Booking request - Hint of wilderness - glamping
Arusha National Park combines stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and cultural richness. This makes it a hidden gem often overlooked in favor of Tanzania’s more famous reserves. But for those in the know, it’s a destination packed with variety, beauty and adventure. Let’s start your Arusha National park safari!
Nestled just 45–60 minutes from Arusha town and Kilimanjaro International Airport, this park is perfect for a short safari, a day trip, or the start of a longer Northern Circuit adventure. Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time or returning for a second safari, Arusha National Park promises a compact but unforgettable experience.
WHY CHOOSE ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK FOR YOUR SAFARI?
Arusha National Park may be smaller than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but it delivers big when it comes to diversity. Spanning 552 square kilometers, the park is a patchwork of montane forest, open savannah, alpine vegetation, crater lakes, and wetlands. It’s also one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can enjoy walking and canoe safaris – offering a chance to get even closer to nature.
Highlights include:
Convenient location near Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport
Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, available for both viewing and trekking
Walking safaris and canoeing on Momella Lakes
Excellent for short or day safaris, or as a soft introduction before longer tours
Over 400 bird species, including flamingos, hornbills, and fish eagles
Wildlife sightings of giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and black-and-white colobus monkeys
Fewer crowds than more popular parks like Serengeti
A DIVERSE AND SCENIC LANDSCAPE
Arusha National Park features three main geographical areas, each with its own unique appeal:
Mount Meru: Towering at 4,566 meters, this dormant volcano dominates the skyline and offers a challenging, less-traveled climb through scenic forest and alpine landscapes.
Ngurdoto Crater: Nicknamed the “Little Ngorongoro,” this lush volcanic caldera is home to swampy plains filled with warthogs, buffalos, and baboons.
Momella Lakes: A series of shallow alkaline lakes painted in hues of blue and green, often dotted with pink flamingos and perfect for canoeing.
This mix of environments means you can experience everything from mountain hikes to peaceful boat rides, all in one park.
WHAT WILDLIFE CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN ARUSHA?
Though it’s not a Big Five destination, Arusha National Park offers an up-close and uncrowded wildlife experience. The open savannahs are filled with giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, and warthogs, while forested areas provide refuge for blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and the rare black-and-white colobus monkey.
Birdwatchers will also find paradise here: the park is a haven for over 400 species of birds including flamingos, herons, eagles, hornbills, and kingfishers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Arusha National Park is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons from June to October and from December to February are ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals are easier to spot and trails are more accessible. The wet seasons (March–May and November) bring lush greenery and are excellent for bird watching.
PLAN YOUR ARUSHA SAFARI WITH MAWENZI ADVENTURES
Whether you want to climb Mount Meru, enjoy a relaxing canoe safari, or spot giraffes in the savannah, we’ll create a tailor-made itinerary that fits your travel style. Combine Arusha National Park with nearby parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, or Ngorongoro Crater to kick off your safari adventure.
Want to include Arusha in your custom safari? Contact us today to get started on your unforgettable journey.
SEE OUR SAFARIS THAT INCLUDE ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
FROM
$175
A BIT OF ADVENTURE
Arusha National Park with walking safari. Possibility to add a canoe safari.
Excluding airport transfers & nights in Arusha
FROM
$1760
ESSENCE OF THE NORTH
Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Including airport transfers & 2 nights in Arusha
Arusha National Park can also simply be added at the start of most of our other safari packages or combined with cultural excursions around Moshi or Arusha. Pair this safari with a Mount Kilimanjaro climb if you don’t have much time left after your climb but still want a safari experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Yes! Its proximity to Arusha town and Kilimanjaro Airport makes it ideal for a one-day safari.
No, but it offers giraffes, monkeys, buffaloes, and amazing birdlife. It’s more about scenery and unique experiences.
Game drives, walking safaris with an armed ranger, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and climbing Mount Meru. Some of these options have an age limit, please contact us for more information.
Absolutely. It’s less intense than larger parks and offers close-up wildlife and great views without long drives.
It’s a year-round destination, but June to October and December to February are best for dry conditions and animal sightings.
