Arusha National Park

Best Time To Visit

Even though Arusha National Park Safaris are great throughout the course of the year, the dry season (from late June to October) is the best for wildlife viewing.

The scenic beauty of the park is at its most impressive during the wet season (from November to May). Finally, the clear skies from December to February offer the best views of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

Here’s a quick overview of the two main seasons in Arusha National Park and what you can expect in terms of weather, wildlife and the overall experience:

Period	Weather	Wildlife Highlights	Visitor Experience
June - October	Dry Season: Mild Temperatures	Ideal for Wildlife Viewing: Animals congregate around water sources	High Season: Popular for safaris; Clear skies
November - May	Wet Season: Greenery	Great Birding: Migratory birds; Fewer crowds	Low Season: Lush landscapes; Fewer tourists

Best Weather- June to October (Little to no Rainfall)

Worst Weather- March and April (the peak of the wet season)

Getting To Arusha National Park

A Day Trip to Arusha National Park is easily accessible, with the town of Arusha being the major gateway. From the town, it takes about 45 minutes to get to the park.

The best way to get to the town is to land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is around 46 km from Arusha. An alternative method is to fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), near Dar Es Salaam.

From there, visitors can get a domestic connecting flight to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The following is the driving time and distances of other Tanzania National Parks and attractions to Arusha:

• From Ngorongoro to Arusha – 3.5 hours
• From Lake Manyara to Arusha – 3 hours
• Tarangire to Arusha – 2.5 hours
• From Moshi to Arusha National Park – Around 1 to 1.5 hours

Arusha National Park Fact File

Here are some important factual pointers about Arusha National Park that will help you out greatly when exploring this untamed part of Tanzania:

Park’s Timing – The gates of the park are open throughout the year, generally from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Permits – There are two types of permits for entry into the park. Day Trip Permit (valid for 12 hours) and sleepover permits (valid for 24 hours).

Park’s Purpose – Arusha National Park is most suitable for scenic experiences and specific activities instead of wildlife viewing, making it the perfect addition to Tanzania Safari Vacation Packages

Language – English and Swahili are the primary languages spoken by officials, guides, and rangers in the park.

ATMs – There are no ATMs within the national park itself, so make sure you have enough cash to cover your expenses. The closest ATM can be found in the city of Arusha.

Exploring the Park – Arusha National Park makes for a great day trip destination. Thus, it’s convenient to combine a safari here with other Tanzanian National Parks.

Vaccinations – Make sure to get recommended vaccinations for yellow fever, polio, tetanus, hepatitis, and typhoid. Plus, consider taking anti-malarial precautions and sickness medications.

Wildlife Of Arusha National Park

Despite its size, there’s still a lot of variety in the Arusha National Park Wildlife. Of these animals, monkeys and flamingos are the featured highlights. Black and white colobus monkeys perform their acrobatics high up in the canopies spread across the edge of Ngurdoto Crater.

Momella Lakes is special due to its diverse aquatic wildlife and habitats. A range of waterbirds, including the pink colonies of flamingos are a particular favourite for safari-goers. They can be easily spotted in the forest areas of the park.

Highlighted Wildlife Sightings – Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, over 400 bird species including flamingos, black-and-white colobus monkey, vervet monkey, blue Monkey, baboons, Hippo, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, and Warthog.

Things To Do In Arusha National Park

Visitors to Arusha National Park come for one thing – taking part in a host of exciting activities. Here are the best things to do on an Arusha National Park Tour:

a) Guided Game Drives - Thrilling game drives take visitors through diverse landscapes, from grassy savannas to lush forests. This is the best way to spot a variety of wildlife including giraffes, buffalo, and even the elusive leopard.

b) Walking Safaris – Experience the thrill of walking safaris, accompanied by experienced guides, allowing you to intimately connect with the park's beauty.

c) Climb Mount Meru – A challenging but rewarding trek up Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak, offers a mixture of breathtaking vistas, diverse ecosystems, and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

d) Canoeing on Momella Lake – Enjoy peaceful canoeing on the reflective waters of Momella Lakes, surrounded by lush landscapes and the plumage of flamingos.

Arusha Awaits Explorers! Discover enchanting forests, meet charismatic wildlife, and conquer heights. Your Tanzanian adventure begins now—book your Tanzania All-Inclusive Safari right away!

Arusha Awaits Explorers! Discover enchanting forests, meet charismatic wildlife, and conquer heights. Your Tanzanian adventure begins now—book your Tanzania All-Inclusive Safari right away!