Tanzania’s Biosphere Reserve

Arusha National Park

The Emerald Gateway of the North

Diversity

Forest, Crater, Lakes, Volcano

Feature

Mount Meru (4,566 m)

Activity

Permitted Walking Safaris

Location

25 km from Arusha City

The Landscape Mosaic

Ngurdoto Crater

A 3 km wide volcanic bowl, often called “Little Ngorongoro.” Marshy floor is home to buffalo and warthog.

Momella Lakes

Seven alkaline lakes whose colors shift from turquoise to pink with changing algal blooms; perfect for flamingos and canoeing.

Mount Meru

Tanzania’s second highest peak (4,566 m); its crater and ash cone dominate the western skyline.

Arusha NP is a miniature Tanzania, offering montane rainforest, crater wetlands, and alpine peaks—all accessible within a day’s drive.

Activities & Wildlife Overview

Core Activities

  • Walking Safaris: One of few parks allowing on-foot safaris (2–5 h) with armed rangers to Tululusia Waterfall.
  • Mount Meru Climb: 3–4 day trek (Momella Gate → Summit); ideal pre-Kilimanjaro acclimatization.
  • Canoeing: Tranquil paddling on Small Momella Lake among flamingos and grazing giraffe.
  • Game Drives: Short loops (3–4 h circuits) with focus on Ngurdoto Crater rim views.

Wildlife & Seasonal Highlights

  • Primates: Abundant Black-and-White Colobus and blue monkeys in the montane forest.
  • Ungulates: High density of Buffalo, Giraffe, and Bushbuck. Giraffes here have unique intermediate coat patterns.
  • Birds: > 400 species, including Hartlaub’s turaco and crowned eagle.
  • Dry Season (Jun–Oct): Clear views of Kilimanjaro and Meru; best for hiking.
  • Long Rains (Mar–May): Forest is vivid green and misty—ideal for moody photography.

Operational Notes & Significance

Logistics and Guiding Tips

  • Access: 45 min drive from Arusha city; closest park to Arusha Airport (ARK).
  • Permits: Requires TANAPA entry fee (US $59 pp). Meru climb requires separate fees, guide, and hut charges.
  • Safety: Walking safaris require an armed ranger. Brief guests on maintaining silence and spacing near buffalo and colobus.
  • Photography: Target the misty crater dawns and the beautiful reflections in the Momella Lakes.

Conservation & Best Pairings

  • Conservation: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1980); serves as a vital wildlife corridor between Meru and Kilimanjaro.
  • Fun Fact: The park was the setting for the 1962 John Wayne film Hatari! (Hatari Lodge preserves the set).
  • Pairing 1: Kilimanjaro Trek (use 3-day Meru climb as ideal acclimatization).
  • Pairing 2: Tarangire or Manyara for a classic Northern Circuit wildlife contrast.