1 Day Trip to Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park (ANAPA) is a gem of varied ecosystems and spectacular views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name
Arusha National Park is very small, only 137 sq km, but the scenery is stunning, with the lofty peaks of Mount Meru, afromontane forests, craters and the Momela lakes. Only an hour's drive from Arusha, the park is usually forgotten in the rush to reach the Serengeti, but it is certainly worth a visit, especially for bird-lovers - over 570 bird species have been recorded.
Visitors to Arusha National Park can also climb Mount Meru. At 15000 feet, it's the fifth highest mountain in Africa and the ascent to the summit is a tough four day hike. On the way you'll pass herds of buffalo and giraffe and look for colobus monkeys in the trees. At the summit, you can watch the sun rise behind Kilimanjaro.
While Arusha National Park has no large predators, it is home to Africa's largest giraffe population, a variety of primate species, and a number of large herbivores.
It's the perfect day out for a family or those wanting something different to the standard game drive experience.
ITINERARY
DAY TRIP
fter breakfast, you'll depart from your Arusha or Moshi accommodations and drive to the park.
Your visit to Arusha National Park is a flexible one, as you'll have three choices as to how you'd like to experience the park.
Game Drive:
You can embark on a half-day or full-day game drive through the park. Your drive will pass you past park landmarks such as the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater - sometimes known as 'Little Ngorongoro'.
Canoe Safari:
Available at extra cost, you'll trade the car for a canoe as you take a guided canoe safari out on the Momella Lakes to see bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and buffalo.
Walking Safari:
Stretch your legs with a gudied walking safari through the park. While on your walking safari, you can expect to see endless acres of forest, home to
black and white colobus monkeys, zebras, buffalos, and a varietyof antelopes. You will also have a chance to observe more than
570 bird species including the Crowned Eagle, Lanner Falcon, and Levaillants Cuckoo.
You can combine the above three options as you please, although the canoe safari and walking safari both attract an additional cost.
You'll return to Arusha in the late afternoon with a head full of memories and a camera full of unforgettable photos.