Size
552 km2 (212 mi2)
Founded
1960 (National Park)
Best time to visit
year-round
Arusha National Park is indeed a hidden gem, offering a diverse landscape packed into a relatively small area. Its proximity to Arusha town and Kilimanjaro International Airport makes it an ideal first stop for many visitors. The park’s unique combination of ecosystems—from savannahs and lakes to rainforests and mountain slopes—creates a vibrant home for an astonishing variety of wildlife.
One of the park’s highlights is spotting the playful black-and-white Colobus monkeys as they swing through the trees. The elegant giraffes wandering the savannah offer a serene contrast, while the pink-hued flamingos at Momella Lakes bring an element of color and calm to the scenery. Overlooking all this is the imposing Mt. Meru, offering hiking adventures for those seeking a challenge.
Despite its smaller size compared to Serengeti or Tarangire, Arusha National Park’s charm lies in its diversity. From the towering Mt. Meru to the Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes, the park offers a wide range of activities, from game drives to walking safaris, canoeing, and even climbing Mt. Meru for panoramic views of Kilimanjaro.
It’s a peaceful, often overlooked park, perfect for those seeking a day of tranquility or as a gateway to further adventures in Tanzania.
Passing through the “small Serengeti” during a game drive in Arusha National Park offers an exciting glimpse of Tanzania’s wildlife. Here, you’re likely to see herds of buffaloes grazing peacefully, with shy bushbucks peeking out from the forest edge. Warthogs, zebras, and large populations of giraffes also roam this area, making it a wildlife hotspot.
As you approach the lush rainforest around the Ngurdoto Crater, a smaller version of the Ngorongoro Crater, the scenery shifts dramatically. This dense, green landscape is a prime spot to catch sight of the athletic black-and-white Colobus monkeys swinging from trees and the elegant mitis monkeys. The crater, with a diameter of about 3 kilometers, is surrounded by thick forests, and you may even spot buffaloes grazing in the crater’s swampy floor.
Heading toward the beautiful Momella Lakes, you’ll be treated to the sight of graceful waterbucks and reedbucks along the shores, while bird enthusiasts can spot various waterbirds like cormorants, kingfishers, and vibrant flamingos standing tall in the shallow waters.
Though Arusha National Park is home to a small population of African elephants, they are rarely spotted due to their elusive nature and constant movement. Leopards also inhabit the park’s misty forests on the slopes of Mt. Meru, though they are seldom seen. This element of mystery adds to the allure of the park, making each visit feel like a unique adventure.
The most popular activity in Arusha National Park is the classic game drive in 4×4 safari vehicles. With an experienced local guide, you’ll be taken to the best spots for wildlife viewing while safely navigating the diverse terrain. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or as the starting point of a longer safari adventure, the park promises a rewarding experience.
For those looking for a more active safari experience, Arusha National Park offers something unique: walking safaris. These are rare in Tanzania’s national parks, but the low number of predators here makes it a safe and thrilling opportunity to explore on foot. A walking safari allows you to get up close to wildlife, experience the park’s diverse birdlife, and truly immerse yourself in the environment. You’ll feel the crunch of moss-covered ground beneath your feet and take in the vibrant sounds, smells, and colors of the wilderness.
On a typical walking safari, common sightings include buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes, and various birds like the silvery-cheeked hornbill, little bee-eater, and the occasional long-crested eagle. The walk usually leads to the scenic Tululusia waterfalls before returning to the Momella gate, offering a refreshing and unforgettable outdoor experience.
The Momella Lakes, located in the northeast of Arusha National Park, are shallow alkaline lakes with varying salt levels, creating an ideal habitat for flamingos. Depending on the season and water levels, you can often witness large flocks of these graceful birds gathered in their natural habitat, painting the lakes with their signature pink hues.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can embark on a canoe trip on the smaller Momella Lake. These serene trips, lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours, offer a peaceful way to explore the lakes while gliding past herds of antelope and buffaloes grazing along the shores. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surrounding wildlife from a unique perspective.
Arusha National Park truly dazzles with its stunning blend of flora, fauna, and diverse landscapes. From wildlife-rich savannahs to lush forests, volcanic craters, and serene lakes, the park offers a perfect mix for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Diverse vegetation is habitat for a diverse wildlife. You will see some of the icons of the African bush, among them buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, monkeys & more!
The huge cliffs of Mt Meru tower above Arusha National Park at 4,566m. You start your climb to its peak in the park.
This is one of the few spots in Tanzania where you can do a walking safari. Experience wildlife on foot – a truly memorable experience.
Arusha National Park is a year-round destination, but the best time to spot wildlife is during the dry season, from June to October. During these months, the vegetation is sparser, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around water sources. This period is also ideal for walking safaris, as the drier conditions provide better visibility and safer paths for exploring the park on foot.
In contrast, the rainy “green season” transforms the park into a lush, vibrant jewel, with tall grass and dense foliage. While it may be trickier to spot wildlife during this time, the park’s scenery is breathtaking, with its rich greenery and flourishing plant life. The rainy season is also a fantastic time for birdwatching, as migratory birds return, creating a haven for birdlife enthusiasts. Whether you visit during the dry or rainy season, Arusha National Park offers unique beauty and diverse experiences year-round.
June to October
Ideal for wildlife sightings and walking safaris
November & March to May
Best for birdlife and beautifully lush landscapes
If you’re short on time and can’t embark on a multi-day safari, Arusha National Park offers an authentic safari experience that captures the essence of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes. While it may not be a Big Five destination, the park is rich in classic wildlife, and the elusive black-and-white colobus monkey, rare in other regions, is commonly spotted here.
What truly sets Arusha National Park apart is its breathtaking scenery. From lush rainforests and savannahs to volcanic craters and peaceful lakes, the park’s landscapes create a sense of serenity and isolation, even though it’s just 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the bustling “safari capital” of Arusha. For anyone seeking a perfect day-trip getaway or a quick safari fix, Arusha National Park is a hidden gem, offering a true taste of the wilderness.
Arusha National Park is one of the few protected areas in Tanzania where you can get out of the car and get active as part of your safari. From guided walking safaris past giraffes and zebras to canoe trips on the Small Momella Lake to a multi-day Mt Meru climb for the more ambitious amongst us.
Arusha National Park is located on Tanzania’s northern circuit, about 25 km north of the town Arusha. Mt Kilimanjaro lies to the north of the park, while Mt Meru is located inside the national park boundaries to the west. It is easily reachable by car on a tarmac road. Arusha is the starting point for most safaris to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and other popular destinations in northern Tanzania.
