Tanzania

Arusha National Park

A multi-faceted jewel where the shadow of Mount Meru meets high-altitude craters and the colorful Momella Lakes

Established

1960

Defining Feature

Mount Meru

Activities

Canoeing, & mountain climbing

Best Time

Jun – Oct

About the Park

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most underrated destinations, despite being the closest park to the safari hub of Arusha. It offers a stunning variety of landscapes that contrast sharply with the vast plains of the Serengeti. Within its small borders, you will find lush montane forests, alpine moors, and the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater—often called “Little Ngorongoro.”

The park is dominated by Mount Meru (4,566m), Tanzania’s second-highest peak, which offers a rugged trekking alternative to Kilimanjaro. It is one of the few places in the country where you can enjoy a walking safari through herds of buffalo or canoe across the tranquil Momella Lakes, all while viewing a unique array of primates and birdlife.

Regions of the Park

Regions of the the Park.

  • Ngurdoto Crater: A 3km-wide caldera surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forest. The marshy floor is a sanctuary for buffalo and warthog, viewable from several rim-side lookout points.
  • Momella Lakes: A series of seven alkaline lakes, each a different shade of green or blue. They are home to thousands of flamingos and a wide variety of waterfowl.
  • Mount Meru: The towering volcanic centerpiece. Its lower slopes are forested and rich in wildlife, while the higher reaches offer dramatic rocky ridges and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • The Little Serengeti: A small patch of open grassland near the park entrance where zebra, giraffe, and waterbuck are frequently seen grazing.

Wildlife

The Cast of Characters

🐒 Park Icon

Colobus Monkey

The park's flagship species, easily spotted by their striking long white tails in the forest canopy.

🦒 High Concentration

Maasai Giraffe

Arusha NP is famous for its dense giraffe population, often seen against the backdrop of Mt. Meru.

🦩 Seasonal Thousands

Flamingo

The Momella Lakes serve as a vital feeding ground for both Lesser and Greater flamingos.

🐃 Resident Herds

Cape Buffalo

Frequently encountered during walking safaris in the glades and around the Ngurdoto Crater rim.

🐵 Forest Inhabitant

Blue Monkey

These playful primates are common in the montane forest, often heard before they are seen.

🐗 Common Sight

Warthog

Often found grazing on the grassy slopes near the park gates and the Small Serengeti area.

🦌 Shy Resident

Bushbuck

A delicate antelope that favors the thickets and forest edges; best spotted in the early morning.

🦌 Lake-side Dweller

Waterbuck

Distinctive for their shaggy coats, they are almost always found near the edges of the Momella Lakes.

Flamingos in Manyara

The Walking &
Water Safari

  • Canoe Safari: Glide across the Momella Lakes to get close to hippos and water birds without the sound of an engine.
  • Walking Safaris: Accompanied by an armed ranger, you can walk through the forest and plains, experiencing the sights and smells of the bush on foot.
  • The Kilimanjaro View: On clear days, the park offers some of the most dramatic and unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro, located just 50km to the east.
Canoeing-Arusha-NP-main

When to Visit

Arusha by Season

☀️ Jun – Oct
Peak Dry Season

Best for wildlife viewing and climbing Mt. Meru. Skies are clear, offering the best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

⛈️ Nov – Dec
Short Rains

Birding is excellent as migratory species arrive. The landscape becomes lush and green very quickly.

⛅ Jan – Mar
Clear & Cool

Great visibility and pleasant temperatures. Ideal for day trips from Arusha before the long rains begin.

🌧️ Apr – May
Long Rains

Waterfalls are spectacular and the forest is at its most magical. Quiet trails offer a very private experience.

Start Planning

Arusha Tours

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