Arusha National Park

Visited: Sep. 2022 Reviewed: Nov. 28, 2023 Submitted in:

Nestled in the western embrace of Gombe Stream National Park stands as a testament to the incredible diversity and beauty of Tanzania's natural landscapes. As the smallest national park in the country, Gombe Stream offers a unique and intimate encounter with nature that is nothing short of enchanting. My recent visit as Dakado Safari Operator to Gombe Stream National Park was a revelation. The park's compact size belies its richness, showcasing lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and a tapestry of wildlife that left me awe-inspired. The chance to witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat was a privilege beyond words, and the expert guidance provided added immeasurable value to the experience. The serenity of Gombe Stream creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with nature on a profound level. The picturesque surroundings and the gentle sounds of the forest make every step a journey of discovery. From the towering trees to the vibrant birdlife, Gombe Stream National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape. The conservation efforts evident in the park are commendable, contributing to the preservation of this ecological gem. The rangers and guides exhibit a passion for their work, sharing their knowledge and fostering a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of the ecosystem. it's a hidden gem waiting to be explored. My time here was a symphony of nature, a harmonious blend of wilderness and tranquility that left an indelible mark on my soul. If you seek a destination that offers a profound connection with nature, Gombe Stream is an absolute must-visit.

Visited: Jan. 2023 Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2023 Submitted in:

Not endless plains but endless green forest, a splendor place to visit and less visited beautiful greenish nature. It was amazing to visit here I could see the full view of Mt.Meru the second-highest Mountain in Tanzania and the fourth-highest Mountain in Africa. Animals wandered everywhere, giraffes, zebras, elephants, dik-dik, buffaloes, warthogs, aardvarks, flamingoes, waterbirds, Waterbucks, and many other wild animals. This park is less touristy, this gives the family a good chance to reconnect, enjoy and learn as much as possible! The walking safari was just amazing accompanied by an armed park ranger we walked near the giant African buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and big baboons. One of the best epic moments was a bush lunch, we nicknamed it a forest lunch, which we did very close to a small stunning waterfall surrounded by white colobus monkeys, we sniffed the fresh air which was the healing process for us. We realized that being in a such cool nature was enough to cure our souls as a family. If you want to experience the beauty of life and enjoy the majestic on Earth then Arusha National Park could be on of the best place to consider.

Visited: Aug. 2022 Reviewed: Sep. 04, 2022 Submitted in:

Arusha National Park covers Mt. Meru a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566M, second highest peak in Tanzania after Mt. Kilimanjaro. It’s a small national park with an area of( 552 square km). It has varied spectacular landscape including Ngurdoto Crater, grassland, open savannah forest and alkaline Momela Lake. The park has rich wildlife including giraffes, cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey, bushbuck and birdlife in the forest is plentiful but also the migratory flamingos are found at Lake Momela . Arusha National park is a popular day trips destination as it’s strategically located close to Arusha City only 21 km and Moshi town 58 km away. You can have a walking safari with an armed ranger but also enjoy canoe at Lake Momela, horse riding, mountain biking, climb Mt. Meru 3/4 days trek or just enjoy a traditional Safari on a jeep . Famous Hatari movie by John Wayne (1962) was made at Momella Farm present day part of Arusha national park

Visited: Sep. 2021 Reviewed: Feb. 17, 2022 Submitted in:

Arusha is well know by whoever is planning a safari in Tanzania and hides a real wonder, the Arusha National park. Often snubbed by the programming of the northern circuit, it contains several wonders and it’s the perfect choice for a day game drive, maybe combined with a walking excursion. Part of the park is covered by the rainforest inside which stands the beautiful Mount Meru, a still active volcano, which is also the second highest mountain in all of Tanzania with its 4.566 meters. Here a lot of primates live, the black-and-white colobus included, which flies on the tree branches fluttering its wonderful fur. Another feature of this park is the Ngurdoto Crater, a small caldera of about three km, full of fauna, called the ‘small Ngorongoro’. For bird lovers there are many ornithological species and the seven small Momella Lakes which, with their extremely alkaline waters, attract numerous flamingos. They are spectacular seen from afar: immense pink spots. As for the remaining fauna, there are elephants, herbivores and giraffes with the largest population in the world. Of course it is possible to trek the Meru: some consider it a training before tackling the great giant, the Kilimanjaro. Among the plants present in the park I point out the singular strangling figs, a strange species of parasite that envelops the host plant until it kills it. Much photographed is the specimen under which a door for cars has been opened. The best moment to visit this park is during the dry season, July to November.

Visited: Feb. 2018 Reviewed: Oct. 28, 2021 Submitted in:

Mt Meru is the lesser known great climbing adventure, often greatly over shadowed by its close by neighbor, Mt Kilimanjaro. However, this extraordinary adventure should not be missed, time permitting. Whether summiting or stopping short before the peak, the views are simply breathtaking. Especially, seeing Mt Kili at dusk, a sight which is ethereal. However, it is important to have a very experienced and trusted guide. While ascending, there are wild buffalo which are very dangerous as well as the climb to the summit, usually starting around midnight, is not for the inexperienced or faint of heart.

Arusha National Park is lovely little park has stunning scenery that is very different and considerably more lush than that of its northern neighbor. The wildlife watching is satisfying, with sightings of elephants, zebras, giraffes and dik-diks common. For me, a favorite attraction is the black-and-white colobus monkey, which is frequently spotted here. Another highlight: the small Momella Lakes, which attract flamingo's and other water birds. If you're arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport and have a few extra days at your disposal, I recommend Arusha park as a convenient and enjoyable stop for a night or two before heading further afield for your main safari. There is a good range of accommodation in and around Usa River, the park access village.

What can I say - Colobus monkeys are the most amazing monkeys. They put on a wonderful display swinging through the trees. There were thousands of bright-pink lesser flamingos lining the edges of the lakes and the islands in the lake. So spectacular. Lots of different birds, giraffes (saw two young males play fighting), hippos swimming out to warn a group of canoeists to get moving, blue monkeys, an albino olive baboon. A beautiful peaceful park.

Not many people know of this beautiful little haven, so if you want that private safari moment, this is the real deal. It was fun taking a walk with the giraffes, baboons, buffaloes staring at us all the way to the little waterfall that we didn't hesitate to take a quick face wash before we headed for the game drive. The Momella Lake was all pink, filled with flamingos every where. First time I ever saw one of my favorite birds, the African Hoopoe.

Nice play to stay and you find there also lots of animals, but also the small and big lake Momella. It's possible to do a canoe trip with a guide. Very nice to do and with a bit of luck (like I had) you can see hippos . The sides of the lake has many flamingos and also in the middle of the lake you see them, and that because there is a ridge in the water. With a bit of luck you also can see Mt. Kilimanjaro. I stayed in Momella Lodge, nice place to be. The rooms are dated, but clean. Also on this place we were the only guest, means also we drink coffee with one of the staff and there is also a hippo pool and with the girl who worked there that day I got to see a hippo in the pool, not 100 m away.

Only stopped here for an afternoon, mainly to kill some time. It's actually a gorgeously green park with lots of monkeys about. Not a great place if you're after big game, but if you want nice scenery and little crowds, it's good. And, humid.