Arusha National Park

Home of

Mt. Meru Tanzania’s
second-highest peak.

Forests, lakes,
and savannah are all present in one park.

Arusha National Park is a scenic and compact conservation area located just northeast of Arusha town, forming part of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Spanning only 552 square kilometers, it’s known for its remarkable variety of habitats, from montane forests and crater lakes to open grasslands and alpine moorland.

The park surrounds Mt. Meru (4,566m), a striking volcanic peak that offers a popular four-day climbing alternative to Kilimanjaro. Wildlife viewing here is subtle yet rewarding, with colobus monkeys swinging through the trees, giraffes pacing open clearings, and flamingos flocking to the shallow Momella Lakes.

With fewer predators than other parks, Arusha is perfect for walking safaris and peaceful game drives. It’s a great start or end to any northern Tanzania safari, ideal for acclimatization and photography.

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Map

Arusha National Park Wildlife Sigghtning

Arusha Highlights

From misty forests to sparkling lakes, these highlights represent Arusha’s compact yet surprisingly diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.

Hike forested slopes and spot black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging gracefully through towering fig trees .
Paddle silently across Momella Lakes, surrounded by pink flamingos, aquatic birds, and scenic reflections of towering Mount Meru in the distance.
Climb Mt. Meru over four days, passing diverse habitats and reaching panoramic summit views of Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley.

Discover this uncrowded, scenic park just 45 minutes from Arusha, perfect for short adventures and acclimatizing before larger safari journeys.
Photograph Ngurdoto Crater’s steep green walls, scattered with waterbucks, buffalo, warthogs, and framed by tropical forest and misty highland air.
Take a guided walking safari to observe giraffes, zebras, and buffalo on foot in peaceful, open highland clearings and plains.

Activities to Do in Arusha National Park

From crater hikes to canoe safaris, Arusha National Park offers active adventures in a quieter setting.

Arusha National Park Mount meru Trekking

Mt. Meru Climb

Climbing Mount Meru is a rewarding multi-day trek through forests, heath, and alpine zones. It’s less crowded than Kilimanjaro, but still offers stunning vistas and wildlife encounters. This trek is also ideal for acclimatization before attempting higher peaks and is guided by park rangers for safety and insight.

Walking Safaris

Arusha National Park is one of few Tanzanian parks allowing walking safaris. Accompanied by armed rangers, you can stroll across open plains and wooded hills, spotting giraffes, buffalo, and birdlife up close. These walks bring an entirely new perspective to African wilderness exploration—quiet, immersive, and intimate.

Canoeing on Momella Lakes

Canoe safaris on the Momella Lakes offer a serene and unique way to see the park. Glide across still waters surrounded by flamingos, waterbuck, and forested hills. This quiet experience allows for excellent birdwatching and views of both Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro on clear days.

Ngurdoto Crater Exploration

Nicknamed “Little Ngorongoro,” Ngurdoto Crater is a scenic volcanic caldera teeming with buffalo, monkeys, and waterbucks. The crater’s rim offers panoramic viewpoints, while guided walks around the forested areas nearby introduce you to medicinal plants, birds, and animal tracks in rich detail.

Game Drives

Game drives through the park’s varied landscapes reveal giraffes walking among acacias, herds of buffalo on open grasslands, and playful baboons on the road. While large predators are rare, the abundance of herbivores and birds makes for relaxing and fulfilling game viewing without the crowds.

Birdwatching

With more than 400 recorded bird species, Arusha National Park is a birder’s paradise. From forest birds like trogons and turacos to flamingos on the lakes, this park delights novice and seasoned birders alike. The diversity of altitudes and ecosystems supports excellent bird activity year-round.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

The best time to visit Arusha is June to October, when wildlife viewing excels and trails are drier for scenic exploration.

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Good
Fair

Season Safari Guide

Thanks to its altitude and Mt. Meru’s influence, Arusha enjoys a cool, mild climate ideal for year-round visits.

Dry Season: June to October This is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather near water and visibility is high. Sunny skies are common, and mosquito activity is low. However, mornings and evenings are chilly—bring warm clothing for early drives and overnight stays.

Wet Season: November to MayThough rain is expected, it rarely lasts all day. The park turns lush and green, offering excellent birding and fewer visitors. Views of Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro are especially clear from December to February. April is the wettest month, making some roads slippery but still passable with a good 4x4.

Accommodations

From cozy forest lodges to comfortable hotels in Arusha town, there are many options near the park. Choose your ideal base from the selections below.

Tanzania

Angama Mara

Luxury Lodge

Tanzania

Ol Donyo Lodge

Luxury Lodge

Tanzania

Sirikoi Lodge

Luxury Lodge

wildlife To See

Buffalo
Giraffe
Monkey
Zebra
Flamingo

Get To
Arusha

Most travellers arrive via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 50km/31mi from Arusha town. From Arusha, the park is a 45-minute drive by car. Visitors can also fly into Arusha Airport (ARK) or connect from Dar es Salaam via domestic flights.

Road access to the park is straightforward, and most safari operators include pickup and drop-off from your lodge or hotel in Arusha, making it an ideal first stop on the northern circuit.

What our guests are saying

4.5/5 Based on
975 reviews

Hannah W

Feb 2025

Amazing experience

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

Hannah W

Feb 2025

Amazing experience

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

View All Reviews

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Arusha National Park

Diverse landscapes, forested slopes, and volcanic craters meet quiet wildlife moments in this compact Tanzanian gem.

Home of

Mt. Meru Tanzania’s second-highest peak.

Forests, lakes, and savannah are all present in one park.

Gallery

Map

Arusha Highlights