How To Get To Arusha National Park?

How To Get To Arusha National Park? Arusha National Park is a 45-minute drive from the town of Arusha, which is where many people begin their safaris in northern Tanzania. The simplest way to get to the park is to fly straight into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located approximately 50 kilometers away. It is a one-and-a-half hour drive from there to Arusha.

You can also arrive in Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and then catch a domestic flight to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport.

By road travel is also a good option. There are regular buses from all parts of Tanzania to Arusha. If you’re arriving from Zanzibar, take a ferry or a domestic flight to Dar es Salaam, then catch a bus from the Ubungo bus station to Arusha. The road trip is picturesque and exhilarating as you prepare yourselves for the safari adventure

About Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a Tanzanian national park situated within Meru District and Arusha Rural District of the Arusha Region. It encompasses Mount Meru, an active volcano standing 4,566 m tall. While it may be considered on the smaller side when compared to other Tanzanian parks, a diverse array of landscapes can be found over three distinct types of terrain. To the west lies the Meru Crater, bisected by the Jekukumia River, and looming over the crater’s rim is Mount Meru itself. To the southeast, the Ngurdoto Crater provides sweeping savannah The shallow Momella Lakes in the north east are known for their bright colours caused by algae and for the many wading birds they attract.

 Mount Meru is the tallest mountain in Arusha but the second highest in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, which is about 60 km away and is visible from the park. The park stretches along a 300-kilometer strip that links some of Africa’s most iconic parks from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east. It’s really close to Arusha city, just a couple kilometres to the north-east, the main park gate is some 25km east of Arusha. The park is also 58 km from Moshi and  approximately 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Tanzania Safari in Arusha National Park

What’s the best time to go to Arusha National Park for a wildlife safari?

The ideal time to visit Arusha National Park would be when it’s dry, which occurs between June and October. It’s easy to find animals because they congregate around water bodies; hence, it’s easy to see them. It’s not rainy either; therefore, going for games drives becomes enjoyable because of the climatic conditions at this time. The rainy season that occurs between November and December is ideal for bird-watching and seeing baby animals; however, parts of the park can get muddy at this time.

What kinds of animals can I find at Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park has diverse wildlife. Some of the animals found at Arusha National Park include elephants, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, and zebras. Primates at Arusha National Park range from blue monkeys to colobus monkeys.

Other predators found at Arusha National Park include lions, leopards, and hyenas; however, these animals cannot easily be viewed because of the park’s limited size. More than 400 bird species exist at Arusha National Park; hence it’s a haven for bird watchers. Some of the bird species you may spot here while on your birding tour includes lesser and great flamingos, ring-necked dove, black-bellied bustard, European nightjar, black-head heron, helmeted guineafowl, little bittern, red-chested flufftail, common swift, intermediate egret, African green pigeon and many more

What can I do while at Arusha National Park?

Tourist activities range from game drive safaris, walking safaris, bird-watching tours, and canoeing on Momella Lakes. Scenic walks can also be done in this park; more so when climbing the slopes of Mt. Meru, which offers breathtaking scenery of the landscape around the park. Photography could well be an important tourist activity due to the landscape of diverse scenery and wildlife found in this park. Cultural visits to Maasai villages can also occur.

Are safaris at Arusha National Park suited for families?

For sure, Tanzania safaris in Arusha can be done with families with children old enough to participate in adventure safaris. The park is relatively smaller compared to other Tanzanian national parks; hence you can get relatively more private time with the wildlife when on your safari adventure tours. There is safety measures involved when going on guided safaris. There are also accommodations for families at different campsites.

What should I not miss when packing for an Arusha National Park safari?

These would include light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, shades, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, and binoculars for spotting wildlife. It would also not be a bad idea to carry a camera and additional batteries and memory cards with you. For walking safaris, it would be advisable to don your walking boots. It would not be a bad idea to carry your raincoat if you’re traveling during rainy season moments.

Is it safe to visit Arusha National Park?

Yes, Arusha National Park is relatively safe for visitors. Arusha National Park is properly managed and closely supervised by the Tanzanian government. The wildlife safaris conducted inside the park for visitors are done under the supervision of qualified rangers to ensure safety while engaging with wildlife and performing other outdoor activities.

Is there accommodation available either inside or close to Arusha National Park?

Of course, there are various places that visitors can stay close to the national park. These range from luxury lodges to tented camps and hotels for those on lower budgets. Some of these popular lodges include Arusha Coffee Lodge, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, The African Tulip Hotel , Lake Duluti Serena Hotel , Hatari Lodge, Mvuli Hotel Arusha, L’Oasis Lodge and Restaurant Arusha, Ilboru Safari Lodge, Moyoni Lodge, Zawadi House, Palace Hotel Arusha, Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge -Arusha, Charming Eco-Homestay, Meru View Lodge, Mzunguu Safari Lodge , Moivaro Coffee Plantation , Lush Garden Hotel , Shu’mate Camp, Maasi Giraffe Eco Lodge, Kiota Nest, Itikoni Seasonal Cam, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Rivertrees Country Inn, African View Lodge -Arusha, Twiga Lodge and others.

Is it possible to combine going on a safari in Arusha with visiting other parks found in Tanzania?

It can because many tourists begin their safaris from Arusha to other well-known parks like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, or Lake Manyara National Park. It will offer a diverse experience of seeing different areas like the Great Migration and different ecosystems. For example, organized tours to safaris cover visits to several national parks. There are plane transfers among national parks to save time.

What should I know about local culture while traveling to Arusha?

Arusha has so much cultural richness with many Maasai inhabitants. It’s important that visitors adapt to their ways and traditions too. Maasai villages offer an important experience when it comes to acclimatization to the local culture and traditions. It’s advisable to dress modestly while navigating these places or when taking photos of local inhabitants; permission should always be granted before taking photographs.