encounters in Arusha National Park

Your journey commences at the park’s entrance gate, leading you into a mysterious montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and vibrant turacos and trogons. This is the sole location within the northern safari circuit where you can readily observe the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey. Nestled within this forest is the breathtaking Ngurdoto Crater, characterised by steep, rocky cliffs embracing a vast marshy floor graced with herds of buffalo and warthog.

Venturing northward, rolling grassy hills encircle the serene beauty of the Momela Lakes. Each lake boasts a unique shade of green or blue, with their shallows occasionally tinged pink by flocks of flamingos. These lakes harbour a diverse array of resident and migratory waterfowl, while shaggy waterbucks display their magnificent lyre-shaped horns along the water’s edge. Graceful giraffes glide across the grassy hills, weaving among grazing zebra herds. Pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby thickets, reminiscent of overgrown hares on spindly legs.

While Arusha National Park may have fewer elephants and no lions, you might catch sight of elusive leopards and spotted hyenas during the early mornings and late afternoons. It’s precisely at dawn and dusk when the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to lift, unveiling the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, merely 50km (30 miles) away.

Activities to Elevate Your Safari Experience

Arusha National Park is dominated by the iconic Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest peak at 4,566 metres (14,990 feet). Protected within the national park, Mount Meru provides unparalleled views of its famous neighbor, Kilimanjaro. It also serves as a rewarding hiking destination in its own right.

When to Visit Serengeti National Park?

Choosing the Right Time to Visit Tarangire National Park an important factor to make your dream a reality. While Tarangire is a year-round destination, the dry season (June – September) offers the best opportunities to witness an abundance of animals.