Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and diverse parks, located just a short drive (about 45 minutes) from Arusha town. Despite being smaller compared to other famous parks, it is a hidden gem offering incredible scenery, rich wildlife, and unique activities. The park is home to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, and provides breathtaking views of both Meru and Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife & Landscape
Visitors can enjoy a mix of habitats – lush rainforests, sparkling lakes, open savannahs, and the rugged slopes of Mount Meru. The park hosts giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Bird lovers will be amazed by the variety, including flamingos and other water birds around Momella Lakes.
Game Drives
Explore the park’s diverse landscapes in a safari vehicle. Unlike many other parks, Arusha National Park offers a mix of forests, grasslands, and volcanic craters. Expect to see giraffes walking gracefully, herds of buffalo grazing, zebras in the open plains, and playful baboons in the forest.
Climb Mount Meru
Standing at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is the second-highest peak in Tanzania. It offers a less-crowded but challenging trekking experience. The climb takes 3–4 days and rewards hikers with stunning sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire Arusha National Park below.
Bird Watching
With over 400 bird species, the park is a paradise for bird lovers. From colorful turacos and trogons in the forest to flamingos at the lakes, every corner is alive with bird calls and sights.
Walking Safaris
A unique highlight! With a professional armed ranger, you can step out of the vehicle and walk through the bush. This gives you the chance to get close to animals like giraffes, zebras, and even buffalo while experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness up close.
Visit Ngurdoto Crater
Sometimes called the “Little Ngorongoro,” this crater is surrounded by lush forest and filled with wildlife. It’s an excellent spot for photography and game viewing.
Canoeing on Momella Lakes
A peaceful yet exciting adventure. Paddle across calm waters while surrounded by flocks of flamingos, hippos resting near the shores, and a variety of water birds. It’s a rare safari activity not available in many Tanzanian parks.
Photography & Scenic Viewing
Whether it’s the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro in the distance, the slopes of Mount Meru, or flamingos painting the lakes pink, the park is full of breathtaking scenes waiting to be captured.
The best time to visit Arusha National Park depends on what you want to experience. The dry season, from June to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing because animals gather around water sources, the trails are dry for walking safaris, and conditions are perfect for climbing Mount Meru. During this period, the skies are usually clear, offering breathtaking views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. On the other hand, the wet season, from November to May, transforms the park into a lush green paradise with stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and excellent bird watching, especially as migratory species arrive and flamingos flock to the Momella Lakes. Although rains may occur, they are often short and make the landscapes more vibrant and photogenic. This means Arusha National Park can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm.
