Hidden Gem

Arusha National Park

Tanzania's closest national park to Arusha town - a multi-faceted jewel offering diverse habitats from shadowy montane forests to tranquil lakes. Home to Mount Meru, colobus monkeys, and unique walking safaris where adventure seekers discover untamed wilderness just minutes from the safari capital.

Mount Meru 4,566m
Walking Safaris
Colobus Monkeys
40 Min from Arusha

Arusha National Park Overview

The closest national park to Arusha town – northern Tanzania's safari capital – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safarigoers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours. From shadowy montane forests to tranquil lakes, this park provides unique experiences impossible to find elsewhere in the northern circuit.

Distance

40 Minutes
From Arusha Town

Mount Meru

4,566 Meters
Tanzania's 2nd Highest

Walking Safaris

Guided On-Foot
Wildlife Exploration

Momela Lakes

Diverse Colors
Flamingo Haven

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

Perfect Proximity: Just 40 minutes from Arusha and an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it ideal for day trips or safari preparation.

Unique Walking Safaris: One of the few Tanzanian parks where visitors can explore on foot with armed rangers, providing intimate wildlife encounters impossible in other parks.

  • Home to rare black-and-white colobus monkeys
  • Mount Meru trekking - perfect Kilimanjaro preparation
  • Diverse ecosystems from forest to crater to lakes
  • Canoeing safaris on Momella Lakes
  • Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • No large predators - safe walking safaris
  • Outstanding birdwatching opportunities
  • Giraffes with highest density in Tanzania
  • Cultural visits to Maasai villages and coffee farms
  • Year-round destination with diverse activities
Arusha Highlights
Mount Meru Climbing
Colobus Monkey Sanctuary
Ngurdoto Crater Views
Momella Lakes Canoeing
Guided Walking Safaris
Cultural Coffee Tours

Explore Arusha National Park Areas

Arusha National Park offers incredible diversity within a compact area. Explore five distinct ecosystems, each providing unique wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes perfect for adventure seekers.

Montane Forest - Colobus Monkey Kingdom

The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen.

Wildlife Highlights: This lush forest ecosystem is home to rare black-and-white colobus monkeys that swing gracefully through ancient trees. Blue monkeys, colorful turacos, and trogons add to the forest's magical atmosphere.

Ancient Forest
Rare Colobus
Best For: Primate watching, birdwatching, and experiencing the only colobus monkey habitat in northern Tanzania.

Ngurdoto Crater - "Little Ngorongoro"

In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog. This volcanic caldera offers stunning panoramic viewpoints overlooking lush vegetation.

Crater Experience: Known as "Little Ngorongoro," this pristine crater provides breathtaking viewpoints from the rim. The crater floor, inaccessible to vehicles, remains a pristine wildlife sanctuary where buffalo, warthogs, and baboons roam freely.

Volcanic Crater
Buffalo Herds
Scenic Views
Photography Heaven: The crater rim provides spectacular panoramic photography opportunities with pristine wilderness below.

Momella Lakes - Colorful Alkaline Jewels

Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one a different hue of green or blue. Their shallows sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos, the lakes support a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl.

Unique Experience: Seven alkaline lakes, each with distinct mineral compositions creating different colors. Excellent for canoeing safaris, flamingo watching, and diverse birdlife. Shaggy waterbucks display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes.

7 Colored Lakes
Pink Flamingos
Canoe Safaris
Special Activity: Canoeing on Small Momella Lake offers unique water-based wildlife viewing experiences.

Mount Meru - Tanzania's Second Highest Peak

But it is Kilimanjaro's unassuming cousin, Mount Meru – the fifth highest in Africa at 4,566 metres (14,990 feet) – that dominates the park's horizon. Its peaks and eastern footslopes protected within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbour.

Climbing Experience: A rewarding 3-4 day hiking destination providing perfect acclimatization for Kilimanjaro. The ascent passes through wooded savannah, forests aflame with red-hot pokers, high open heath with giant lobelias, and alpine desert with everlasting flowers.

4,566m Summit
Kilimanjaro Views
Perfect Training: Ideal acclimatization climb before attempting Kilimanjaro, with spectacular sunrise views.

Grassland Plains - Wildlife Paradise

Rolling grassy hills provide habitat for giraffes that glide across the landscape, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. Although elephants are uncommon and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon.

Wildlife Viewing: The grasslands support the highest concentration of giraffes in Tanzania. Safe environment without large predators makes walking safaris possible, providing close encounters with zebras, buffalo, and various antelope species.

Walking Safaris
High Giraffe Density
Safe Environment
Unique Opportunity: One of few parks in Tanzania offering safe walking safaris due to absence of large predators.

Arusha National Park Wildlife

Unlike other parks, Arusha offers a unique wildlife experience with no large predators, making it perfect for walking safaris and close wildlife encounters. Home to rare colobus monkeys and highest giraffe density in Tanzania.

Unique Wildlife

Colobus Monkeys: Only place in northern Tanzania to see rare black-and-white colobus monkeys easily.

Giraffes: Highest concentration in Tanzania, gliding gracefully across grassy hills.

Blue Monkeys: Inquisitive primates inhabiting the montane forests.

Buffalo: Large herds roaming the crater floor and grasslands.

Zebras: Grazing herds throughout the rolling grasslands.

Warthogs: Commonly seen across various habitats.

Exceptional Birdlife

Flamingos: Thousands gathering at Momella Lakes, turning waters pink.

Turacos & Trogons: Colorful forest species in montane areas.

Waterfowl: Rich selection of resident and migrant species at lakes.

Raptors: Various birds of prey including fish eagles.

Forest Birds: Diverse species in the shadowy montane forests.

Waterbucks: Displaying large lyre-shaped horns near lake fringes.

What Makes Arusha Wildlife Special

No Large Predators: Safe walking safaris possible
Rare Colobus: Only northern circuit location
Close Encounters: Intimate wildlife viewing
Forest Primates: Blue monkeys and colobus
Waterbucks: Large herds near lakes
Dik-diks: Tiny antelopes darting through bush

Arusha National Park Activities

Experience diverse adventures from walking safaris and Mount Meru climbing to canoeing and cultural tours. Arusha offers unique activities impossible in other Tanzanian parks.

Walking Safaris

Guided on-foot exploration with armed rangers. Get close to wildlife in a safe environment without large predators. Experience the African bush authentically.

Mount Meru Trekking

3-4 day climb to Tanzania's second highest peak. Perfect Kilimanjaro preparation with spectacular sunrise views and diverse ecosystems.

Canoeing Safaris

Paddle across Small Momella Lake for unique water-based wildlife viewing. See hippos, giraffes, and diverse birdlife from a different perspective.

Game Drives

Classic safari adventures through diverse habitats. Perfect for families and those seeking comfortable wildlife viewing with guaranteed sightings.

Cultural Tours

Visit nearby Maasai villages and coffee plantations. Experience authentic Tanzanian culture and support local communities.

Birdwatching

Exceptional birding with flamingos, turacos, trogons, and forest species. Perfect for both beginners and experienced birders.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

Dry Season (June - October)

  • Excellent wildlife viewing at water sources
  • Dry walking trails for Mount Meru trekking
  • Clear skies with stunning Kilimanjaro views
  • Perfect weather for walking safaris
  • Ideal conditions for photography
  • Comfortable temperatures for all activities

Wet Season (November - May)

  • Lush, green landscapes perfect for photography
  • Excellent birdwatching with migratory species
  • Fewer tourists provide intimate experiences
  • Enhanced beauty of waterfalls and lakes
  • Vibrant forest ecosystems at their peak
  • Discounted accommodation rates

Arusha National Park Accommodation

Choose from luxury lodges with scenic views, comfortable mid-range options, or budget campsites. Perfect accommodation options for day trips or Mount Meru climbing adventures.

Budget Options

Campsites: Affordable camping options within the park for budget travelers seeking authentic bush experiences.

Miriakamba & Saddle Huts: Mountain huts specifically for Mount Meru trekkers, providing basic but comfortable shelter.

Mid-Range Lodges

Mount Meru Game Lodge: Charming retreat with comfortable accommodations and excellent service near the park.

Arusha Town Hotels: Various mid-range options in nearby Arusha town, perfect for day trip visitors.

Luxury Lodges

Hatari Lodge: Offers scenic views near Momella Lakes with excellent amenities and authentic safari atmosphere.

Arusha Coffee Lodge: Premium accommodation surrounded by coffee plantations, perfect for pre-safari relaxation.

Getting to Arusha National Park

Easy Access from Multiple Locations

From Arusha Town: Just 40 minutes drive making it perfect for day trips from Tanzania's safari capital.

From Kilimanjaro International Airport: One hour drive - ideal for arrival or departure day visits.

From Moshi (Kilimanjaro Base): 1.5 hour drive, perfect for combining with mountain climbing adventures.

Domestic Flights: Arusha Airport (ARK) located 35km away serves domestic flights, while Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) handles international arrivals.

Private Transfers: Most visitors book comprehensive tours through Three Lioness Tours ensuring hassle-free transportation and expert guiding.

Access Information
40 min from Arusha
1 hour from KIA
1.5 hours from Moshi
Excellent road access
Perfect for day trips

Combine with Other Tanzania Adventures

Arusha National Park pairs perfectly with other northern circuit destinations. Create the ultimate Tanzania adventure combining parks, mountains, and cultural experiences.

Serengeti National Park
Great Migration
World Heritage

Serengeti National Park

The endless golden plains where the land runs on forever. Home to the Great Migration of over 2 million animals and the largest concentration of big cats in Africa.

Great Migration Spectacle
Highest Big Cat Density
UNESCO World Heritage
Explore Serengeti
Mount Kilimanjaro
Roof of Africa
5,895m

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa's highest peak perfectly visible from Arusha National Park. Use Mount Meru as ideal preparation for your Kilimanjaro adventure with multiple route options.

Africa's Highest Peak
Multiple Route Options
Use Meru for Training
Climb Kilimanjaro
Ngorongoro Crater
Africa's Eden
Natural Wonder

Ngorongoro Crater

Often called "Africa's Eden" and the "8th Wonder of the World." This volcanic caldera hosts the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa with guaranteed Big Five sightings.

Highest Wildlife Density
Big Five Guaranteed
Volcanic Caldera
Discover Ngorongoro
Tarangire National Park
Elephant Kingdom
Baobab Trees

Tarangire National Park

Famous for massive elephant herds up to 300 individuals and iconic ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River attracts diverse wildlife during the dry season.

Massive Elephant Herds
Ancient Baobab Trees
Diverse Ecosystems
Visit Tarangire
Maasai Cultural Experience
Cultural
Authentic

Cultural Experiences

Combine your Arusha park visit with authentic cultural tours to Maasai villages, coffee plantations, and local markets for a complete Tanzanian experience.

Maasai Village Visits
Coffee Farm Tours
Local Market Experiences
Cultural Tours

Ready to Explore Tanzania's Hidden Gem?

Let our expert guides show you the magic of Arusha National Park. Experience walking safaris, Mount Meru trekking, and unique wildlife encounters just minutes from Arusha town.

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