Arusha Region is one of Tanzania's 31 administrative regions, located in the northeast of the country. The region's capital and largest city is Arusha. This region is a tourist destination in Africa and is the hub of the northern Tanzania safari circuit.
The region is bordered by Kajiado County and Narok County in Kenya to the north, the Kilimanjaro Region to the east, the Manyara and Singida Regions to the south, and the Mara and Simiyu regions to the west. Arusha Region is home to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arusha's Historical Significance
The current site of Arusha was first settled in the 1830s by the agro-pastoral Arusha Maasai from the Arusha Chini community, south of Mount Kilimanjaro. They traded grains, honey, beer, and tobacco with the pastoral Kisongo Maasai in exchange for livestock, milk, meat, and skins.
Arusha was conquered by the Germans in 1896 after the murder of the first two missionaries who attempted to settle on nearby Mount Meru. The Germans established a permanent presence in 1900 when a military fort (a boma) was built and soldiers were garrisoned there. The British took Arusha from the Germans in 1916 during World War I.
Official documents ceding independence to Tanganyika were signed by the United Kingdom at Arusha in 1961. The Arusha Declaration was signed in 1967 in Arusha.
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Geography and Climate
Located below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, Arusha region has a temperate climate. Despite its proximity to the equator, Arusha's elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) on the southern slopes of Mount Meru keeps temperatures relatively low and alleviates humidity.
The temperature typically ranges between 10 and 30 °C (50 and 86 °F) with an average annual high temperature around 25 °C or 77 °F. It has distinct wet and dry seasons, and experiences an eastern prevailing wind from the Indian Ocean, a few hundred kilometres east. Arusha's annual rainfall average is 1,180 millimetres (46.46 in), mostly coming during the long rainy season from March to May.
Arusha region is home to a number of lakes, the largest lake in the region being Lake Eyasi. Other prominent lakes in the region are Lake Duluti, Momela Lakes, Lake Manyara, Lake Masek, Lake Empakaai, Lake Magadi, Lake Ndutu and Lake Natron.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is located in the Arusha Region of the Northern part of Tanzania. This Tanzania National Park is a 35 km drive away from the town of Arusha. The main gate of the national park is 25 km east of Arusha town.
The western region has the Jekukumia River, Meru Crater funnels, and the peak of Mount Meru. The northeast region is dominated by shallow alkaline Momella lakes. The colors of this lake vary and they host different flamingos and other wading birds.
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Arusha Location Map suggests that the park is situated in the foothills of Mount Meru, and thus provides stunning views of surrounding landscapes. To the north of Arusha National Park lies the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. To the south of the park, Tanzania’s popular town of Moshi is located. Another town named Usa River situated to the south of Arusha National Park. There are numerous lodges along the road leading up to Momella gate. To the west of Arusha National Park is the Great Rift Valley.
Arusha Nariona Park encompasses different environments: plain, lakes and forest. Arusha National Park encloses Mount Meru, the fifth peak in Africa and the second highest peak mountain in Tanzania after the Kilimanjaro with its 4566 meters above sea level.
Activities include game drives in well-organized road networks east of Momela, including the lakes and the rim of the Ngurdoto Crater, walking safaris with armed park rangers, canoeing in the Small Momela Lake, and guided hiking through the montane forest.
Using Maps for Navigation
An Arusha Map is an important tool to navigate the park's diverse landscapes and plan Tanzania Safari Holidays. Having a map helps to identify the best areas for wildlife spotting and hiking. It also assists in navigating the park's trails and roads safely. Many Tanzania Safari companies provide maps as part of their tour packages, but you can also obtain maps at the park's visitor center or entrance gate. With the help of the Arusha Map, visitors to the park can understand different areas and trails.
Arusha National Park is only half an hour from Arusha town by tarmac road.
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Things to do in Arusha National Park. #unforgettable #tanzania #safari #nature #africa
Transportation
The A-23 Arusha-Himo road runs east-west and enters the region near Kilimanjaro International Airport. It connects Arusha with Moshi and then Himo at the Kenyan border. The A-104 runs northward, to the west of Mount Meru, from Arusha to Longido and Namanga at the Kenyan border before continuing to Nairobi. The A-104 also runs westward past Monduli to its junction at Makuyuni with the B-144 road that leads to Mto wa Mbu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Most overland travel is done by bus from the city of Arusha. The region is landlocked, and there are no navigable rivers. The larger lakes in the Rift Valley are not used for transportation.
Arusha Region is served by the Kilimanjaro International Airport located in Hai District of Kilimanjaro Region. The smaller Arusha Airport (Kisongo Airport) serves small, medium and personal planes mainly to popular tourist areas such as Serengeti National Park, Seronera, Ndutu, Zanzibar etc.
Key Facts and Information
Here's a table summarizing key information about Arusha Region:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Arusha Region |
| Location | Northeast Tanzania |
| Capital | Arusha |
| Area | 32,131 km2 (12,406 sq mi) |
| Key Features | Mount Meru, Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Great Rift Valley |
| Airports | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport (Kisongo Airport) |
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