Arusha National Park
Tanzania's Accessible Wilderness Gem
Overview
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania's most accessible yet often overlooked gems. Despite its compact size, it offers a striking variety of landscapes — from lush montane forests and rolling hills to open savannas and shimmering lakes. The park lies at the foot of Mount Meru, a dormant volcano that provides a dramatic backdrop and a rewarding climb for adventure seekers.
Location
Just outside Arusha city, about a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Size
Approximately 137 sq km — small in size but incredibly rich in scenery and wildlife diversity.
Accessibility
One of Tanzania's most accessible parks, perfect for day trips from Arusha.
Park Highlights
Mount Meru
Standing at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest peak. Its climb is less crowded than Kilimanjaro and equally rewarding, offering spectacular views of Kilimanjaro on clear days, plus rich wildlife encounters along the ascent.
Ngurdoto Crater
Often called the "Little Ngorongoro," this crater is carpeted with dense forests and grasslands, providing a haven for buffalo, warthogs, and monkeys. The crater's rim offers scenic viewpoints ideal for photography and birdwatching.
Momella Lakes
A series of alkaline lakes that shimmer in different hues of green and blue. They attract large flocks of flamingos, herons, and other aquatic birds, making this one of the best birding spots in northern Tanzania.
Wildlife
While lions are absent, the park hosts giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, bushbucks, waterbucks, and colobus monkeys in abundance. Occasionally, leopards and hyenas are spotted, particularly during early morning or dusk drives.
Giraffe
Common throughout the park
Zebra
Seen in open savanna areas
Buffalo
Large herds in grasslands
Colobus Monkey
Black and white primates in forests
Flamingo
Large flocks at Momella Lakes
Bushbuck
Common antelope species
Atmosphere
Arusha National Park offers a tranquil, accessible wilderness experience perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed introduction to Tanzania's wilderness, or those preparing for longer safaris to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Perfect for nature lovers, birders, and hikers looking for variety within a short distance of the safari capital, Arusha. The park's compact size makes it ideal for day trips while still offering diverse landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Unlike many other Tanzanian parks, Arusha allows walking safaris and canoeing, providing unique ways to experience the African wilderness up close in the company of armed rangers and knowledgeable guides.
Activities
Walking Safaris
Experience the park on foot with armed rangers, getting closer to nature and discovering smaller wildlife and plant life often missed on game drives.
Canoeing
Paddle across the beautiful Momella Lakes, observing aquatic birds and wildlife from a unique perspective on the water.
Mountain Hikes
Challenge yourself with a climb up Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Birdwatching
With excellent birding opportunities, particularly around the Momella Lakes which attract large flocks of flamingos and other aquatic birds.