Arusha National Park is small and close to town, and most safari groups skip it. That’s a mistake, especially for birders. Here’s the route we use for a day trip.
6:00: leave Arusha
We aim to be at Momella Gate soon after it opens, while the forest is at its busiest.
Morning: the montane forest
The lower slopes of Mount Meru are covered in montane forest. Listen for the bark of Hartlaub’s Turaco and the soft hoots of the Narina Trogon, and watch the canopy for black-and-white colobus monkeys. Short walks with a park ranger bring out the forest birds that hide from vehicles.
Late morning: Ngurdoto Crater
From the viewpoints on the rim you look down onto a forested crater floor, where buffalo graze out of reach. It’s a good spot to scan for African Crowned Eagle and Augur Buzzard.
Lunch and afternoon: the Momella Lakes
Each of the lakes has a different mineral balance and colour, and a different mix of birds: Lesser Flamingos, grebes, ducks and waders. On a clear afternoon, Kilimanjaro appears to the east.
Late afternoon: the glades
Giraffe, zebra and buffalo graze the open glades on the way out, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters hunt from the forest edge. You’re back in Arusha by early evening.
This day forms the start of our 2-day birding tour, and we can also run it as a single day.
Your questions answered
Are there lions in Arusha National Park?
No. The park has no lions, which is one reason guided walks are allowed. You’ll see giraffe, buffalo, colobus monkeys and sometimes elephants.
Can I go canoeing?
Canoeing on the Momella Lakes has been offered at times. Ask us for the current situation.
Is it worth it if I’m going to the Serengeti?
Yes, for the forest birds and colobus monkeys, which you won’t see on the plains.
