Overview

Arusha National Park is a beautiful, compact safari destination just outside Arusha town. It’s the perfect “soft landing” for your first day in Tanzania, or a relaxed final safari day before flying home. The park is known for its lush scenery, cooler highland air, and a mix of habitats that feel different from the open plains of Serengeti and Tarangire.

The park sits in the shadow of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, and includes forests, open grasslands, crater lakes, and the famous Momella Lakes.

Why Visit Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is ideal if you want scenery + wildlife with less driving time:

• Very close to Arusha, so it’s easy as a day trip

• Stunning landscapes, especially around Mount Meru and the lakes

• Excellent for walking safaris (a special experience not offered everywhere)

• Great for birdwatching, especially around the lakes

• A calm, uncrowded safari compared to bigger parks

It’s not the park for huge herds of elephants, but it’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants a peaceful safari start.

Wildlife Highlights

You can expect to see a variety of animals such as:

• Giraffes (often seen in open areas and woodlands)

• Buffalo

• Zebra and warthogs

• Blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys in forest areas

• Antelope species like bushbuck and waterbuck

Predators are less commonly seen here compared to Serengeti, but the park makes up for it with atmosphere and scenery.

Landscapes and Top Areas

Arusha National Park feels like three parks in one:

1) Mount Meru Forests

Cool, green mountain forests with monkeys and birdlife.

2) Ngurdoto Crater

A lush crater with thick vegetation and scenic viewpoints.

3) Momella Lakes

A chain of shallow alkaline lakes where you may see flamingos (seasonal), water birds, and wide-open reflections that look magical in the morning.

Best Time to Visit

Arusha National Park is enjoyable year-round:

• Dry season (Jun to Oct): clearer views, easier walking safari conditions

• Green season (Nov to May): greener scenery and stronger birdlife, especially around the lakes

For the best photos, mornings are usually the most beautiful.

Location and Access

This is one of the easiest parks to reach in Tanzania:

• About 30 to 60 minutes from Arusha (depending on your location and the gate used)

• Works perfectly as a day trip or quick overnight add-on

• Can also be combined with a Mount Meru trek or a longer Northern Circuit safari

Activities in Arusha National Park

Popular activities include:

• Game drives through grasslands and around the lakes

• Walking safaris with an armed ranger (a major highlight)

• Canoeing on Momella Lakes (seasonal/subject to conditions)

• Bird watching and nature photography