Based on Tripadvisor reviews

Arusha National Park

Destination

Size

About 342 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller national parks in Tanzania but rich in diversity.

Location

Northern Tanzania, approximately 25 km northeast of Arusha town.

Accommodation Options

Luxury Lodges, Mid-range Tented Camps,Budget Campsites.

A Green Gem Beneath Mount Meru

Explore. Breathe. Discover

Arusha National Park is a hidden jewel among Tanzania’s safari destinations. Despite its compact size, it boasts an incredible variety of ecosystems and wildlife. The park is famed for the spectacular Mount Meru—Tanzania’s second-highest peak—and lush landscapes that range from alpine forests to soda lakes.

Unlike many other parks dominated by open savannah, Arusha offers a scenic blend of habitats including montane rainforests, crater lakes, and open grasslands, all framed by the towering backdrop of Mount Meru and distant views of Kilimanjaro.

A Wildlife Experience Off the Beaten Path

Arusha National Park may not host the Big Five in one go, but it offers unique sightings in a serene setting. You can see giraffes, zebras, warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, and blue monkeys. The park is one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the striking black-and-white colobus monkey.

The elusive leopard and spotted hyena can sometimes be seen, especially during early morning or late evening game drives.

Lake Momella, one of the park’s scenic soda lakes, attracts thousands of lesser and greater flamingos, creating a vibrant pink spectacle against the green landscape.

Birdwatching Haven in the Forest and Wetlands

With more than 400 bird species recorded, Arusha is a paradise for bird lovers. Its varied habitats lakes, forests, and grasslands support both endemic and migratory species. Key birds include:

- - - Narina trogon
    - Silvery-cheeked hornbill
    - African fish eagle
    - Spur-winged goose
    - Crowned eagle
    - Flamingos at the Momella Lakes
    - Various sunbirds, turacos, and bee-eaters
  The park offers prime birding opportunities year-round, with the best visibility from November to April when migratory birds are present.

Diverse Landscapes and Mount Meru Magic

The scenery of Arusha National Park is remarkably varied for its size. Highlights include:

Mount Meru: A dormant volcano and a rewarding hiking destination with wildlife encounters along the way.
Ngurdoto Crater: A steep, lush caldera often called “Little Ngorongoro,” home to herds of buffalo and warthogs.
Momella Lakes: Shallow, alkaline lakes teeming with waterbirds, especially flamingos.
Fig Tree Arch: A giant fig tree with a natural tunnel wide enough for vehicles to pass through.

In the dry season (June to October), the park is ideal for clear mountain views and wildlife spotting. During the wet season (November to May), it transforms into a lush, green paradise with flowing streams and blooming wildflowers.

Activities in Arusha National Park

Arusha offers some of the most diverse activity options in northern Tanzania:

Game Drives: Explore various habitats and encounter wildlife in a peaceful, crowd-free environment.
Walking Safaris: One of the few parks in Tanzania where walking safaris are allowed. Walk with a ranger through forested trails and grassy clearings, tracking wildlife on foot.
Canoeing: Paddle across Momella Lake for a unique perspective of waterbirds and views of Mount Meru.
Mount Meru Trekking: A multi-day climb for adventurous travelers, often used as acclimatization before Kilimanjaro.
Cultural Tours: Visit local Meru communities to learn about their traditional farming lifestyle, crafts, and food.

Accessibility

By Road: Only 45 minutes by car from Arusha town, making it perfect for a day trip or start to a northern circuit safari.
By Air: Easily accessible from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 60 km away. Charter flights can also land at Arusha Airport.

Why Visit Arusha?

Close proximity to Arusha town and Kilimanjaro International Airport
Ideal for day trips or the first stop on a northern safari
Unique mix of landscapes—from lakes and forests to craters and mountains
Home to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain
Canoeing and walking safaris not available in many other parks
Excellent birdwatching and chance to see rare primates
Peaceful, less crowded alternative to larger parks

best time to visit Arusha National Park

The best time to visit Arusha National Park is during the dry season, from June to October, when the weather is pleasant, the trails are dry, and wildlife is easier to spot. During this period, animals often gather around water sources, and visibility is high due to the thinner vegetation making it ideal for game viewing, hiking, and photography.

While the wet season (November to May) transforms the park into a lush, green landscape with stunning views of Mount Meru and flourishing birdlife, some trails may become muddy or slippery. However, this is also a rewarding time for birdwatchers, as migratory species arrive and the forest comes alive with color and sound.

Where the Wild Comes Alive

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