Arusha National Park
Highlights
Arusha National Park is a small yet stunning reserve known for its diverse landscapes and breathtaking views of Mount Meru—the majestic volcano that gives the surrounding region its name.
Just a short drive from Arusha and Moshi, the park is an ideal choice for day-trippers and those beginning or wrapping up a Northern Circuit safari. Despite its compact size, Arusha National Park is rich in attractions, encompassing the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the picturesque Momela Lakes, the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, and dense montane forests that cloak the lower elevations of the mountain.
Game viewing here offers a peaceful and relaxed experience, especially around the Momela Lakes, where visitors can often spot flamingos and other waterbirds. In the forested areas, guests frequently pause to search for the elusive black-and-white colobus monkeys, often seen leaping through the treetops.
Whether as a standalone excursion or a prelude to larger adventures in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Arusha National Park is a convenient and rewarding destination, showcasing a surprising variety of wildlife and scenery in a short amount of time.
Explore the Arusha National Park
Discover the Rich Diversity of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a compact yet incredibly diverse sanctuary, offering a stunning range of landscapes—from open savannah and lush rainforests to acacia woodlands and alpine vegetation on the upper slopes of Mount Meru. Despite its modest size—just over 200 square miles (around 552 km²)—the park boasts remarkable biodiversity and a variety of experiences for nature lovers.
Wildlife and Birdlife
The park is renowned for hosting the largest population of giraffes in the world, alongside a variety of other species such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red forest duikers, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, and giraffes. Although leopards are rarely seen, their presence adds to the sense of wildness. For bird enthusiasts, Arusha National Park is a dream destination, with over 400 recorded bird species, including waterfowl and forest dwellers.
Due to its close proximity to Arusha and Moshi, and its compact size, the park is ideal for day trips and is often included as a starting or ending point for longer northern circuit safaris to Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
Featured Attractions in Arusha National Park
Ngurdoto Crater
Known as the “Little Ngorongoro,” Ngurdoto Crater is a spectacular volcanic caldera measuring 3.6 km wide and about 100 meters deep. Surrounded by dense rainforest and featuring a marshy floor, it’s home to buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, monkeys, baboons, antelopes, and occasionally leopards and spotted hyenas. Birdwatchers will also delight in species like the hammerkop, spur-winged goose, and herons. Blue monkeys and baboons often roam the forest floor, unlike the more arboreal colobus monkeys.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru is the towering centerpiece of Arusha National Park. This dormant stratovolcano last erupted in 1910 and reaches a height of 4,566 meters (14,979 ft), making it the second highest peak in Tanzania and the sixth highest in Africa. Though often overshadowed by nearby Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers a challenging trek with dramatic scenery, steep ridges, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes.
Unlike Kilimanjaro’s more gradual trails, Meru’s ascent is steeper and more technical, making it ideal for experienced hikers seeking a 3–4 day high-altitude adventure, either on its own or as a warm-up climb before tackling Kilimanjaro.
Momela Lakes
The serene Momela Lakes are a series of seven alkaline lakes—Big Momela, Small Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro, and Tulusia. Each lake is fed by a different water source and has a unique hue, caused by varying mineral and algae content. These tranquil waters attract countless waterbirds, including flamingos, and form part of the rich habitat supporting over 400 bird species within the park.
A Perfect Day Trip or Safari Add-On
Whether you’re looking for dramatic volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, or peaceful birdwatching, Arusha National Park delivers a rich experience in a compact area. Its easy accessibility, scenic variety, and unique attractions make it a must-see destination for any traveler exploring northern Tanzania.
Time to visit Arusha National Park
The ideal time to visit Arusha National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources, and the weather is perfect for hiking and game drives. Roads and trails are typically in good condition, making it easier to explore the park’s diverse habitats—from lush forests to open plains and scenic lakes.
While the wet season, from November to May, brings occasional rain and slightly more challenging travel conditions, it also transforms the park into a vibrant green landscape. This is an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory bird species are present, though wildlife may be more spread out across the park.
Jan-Feb
Mar– May
Jun-Oct
Nov – Dec
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan-Feb
| Month | Season | Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January – February | Short Dry | Green, good birding, fewer tourists |
Mar– May
| Month | Season | Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March – May | Long Rains | Lush scenery, fewer animals, slippery |
Jun-Oct
| Month | Season | Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June – October | Dry Season | Best wildlife viewing, hiking, clear |
Nov – Dec
| Month | Season | Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October – December | Short Rains | Birds return, fresh landscapes |
Oct
| Month | Season | Weather | Wildlife Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
October |
Shoulder Season | Slight rain warmer | Migration heads south againLess crowded | good mix of wildlife |
Nov
| Month | Season | Weather | Wildlife Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
November |
Short Rains | Light rains | Scattered herds, green season begins | Low season, lush views |
Dec
| Month | Season | Weather | Wildlife Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December |
Green Season Begins | Short rains, fresh air | Migration returns to south, calving starts soon | Festive safaris, fewer crowds |
