Arusha National Park

Arusha N.P. is a convenient stop if you are staying in Arusha. Monkeys and antelope are common and flamingos frequent the lake.

It was amazing to see so many animals in such a natural habitat.

The wildlife was diverse and numerous; you saw something wonderful around every turn! I particularly enjoyed the variety of primates, especially the baboons (and the albino baboon!). The scenery was absolutely beautiful as well. The weather was perfect-it was comfortable all day (a sweatshirt sufficed in the morning and shorts and a t-shirt were great in the afternoon). The park was clean and peaceful. We booked though Carnival Safaris and the guides were very knowledgeable and fun; I'd definitely book with them again!

The closest national park to Arusha town – northern Tanzania’s safari capital – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safarigoers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours.

The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog.

Arusha is always our first stop and customers are thrilled to be able to see their first wildlife, just minutes from the gate. Also love seeing the Flamingos and multitudes of Giraffe's

This was our first park we visited. The animals were further away but it was that first amazing view of a giraffe in the wild.... The flow of its walk... This was one of the prettiest of all the parks we saw -- with the trees.

Awesome and a great way to start my safari

The first day of my safari and I see lions, elephants giraffes and zebras

Wonderful walking safari in Arusha NP

On my most recent trip to Tanzania (September 2015), the first park we visited was Arusha National Park. In the morning, we took a "regular" game drive through the park, on which we were introduced to Tanzania's wildlife slowly but surely--we saw monkeys, birds and giraffes, among others. What makes Arusha NP special for me, though, is the walking safari we took in the late afternoon the same day. For obvious reasons, you can't get very close to most animals on foot (which is a good thing, of course--I would not have wanted to be any closer to the herd of buffalos we saw from afar), but we still managed to see a pair of giraffes less than 50 m away. Walking through a national park certainly puts things into perspective, especially the size of both the park and the animals. It feels very different walking paths similar to the ones you've already driven across, and gives you a new appreciation for safaris as a whole. It also adds to the "bush vibe" of the entire country, because it feels like it's just you and the animals.

The Safari was an amazing African experience

My visit to Arusha National Park was an amazing experience and a great way to start off my trip to Tanzania! My full day safari in Arusha National Park was one of amazing landscapes and views, as well as incredible wildlife! We witnessed many different species of animals from Blue Monkeys and Baboons to giraffes and numerous birds. One of the highlights of the safari was visiting the Momela Lakes where we viewed thousands of pink flamingos. Even though Arusha National Park doesn't have the large cats such as lions and cheetahs, there are many other amazing species to witness while you are there. An amazing national park to visit for sure!

A wonderful variety of wildlife and habitats with many opportunities for close encounters!

Arusha national park is only a short drive from Arusha itself and is a great introductory day for your safari trip. Whilst smaller than a lot of the other game reserves you may visit Arusha offers a fantastic range of wildlife and habitats; from rainforest to open grass planes and lakes. If you are interested in birds then Arusha is a paradise of abundance and my personal highlights include a crested eagle, hoopoe, kingfishers (nesting by the road), grey crowned cranes and of course the thousands of flamingo.

In terms of animals there is also a huge range of things you can see in a very beautiful setting. Of particular interest would be the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys that you are unlikely to see elsewhere. You will also see many troops of baboons, giraffe, buffalo as well as a variety of antelope.

Whilst the tour of Arusha is mostly driven, there is the opportunity to take a walking tour, which i think is worth it. You will get closer to some of the wildlife and see more of the beautiful landscape.

All in all it is definately worth a visit to Arusha national park. You will see all of the park in a day so its just a quick trip before you depart for the larger reserves such as Tarangire or the Serengeti,