Arusha National Park
Nestled just a short drive from the bustling safari hub of Arusha town, Arusha National Park is often overlooked by travelers heading straight for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire. Yet this compact park offers a surprising diversity of landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and unique activities not found elsewhere on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Whether you’re looking to kick off your safari gently or enjoy a day trip with light adventure, Arusha National Park is a rewarding destination.
Park of Remarkable Diversity
Though it spans just 137 square kilometers, Arusha National Park encompasses three distinct zones that showcase dramatically different ecosystems:
- Mount Meru – Tanzania’s second-highest peak (4,566 meters) dominates the park’s landscape. While not as famous as Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers excellent trekking for those seeking scenic alpine adventure and fewer crowds.
- Ngurdoto Crater – Often called “Little Ngorongoro,” this 3 km-wide volcanic crater is carpeted in lush vegetation and attracts wildlife like buffaloes, warthogs, and monkeys.
- Momella Lakes – A series of shallow, alkaline lakes that change color with the seasons, attracting thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds.
This blend of highland forest, open grasslands, craters, rivers, and lakes means that a safari in Arusha National Park feels like visiting multiple parks in one.
Arusha National Park may be small in size, but it delivers a rich and varied safari experience that punches well above its weight. Its proximity to Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports, coupled with the opportunity for walking safaris, canoeing, and climbing Mount Meru, make it an excellent addition to any Tanzanian adventure. For travelers seeking variety, activity, and scenic beauty in a single destination, Arusha National Park is a true hidden gem worth exploring.
Although Arusha National Park is not a “Big Five” destination (you won’t see lions or rhinos here), it still offers impressive wildlife diversity, especially for a small park.
Notable species include:
- Giraffes: Large populations roam freely across the park’s open plains and acacia woodlands.
- Buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs: Commonly sighted in the grasslands near the crater.
- Elephants: Occasionally spotted in the forested areas.
- Primates: The park is famous for its black-and-white colobus monkeys, a species rarely seen in other northern parks. Blue monkeys and vervets are also common.
- Hippos: Found near the Momella Lakes.
The birdlife is exceptional, with over 400 species recorded. Birders can spot everything from flamingos and pelicans to forest-dwelling species like trogons, turacos, and hornbills.
Arusha National Park is a year-round destination, but the best wildlife viewing generally occurs in the dry season from June to October, when animals gather around water sources and paths are easier to navigate.
The wet season (November to May) brings lush greenery, beautiful wildflowers, and incredible birdlife, especially migratory species. The views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru are also clearer just after the rains, in January and February.
One of the most appealing aspects of Arusha National Park is the variety of active, immersive experiences it offers:
- Walking Safaris: Unlike most Tanzanian parks, Arusha allows guided walking safaris, giving visitors a chance to explore on foot alongside a ranger. Walks often take place near the base of Mount Meru or around the Ngurdoto Crater rim.
- Canoeing on Momella Lakes: A tranquil and scenic way to see hippos, waterbirds, and giraffes from a unique angle. Canoeing is rare in Tanzanian parks, making this a special activity.
- Game Drives: Traditional vehicle-based safaris cover the park’s diverse landscapes. Drives are shorter and more relaxed, ideal for first-time safari-goers or those with limited time.
- Mount Meru Trekking: For the adventurous, Mount Meru offers a 3- to 4-day trek through rainforest, heath, and alpine desert, culminating in stunning views of Kilimanjaro. It’s a great acclimatization climb before tackling Kilimanjaro itself.
- Ideal for first-time safaris: Arusha is a great introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and terrain, especially if you’re unsure about long game drives.
- Perfect pre- or post-safari destination: Combine a relaxed day here with longer trips to Serengeti or Kilimanjaro.
- Pack layers: Weather can shift quickly due to elevation. Mornings are cool, but mid-day can be warm.
- Bring binoculars: Especially useful for spotting birds and monkeys in the canopy.
The park is extremely accessible:
- Distance from Arusha: Just 45 minutes by car (about 35 km).
- From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Around 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive.
This makes Arusha National Park an ideal day trip for travelers arriving or departing from the region or those with a free day in Arusha town.
While there are no lodges inside the park itself, visitors can find a range of accommodations just outside the park:
- Luxury lodges and tented camps offer high-end comfort and sweeping views of Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro.
- Mid-range and budget options are widely available in and around Arusha town.
For trekkers, huts along the Mount Meru trail provide basic overnight shelter.