Arusha National Park

Introduction: Where Forest, Mountain & Wildlife Converge

Often overshadowed by Tanzania’s more famous parks, Arusha National Park is a small but remarkably diverse treasure trove of ecosystems. Located just an hour’s drive from Arusha City—Tanzania’s safari capital—this national park offers a microcosm of Tanzania’s ecological beauty.

From the forested slopes of Mount Meru to the flamingo-filled Momella Lakes, and through the colobus-monkey-clad canopy of the Ngurdoto Crater, Arusha National Park is an ideal day safari or a perfect start to a longer wildlife journey across northern Tanzania.

If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, thrilling walking safaris, and an off-the-beaten-track experience, Arusha National Park quietly delivers all of this—and more.

Where Is Arusha National Park Located?

📍Northern Tanzania, just 35 km from Arusha City, the gateway hub for northern circuit safaris. The park is also just 60 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and is visible from the main road connecting Arusha to Moshi.

Size and Landscape: Small Park, Massive Diversity

Despite its modest size of 552 square kilometers, Arusha National Park contains some of the most diverse habitats in Tanzania, all within a short drive.

🌍 Ecosystems at a Glance:

• Mount Meru (4,566 meters) – Africa’s 5th highest peak, towering over the park.
• Ngurdoto Crater – A mini Ngorongoro with steep forested walls and a swampy caldera floor.
• Momella Lakes – Shallow, alkaline lakes attracting flamingos and waders.
• Montane Forests – Lush rainforest home to unique primates and birdlife.
• Open Savannah – Grazing grounds for plains game and predator sightings.

Because of this mix, Arusha is often described as a “little Tanzania in one park”.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park: Not Just a Scenic Stop

While Arusha isn’t a Big Five destination (you won’t find lions or rhinos), it offers excellent sightings of unique and rare species—many of which are hard to find elsewhere.

🦍 1. Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys

Arusha is the best place in Tanzania to see colobus monkeys in the wild. Their striking black-and-white coats and long tails make them a favorite among photographers and primate lovers.

🐘 2. Giraffes Galore

Arusha is also nicknamed the “Giraffe Park” thanks to its healthy population of Maasai giraffes. You’ll often see them striding through the savannah, silhouetted by Mt. Meru.

🐗 3. Bush Pigs, Buffalo, and Antelope

• Cape buffalo, warthogs, waterbucks, and bushbucks are common in the forest clearings.
• Kirk’s dik-dik and reedbuck hide in the underbrush.
• Occasionally, leopards and hyenas are spotted, especially in remote corners.

🦢 4. Birdwatching Paradise

With over 400 bird species, Arusha is a birding hotspot.

• Lesser flamingos paint the Momella Lakes pink.
• Hartlaub’s turaco, silvery-cheeked hornbill, and crowned eagle fly through the canopy.
• Migratory waterbirds visit between November and April.

Top Things to Do in Arusha National Park

Arusha is unlike most Tanzanian parks because it allows a range of unique activities not possible in the Serengeti or Tarangire.

🚶‍♂️ 1. Walking Safaris

One of the few national parks in Tanzania that allows walking safaris inside the park boundaries. Guided by armed rangers, you can explore forest trails, watch giraffes up close, and discover animal tracks and medicinal plants on foot. It’s a completely different safari feel—raw, personal, and exciting.

🥾 2. Climbing Mount Meru

Towering above the park is Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania and often considered a warm-up for Kilimanjaro. The 3–4-day climb offers:

• Less crowded trails
• Diverse mountain ecosystems
• Wildlife en route (zebra, giraffe, monkeys)
• Spectacular views of Kilimanjaro from the summit

🛶 3. Canoeing on the Momella Lakes

A peaceful activity unique to Arusha: canoe safaris across the shallow Momella Lakes. Paddle past flamingos, hippos, and waterbuck while surrounded by towering peaks and dense forest.

🚙 4. Game Drives

The road network takes visitors through the crater floor, open grasslands, and lake regions. Morning and afternoon drives reveal surprising numbers of animals, often with few or no other vehicles around.

📸 5. Photography & Scenic Viewing

Mount Meru sunrise views across the savannah

Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints

Fig Tree Arch – a giant fig you can drive through

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

Arusha is a year-round destination, but activity types and visibility vary with the seasons.

Dry Season (June – October):

• Best for walking safaris and game drives
• Clear skies offer great views of Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro
• Less muddy trails for hiking

Green Season (November – May):

• Beautiful, lush landscapes
• Excellent birdwatching (migratory species present)
• Wildflowers and rich photographic colors