Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is the smallest of Tanzania’s northern parks, and one of the most varied. Only about 45 minutes from Arusha town, it protects Mount Meru, the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes in a compact area of forest, grassland and alkaline lakes.
Arusha National Park is the smallest of Tanzania’s northern parks, and one of the most varied. Only about 45 minutes from Arusha town, it protects Mount Meru, the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes in a compact area of forest, grassland and alkaline lakes.
It is the ideal place for a half-day or full-day trip, a walking safari or a canoe on the lakes. It is also the starting point for Mount Meru treks. Our Arusha trips start from USD 250 per person.
What to see and do
The park is known for black-and-white colobus monkeys, which live in the forest near the entrance, and for large numbers of giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, zebras and baboons. The Momella Lakes have flamingos and other water birds, and the Ngurdoto Crater is a large caldera with a forested rim. Leopards live in the forest but are rarely seen, and lions and elephants are absent or rare.
Because it is small, you can see a lot in a few hours: a game drive, a short walk and a visit to a lake.
Walking and canoe safaris
Arusha National Park is one of the few places on the northern circuit where you can walk with an armed park ranger. A walk beside giraffes and buffalo is memorable, and you learn about tracks, plants and insects. Canoeing on Small Momella Lake is another quiet way to see birds and hippos from the water.
Combine with Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro
The park is the gateway to Mount Meru, and many trekkers start with a day trip to the park. If you are heading to Kilimanjaro, a day in Arusha National Park is a good acclimatisation and rest day. See our Mount Meru trekking page.
Best time to visit
The park can be visited all year, with the best visibility in the dry months from June to October and from December to February. Clear mornings give excellent views of Mount Meru and, on some days, Kilimanjaro.
The three areas of the park
Ngurdoto Crater
A forested caldera with buffalo, warthogs and birds on its floor. You can look down from the rim, but vehicles do not descend.
Momella Lakes
A series of alkaline lakes with different colours, drawing flamingos and other waterbirds, and a good place for a picnic.
Mount Meru and the forest
The upper slopes of Meru and the montane forest, with colobus monkeys and the Tululusia waterfall.
A half-day itinerary
A typical half day starts with a drive from Arusha, a walk to the Tululusia waterfall, and a game drive past the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes. You can add a canoe trip or a picnic and return to Arusha by lunchtime or in the afternoon. It is a gentle introduction for a first day in Tanzania.
Arusha National Park by season
In the dry months from June to October the roads are good and the views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro are clear. From November to May the park is green and the birds are at their best, with the Momella Lakes full of waders. The park is open all year, and it is one of the best choices when rain makes other parks difficult.
Who is it for?
Families, first-time visitors, travellers on a layover and people who want a day of nature without a long drive. Photographers enjoy the colobus monkeys and the views. Keen walkers enjoy the walking safari, which brings you close to giraffes and buffalo on foot.
Arusha National Park trips
- Ngorongoro Day Trip Joining Safari (1 Days, from USD 250 per person) A one day joining safari from Arusha into Ngorongoro Crater. Shared 4x4, professional English-speaking guide, picnic lunch, and evening drop off in town, no ove
- 1 Day Tarangire National Park Short Safari from Arusha (1 Day, from USD 350 per person) A private one-day Tarangire safari from Arusha: elephant herds, ancient baobabs and a picnic lunch inside the park.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha town?
About 25 kilometres, roughly 45 minutes by road.
Can I walk in Arusha National Park?
Yes, with an armed ranger on a walking safari.
Is it a good place for a first safari day?
Yes, especially if you arrive tired or have a short stay in Arusha.
Can I see Kilimanjaro from the park?
On clear days, yes, especially in the morning.
How long should I spend in Arusha National Park?
Three to five hours for a game drive, and a full day if you include a walking safari or canoeing.
Are there lions in Arusha National Park?
No resident lions are seen. The park is known for giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, hippos and birds.