Arusha
Arusha National Park withThe Woven Experience
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- Unlimited bottled water
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Ngongongare Plains – Giraffe Capital & Little Serengeti
Arusha National Park boasts Tanzania’s highest density of Masai giraffe – elegant silhouettes against Mount Meru. Zebra herds graze open grasslands while Cape buffalo stare with bossed horns. Perfect uncrowded introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife just 30 minutes from Arusha.
Guided Armed Walking Safari – Thrilling Eye-Level Encounters
Arusha National Park is the only Northern Circuit park allowing legal armed walking safaris inside boundaries. Walk slowly with an armed ranger at animal eye-level – feel the electric thrill of approaching giraffe and buffalo on foot. Safe, intimate, unforgettable photography.
Momella Lakes – Shifting Colours & Flamingo Pink
Seven alkaline Momella Lakes change from turquoise to emerald with algae blooms. Lesser flamingos form massive pink carpets (peak June–October). Hippos surface in deeper lakes while African fish eagles perch like sentinels overhead.
Tululusia Hill Picnic – Panoramic Views & Kilimanjaro Peek
Private shaded picnic with sweeping views across the lakes toward distant Kilimanjaro on clear days. Mount Meru dominates the foreground while black-and-white colobus monkeys chatter in the canopy.
Fig Tree Arch & Meru Crater Floor – Forest Wonders
Drive beneath the iconic Fig Tree Arch – a massive strangler fig tunnel and Tanzania’s most photographed natural arch. Meru Crater floor delivers close buffalo and warthog sightings in cool montane forest.
Year-Round Magic & 400+ Bird Species
Dry season (June–October) offers clearest Kilimanjaro views and peak flamingo displays. Green season (January–March) brings lush scenery, newborn animals, and dramatic storm light. Over 400 bird species year-round – paradise for birders and photographers.
Closest Walking Safari to Arusha & Kilimanjaro Airport
Just 30–45 minutes from Arusha city and 90 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport – perfect arrival-day or departure-day adventure. No lions or elephants = safest walking safari in northern Tanzania.
- Day 1
Day excursion into Arusha National Park
Hotel Collection & Ngongongare Gate Entry Your private 4×4 collects you from any Arusha-area hotel. Drive through coffee farms and Maasai villages before entering at Ngongongare Gate. Registration completed while giraffe and zebra graze the “Little Serengeti” plains visible from the gate.
Morning Game Drive Across Open Grasslands Cruise the rolling plains with Mount Meru as backdrop. Spot elegant Masai giraffe, plains zebra, Cape buffalo staring with bossed horns, and warthog families trotting tails-up. Black-and-white colobus monkeys with flowing capes swing through fever-tree forests.
Guided Armed Walking Safari (core activity) Leave the vehicle with your private guide and armed park ranger. Walk slowly across open grassland and light acacia woodland at animal eye-level. Learn to read fresh tracks, identify dung age, smell elephant from 200 m away, and feel the electric thrill of approaching giraffe or buffalo on foot. Strict safety distances maintained; ranger carries .458 rifle. Perfect for intimate photography and total immersion.
Momella Lakes Circuit & Flamingo Spectacle Re-board the 4×4 and loop the seven alkaline Momella Lakes. Watch lesser flamingos form shifting pink carpets (largest concentrations June–October). Hippos surface in deeper lakes while reedbuck and waterbuck graze the shores.
Private Picnic Lunch with Panoramic Views Spread a shaded picnic blanket at Tululusia Hill or waterfall viewpoint. Enjoy fresh salads, grilled chicken, tropical fruits and chilled juices while overlooking the lakes and Mount Meru.
Afternoon Forest Drive – Fig Tree Arch & Meru Crater Floor Enter cool montane forest where giant figs create natural tunnels. Drive beneath the famous Fig Tree Arch. Descend to Meru Crater floor for close buffalo and warthog encounters. Scan treetops for Hartlaub’s turaco and crowned eagles.
Final Game Loop & Sunset Return: Last chance for Kilimanjaro silhouette photographs on clear days. Exit the park as Mount Meru glows rose-gold at sunset. Return to your Arusha hotel relaxed and full of stories.
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Location Overview
This intimate full-day adventure explores Arusha National Park (137 km²), the closest national park to Arusha city and the only one in northern Tanzania that legally permits guided armed walking safaris inside its boundaries. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru (4,566 m / 14,980 ft), the second-highest peak in Tanzania, the park sits just 30–45 minutes northeast of Arusha (1,400 m / 4,600 ft elevation). Often called “Little Serengeti” for its open plains and “Giraffe Capital” for its high density of Masai giraffe, it offers dramatic montane forest, seven alkaline Momella Lakes, and panoramic views of both Mount Meru and – on clear days – distant Kilimanjaro.
Arusha National Park (137 km²): 30 km northeast of Arusha. A compact jewel combining three distinct zones: the acacia-studded Ngongongare plains (“Little Serengeti”), the shimmering Momella Lakes famous for flamingos and waterbirds, and the cool montane forest cloaking Mount Meru’s lower slopes. Home to Masai giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and over 400 bird species. No lions or elephants, making it perfect for safe walking safaris with armed rangers.
Momella Lakes & Tululusia Hill: Seven shallow alkaline lakes whose colours shift from turquoise to emerald depending on algae. Lesser flamingos form pink carpets (peak June–October). Tululusia Hill offers sweeping viewpoints across the lakes toward Kilimanjaro.
Meru Crater & Fig Tree Arch: A forested mini-crater floor frequented by buffalo and warthog. The iconic Fig Tree Arch – a massive strangler fig tunnel you drive beneath – is one of Tanzania’s most photographed natural wonders.
Geography & Access Terrain: Open grasslands, montane rainforest, alkaline lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic craters. Altitude Range: 1,400–2,200 m (4,600–7,200 ft). Travel Times (from Arusha): 30–45 minutes to Ngongongare Gate. Gateway: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) → Arusha (45 min transfer); day trip returns to Arusha hotels. Year-round access via private 4×4; dry season (June–October) delivers clearest Kilimanjaro views and peak flamingo concentrations, while green season (January–March & November–December) paints the park emerald and brings newborn animals and dramatic storm light.
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