Destinations
Arusha National Park
Hidden Jewel of the North
Arusha National Park is a scenic gem in northern Tanzania, just a short drive from Arusha city. Despite its small size, the park offers an incredible mix of landscapes from lush rainforests and sparkling crater lakes to open savannahs and the towering Mount Meru.
Perfect for walking safaris, canoeing, and birdwatching, it’s a peaceful, crowd-free destination rich in wildlife like giraffes, flamingos, and colobus monkeys. Whether you’re after adventure or tranquility, Arusha National Park delivers a unique, intimate taste of wild Tanzania.
Attractions Found In Arusha National park
Mount Meru – Tanzania’s Majestic Sleeping Giant
Rising dramatically to 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is the stunning centerpiece of Arusha National Park and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania.
Often overshadowed by Mount Kilimanjaro, this volcanic giant is a hidden treasure for trekkers. Its challenging yet rewarding trails wind through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged ridgelines, offering sweeping views over the park and Kilimanjaro in the distance. Rich in biodiversity and less crowded than other treks, Mount Meru is perfect for nature lovers, seasoned hikers, or those acclimatizing for Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife Viewing and Montane Rainforest – A Lush, Living Tapestry an Intimate and Unforgettable Encounters
Although smaller than other parks in the northern, Arusha National Park offers a surprisingly rich variety of wildlife in a compact area. You can spot giraffes browsing among acacias, buffaloes grazing the grasslands, zebras, warthogs, baboons, and various antelope species. Without the presence of lions or elephants, the park is ideal for walking safaris, allowing for safe and immersive wildlife experiences on foot.
Covering the lower slopes of Mount Meru, the Montane Rainforest is alive with sound and color. This magical forest is home to playful black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and shy bushbucks. With mist drifting through ancient trees and birds calling from the canopy, walking through this forest feels like stepping into a fairytale. It’s an ideal setting for guided walking safaris that bring you up close with nature in its purest form.
Momella Lakes and Canoeing Safaris – A Dream for Birdwatchers and Canoe Lovers
The Momella Lakes, a chain of shallow alkaline lakes, shimmer with hues of blue and green, attracting thousands of birds, including flocks of pink flamingos, herons, and Egyptian geese. Each lake has its own character, and the surrounding grasslands are often dotted with giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. What makes the Momella Lakes extra special is the chance to explore them by canoe a peaceful and unique safari experience that allows you to float silently past wildlife and enjoy the serenity of the water.
Canoeing safari on the serene Momella Lakes. Paddling silently across the water, you can approach wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, and waterbirds from a completely different angle. It’s a peaceful and eco-friendly way to experience the park’s beauty, perfect for couples, photographers, and anyone looking for something truly special.
Ngurdoto Crater – The Little Ngorongoro
Known as the “Little Ngorongoro”, the Ngurdoto Crater is a forest-filled volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Its steep, lush walls encircle a verdant floor where buffaloes, warthogs, and monkeys roam freely.
Several scenic viewpoints around the crater offer breathtaking panoramas of this hidden green paradise. The area’s rich biodiversity and thick vegetation make it a perfect spot for nature walks and photography.
Birdwatching – A Colorful Symphony of Wings
With over 400 recorded bird species, Arusha National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. From the dazzling Hartlaub’s turaco and silvery-cheeked hornbill to the graceful lesser flamingos of Momella Lakes, the variety is exceptional.
The mix of habitats forests, wetlands, and savannahs ensures year-round bird activity, making every visit rewarding for beginners and experienced birders alike.
Things to do/Activities in Arusha National Park
Game Drive Viewing:
A game drive in Arusha National Park offers an intimate wildlife experience in a compact yet diverse landscape. Drive through open savannahs, misty forests, and around serene crater lakes as you spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and more.
The absence of large predators like lions makes it ideal for relaxed game drives with opportunities to get closer to the animals. It’s a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity and a great way to explore the park’s varied habitats in comfort.
Walking Safari:
Unlike many parks in Tanzania, Arusha National Park offers guided walking safaris, allowing you to step off the vehicle and walk through the wilderness accompanied by a park ranger.
This up-close experience brings you face-to-face with nature listen to birds sing, track animal footprints, and observe animals like giraffes, monkeys, and antelope in their natural habitat. Walking safaris offer a deeper, more immersive connection with the environment and are a must for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Bird Watching:
With over 400 bird species, Arusha National Park is a haven for birdwatchers.
The variety of habitats from forests to wetlands supports a dazzling array of species, including flamingos at Momella Lakes, hornbills, turacos, eagles, and many migratory birds. Whether you’re a passionate birder or a casual wildlife lover, the colorful plumage and melodic calls of Arusha’s birds make for a captivating experience year-round.
Canoeing:
Canoeing on the calm Momella Lakes offers a peaceful and unique way to experience the park. Paddle through glassy waters as flamingos wade nearby, and spot hippos, giraffes, and waterbuck along the shoreline.
Guided canoe safaris allow for up-close wildlife encounters in a tranquil setting, ideal for couples, photographers, and anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the safari experience.
Hiking & Trekking:
For hikers and trekking enthusiasts, Arusha National Park is a dream come true.
The park is home to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, offering a multi-day trek with breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. There are also shorter day hikes around forest trails, waterfalls, and craters for those wanting a less intense adventure.
Cultural Tours:
Just outside the park, you can explore rich cultural experiences with nearby Meru and Maasai communities. These cultural tours offer insight into traditional lifestyles, local farming practices, food, and music.
Visit local homes, participate in cooking or coffee-making, and enjoy traditional dance performances. Cultural visits add depth to your safari, allowing you to not only see Tanzania’s wildlife but also understand its people and heritage.
How to Get There
Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
Dry Season (June to October):
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season (June to October), when wildlife is easier to spot, trails are dry, and skies are clear.
Green Season (November–December)
For lush landscapes and fewer crowds, the green season (November–December) offers a peaceful, scenic escape perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Arushai National Park Weather and Climate
Arusha National Park enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round.
- Daytime temps range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Cooler in the highlands near Mount Meru
The long rains (March–May)
Bring rich greenery and dramatic skies,
while the dry season (June–October)
Is perfect for safaris, hiking, and photography.