Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Arusha National Park

National Park

Tucked in the shadow of Mount Meru, Arusha National Park is a compact but remarkably diverse park, often visited as a day trip from Arusha town. Within its boundaries you'll find the peaks of Meru, the crater lakes of Ngurdoto, and the alkaline Momella Lakes — a rare combination of montane forest, savanna, and wetland scenery in one small park.

Its size and proximity to Arusha make it ideal for travelers with limited time, or those looking for a scenic warm-up before a longer safari or Kilimanjaro trek.

Category

National Park

Getting There

Fly into Kilimanjaro Int'l or Arusha Airport

Ideal For

Safari travelers

Region

Northern Tanzania

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, offer the clearest mountain views and easiest walking conditions.

Climate

Cooler than the northern safari circuit due to its elevation, with a green, misty character during the rains (March–May, November).

Wildlife You Might See

  • Giraffe, zebra, and buffalo across the open savanna areas
  • Black-and-white colobus monkeys in the montane forest
  • Flamingos and other waterbirds on the Momella Lakes
  • No lions, making it one of the few parks where walking safaris are permitted

Activities & Attractions

  • Guided walking safaris with an armed ranger
  • Canoeing on the Momella Lakes
  • Day hikes on the lower slopes of Mount Meru
  • Game drives around Ngurdoto Crater and the surrounding plains

Travel Tips for Arusha National Park

  • It's one of the only parks in northern Tanzania where you can walk among wildlife, so consider a walking safari for a different perspective.
  • The park makes a great half or full-day trip if you're based in Arusha before or after a longer safari.
  • On a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro is visible from Arusha National Park's viewpoints.
  • Bring layers — the elevation makes mornings noticeably cooler than on the northern safari plains.

Arusha National Park Safari Packages

Real itineraries that include Arusha National Park — pick one to see the full day-by-day plan and pricing.

Browse our full range of safari packages to find a tour that includes this destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it's one of the most accessible parks from Arusha town and is commonly visited as a half or full-day trip.

Yes — because the park has no lions, walking safaris with an armed ranger are permitted, which is unusual for Tanzania's parks.

On clear days, yes — the park's viewpoints and Mount Meru's slopes offer views toward Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Giraffe, zebra, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and abundant birdlife, though not lion or the full Big Five.

Related Destinations

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro
Materuni Village, Tanzania

Materuni Village
Lake Natron, Tanzania

Lake Natron
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