Arusha National Park, located just 45 minutes from Arusha town, is a small but incredibly diverse park covering about 552 km². It is home to Mount Meru (4,566m), Tanzania’s second-highest peak, lush montane forests, rolling grasslands, and beautiful lakes such as Momella Lakes, known for their flamingos. The park boasts diverse wildlife including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, colobus monkeys, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Though large predators like lions are absent, this makes it an excellent, peaceful safari destination, perfect for walking and canoeing adventures.
Game Drives – Explore the varied landscapes and spot giraffes, zebras, buffalo, waterbucks, and more in scenic settings.
Walking Safaris – Guided walks with armed rangers, offering close encounters with wildlife and exploration of Mount Meru’s lower slopes.
Mount Meru Trekking – A 3–4 day trek to the summit, excellent for acclimatization before Kilimanjaro, with breathtaking views.
Canoeing at Momella Lakes – A unique way to see hippos, flamingos, and waterbirds from the water.
Bird Watching – Home to over 400 species, including flamingos, turacos, and crowned eagles.
Picnicking & Photography – Scenic spots such as Ngurdoto Crater and viewpoints of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru provide stunning backdrops.
Dry Season: June to October
Pleasant temperatures, sunny skies, and little rain.
Best for wildlife viewing — animals gather around rivers and waterholes.
Short Rain Season: November to December
Brief showers, mainly in the afternoons — still good for safari.
Long Rain Season: March to May
Heavy rains; some lodges close due to muddy roads and reduced accessibility.
Fewer tourists and lower prices.
High Season (more tourists): June to October & December to February
Perfect weather and peak wildlife visibility.
Low Season (fewer tourists): March to May
Rainy season — ideal for budget travelers and photographers who love green landscapes.
January to February: In the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) —
Thousands of wildebeest give birth.
Excellent time to see predator action (cheetahs, lions, hyenas).
December to April: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) — calving season.
May to June: Central Serengeti — herds move north.
July to September: Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara — river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers.
October to November: Return southward to the Serengeti.
Passport + copies
Travel insurance documents
First-aid kit: antiseptic, painkillers, anti-diarrheal meds, band-aids, motion sickness tablets, mosquito repellent
Prescription medication (in original packaging)
Sun protection: sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, sunglasses
Camera + extra batteries/memory cards
Binoculars
Reusable water bottle
Small backpack for daily game drives
Lightweight flashlight/headlamp
Universal power adapter
Neutral colors: khaki, beige, olive, brown (avoid bright colors and dark blue/black — attract insects).
Lightweight, breathable long sleeves and trousers for sun and insect protection.
Light jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings.
Comfortable closed shoes or hiking boots.
Hat with wide brim.
Swimsuit if your lodge has a pool.
Respect local culture: modest clothing (avoid short shorts or low tops).
Light, casual clothing for warm weather.
A light sweater or jacket for evenings.
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
You can withdraw cash using ATMs in major towns (Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam).
Best banks: CRDB, NBC, NMB.
Use Visa cards — Mastercard may not always work.
Minimize fees:
Withdraw larger amounts at once (max ~400,000–1,000,000 TZS per transaction).
Use ATMs with low international charges (check with your bank).
USD is widely accepted for hotels and park fees — bring clean, post-2009 bills.
Lodges and camps provide full-board or half-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Expect a mix of continental and local dishes:
Rice, beans, ugali (maize porridge), grilled meats, vegetables, tropical fruits.
Vegetarians and special diets are well accommodated (inform your operator in advance).
Bottled or filtered water is always recommended.
Lodges and camps provide full-board or half-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Expect a mix of continental and local dishes:
Rice, beans, ugali (maize porridge), grilled meats, vegetables, tropical fruits.
Vegetarians and special diets are well accommodated (inform your operator in advance).
Bottled or filtered water is always recommended.
Most safari companies and lodges accept:
Bank transfer (SWIFT)
Credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard; 3–5% surcharge)
Cash in USD (for tips or local payments)
Always confirm the payment method and currency before sending money.
Avoid sending money through unofficial links or unverified accounts.
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