5.0 Excellent
Dorine M1 year ago
Grateful experience
As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.
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National Parks & Safari
Arusha National Park
Northern Circuit
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Overview
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is one of northern Tanzania's most diverse and accessible national parks, located close to Arusha city and dominated by the dramatic presence of Mount Meru. Covering approximately 552 square kilometres, the park combines montane forest, open grasslands, volcanic landscapes, crater scenery and the beautiful Momella Lakes within a relatively compact area. Unlike Tanzania's famous big-game parks, Arusha National Park is best known for the variety of experiences it offers. Travelers can explore the park by safari vehicle, discover wildlife on guided walking experiences, enjoy birdwatching around the forest and lakes, or experience a canoe safari on the Momella Lakes. Mount Meru, rising to 4,566 metres, forms the spectacular backdrop to much of the park. The mountain is also a major trekking destination in its own right and provides a quieter alternative for travelers seeking a multi-day mountain adventure. The park supports giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and abundant birdlife. The Momella Lakes are particularly scenic, with waterbirds and seasonal flamingos creating beautiful photographic opportunities. Arusha National Park is ideal for travelers arriving in Arusha, families looking for a shorter safari experience, photographers, birdwatchers, active travelers and visitors who want to combine wildlife with walking, canoeing and mountain scenery. With TanzaLux Safaris, Arusha National Park can be arranged as a private day safari, a walking and canoeing experience, or as part of a wider Northern Tanzania itinerary connecting Arusha, Mount Meru, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
- Mount Meru
- Momella Lakes
- Ngurdoto Crater
- Montane Forest
- Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys
- Guided Walking Safari
- Canoe Safari
- Flamingos and Waterbirds
- Giraffes
- African Buffalo
- Warthogs
- Zebras
- Blue Monkeys
- Rich Birdlife
- Mount Meru Views
- Meru Crater Landscapes
- Tululusia Waterfalls
- Volcanic Landscapes
- Meru Crater Landscapes
- Northern Tanzania Day Safari
Best time to visit
When to go
Low season
March – May The long-rain period brings greener vegetation, fresh landscapes and fewer visitors. Forest scenery can be particularly attractive, while wet conditions can make some roads and walking trails muddy. Travelers should be prepared for changing weather.
Shoulder season
November – December The short rains refresh the park and create greener scenery. Birdlife can be rewarding during the green season, although rain showers are possible and visibility around Mount Meru can change quickly.
Peak season
June to October is generally drier and popular for wildlife viewing, walking and photography. Mount Meru is often easier to see during clearer weather, although mountain clouds can still appear at any time.
Wildlife
- Giraffe
- African Buffalo
- Zebra
- Warthog
- Bushbuck
- Waterbuck
- Common Duiker
- Kirk's Dik-dik
- Blue Monkey
- Black-and-White Colobus Monkey
- Olive Baboon
- Hippo
- Elephant
- Leopard
- Spotted Hyena
- Flamingos
- African Fish Eagle
- Pied Kingfisher
- Egyptian Goose
- African Jacana
- Yellow-billed Stork
- Grey Heron
- Crowned Crane
Activities
- Game Drives
- Walking Safari
- Guided Nature Walk
- Canoe Safari on Momella Lakes
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Photography
- Landscape Photography
- Mount Meru Trekking
- Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoint
- Momella Lakes Exploration
- Forest Exploration
- Waterfall Walk
- Mount Meru Scenic Viewing
- Wildlife Tracking
- Chagga Cultural Experience
- Half-Day Safari
- Private Day Safari
Getting there
Arusha National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in northern Tanzania. The park is located close to Arusha city, making it suitable for a half-day or full-day safari without the long transfer times required to reach some of Tanzania's more distant parks. The exact driving time depends on the chosen entrance and starting point in Arusha. The journey generally takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, gate and route. Kilimanjaro International Airport is also within practical driving distance, making Arusha National Park a useful destination for travelers with time before or after an international flight. The park can be explored as a standalone day trip or combined with Mount Meru trekking, Kilimanjaro, Materuni Waterfalls and Chemka Hot Springs. It can also be incorporated into a longer Northern Tanzania safari covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. TanzaLux Safaris can arrange private transportation, professional safari guiding, park entry arrangements, walking or canoe experiences and customized itineraries from Arusha.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is Arusha National Park famous for?
Arusha National Park is known for Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, montane forest, black-and-white colobus monkeys, giraffes, birdlife, walking safaris and canoeing.
Where is Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park is located in northern Tanzania close to Arusha city, around Mount Meru.
How large is Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park covers approximately 552 square kilometres.
Can you see Mount Meru in Arusha National Park?
Yes. Mount Meru is the dominant geographical feature of the park and rises to approximately 4,566 metres.
Can you walk in Arusha National Park?
Yes. Guided walking experiences are available under park regulations and with appropriate ranger support. Walking provides an opportunity to experience the forest, grasslands, plants, tracks and smaller wildlife at a slower pace.
Can you go canoeing in Arusha National Park?
Yes. Guided canoe safaris are offered on the Momella Lakes, subject to current weather, water and park conditions.
What animals can I see in Arusha National Park?
Commonly sought wildlife includes giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Hippos, elephants and other species may also occur, while predator sightings are less predictable.
Can I see flamingos?
Flamingos can be seen around the Momella Lakes, but their numbers vary according to season and environmental conditions. Sightings should never be guaranteed.
Can I visit Arusha National Park in one day?
Yes. Its proximity to Arusha makes it particularly suitable for a half-day or full-day safari, walking experience or canoe excursion.
Can Arusha National Park be combined with Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Arusha National Park and Mount Meru are natural additions to a Kilimanjaro itinerary. Travelers can also combine them with Materuni Waterfalls, Chemka Hot Springs and a Northern Tanzania safari.
Trips that visit Arusha National Park
View all tours »Traveller stories
The proof should come from people who went.
Dagmar P3 months ago
Private Safari 6 days
I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.
Read moreSylvanus T11 months ago
An unforgettable vegetarian journey with Tanzalux Safaris
I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.
Read moreLucas G4 months ago
Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.
Read moreVictoria Goodluck5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleBack in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…
Read moreDanai Vicha7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleI've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶
Read moreikigo simbila7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleI recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.
Read moreHadija Shebe7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleOur guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.
Read moreTumain Hope6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleOur tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.
Read moreLinnah Kimaro6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleAs a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…
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