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Introduction to Arusha National Park

Only a short drive from Arusha town and Moshi, Arusha National Park is the most accessible park in Tanzania and houses Kili’s sister, Mount Meru.

Though it’s only a small park at 552 square kilometers, it offers many fantastic activities like game drives, walking safaris, canoeing safaris, and many more.

Why visit Arusha National Park?

Views of the magical Mount Meru and surrounding landscapes.

Arusha National Park offers the largest population of Giraffes in Tanzania.

The park offers canoeing safaris, which you can’t find in other Northern safari circuit parks. You’ll surely have fun here, along with its high animal concentration.

Arusha National Park Articles

Arusha National Park Travel Guide: The Gateway to Mount Meru

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Arusha National Park

The Best Things to Do in Arusha National Park

Where to Stay in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park Tours and Activities: The Best Ways to See and Do Everything

Getting to Arusha National Park

By Road

Arusha National Park can be reached by road from Arusha city. The journey from Arusha takes around a 50km/1 hour drive.

By Air

Daily scheduled flights to Kilimanjaro and Arusha from Dar es Salaam with Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, and Precision Air.

Best Time to visit Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a popular safari destination all year round.

Regarding excellent game viewing, it’s best to visit the park during the dry season, from June to October. On top of that, birding is best year-round—particularly in November and April.

These are when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present at the park, along with the local birds, showing off their breeding plumage.

Let's plan your trip around Arusha National Park

Enquire now, and our safari specialist will get back to you shortly.

Weather in Arusha National Park

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Things to do in Arusha National Park

With its lush forests, winding rivers, and awe-inspiring mountain peaks, the park offers plenty of opportunities for an outdoor adventure for everyone.

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Wildlife in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is known for its naturally high animal concentration. An amazing taster of the stunning rich wildlife that Tanzania has to offer.

Bushbucks are antelope species with geometrically white spots on their most active bodies like chin, tails, ears, and necks. Interestingly, their horns can grow from 10 to 20 inches long.

Bushbuck

The black and white colobus monkeys are one of the wildlife you can see in Arusha National Park. They are the least aggressive primate species, so you can assure that they won't get hostile to you.

Black and White Colobus Monkeys

The African buffalos are massive mammals with brown to dark hoofed color and drooping fringed ears. They also have large curved horns and can weigh from 425 to 900 kilograms.

Cape Buffalo

Elephants are the world's largest land mammals and are among the wildlife you can see in Arusha National Park. Despite their massive size, they are still gentle creatures.

Elephant

Giraffes are the tallest living hoofed mammals and the largest ruminant on Earth! You'll be amazed when you see them up close during your game drive or walking safari activity.

Giraffe

Zebras are wild and untamable. They have a pretty aggressive streak and are quick to get angry, so it's best to keep a safe distance from them.

Zebra

Leopards are big cats with light colors, and distinctive black spots called rosettes. Poop, urine scents, and tree scratches mark each territory.

Leopard

Also known as gnus, wildebeests are part of the antelope family. They are heavily built animals with large box-like heads and curved horns.

Wildebeest

Hippos are massive animals that can weigh up to almost 1,500 kilograms. They have enormous heads, stumpy legs, and a nasty temperament.

Hippo

Buffalos are intelligent creatures deemed one of Africa's most dangerous animals. Hunters are wary of encountering these animals.

Buffalo

Hyenas are famous as scavengers and usually dine on predators' leftovers. They have non-retractable claws, with paws having four toes.

Hyena

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Birds in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is among the best birder destinations in Tanzania’s northern circuit. The park houses over 400 bird species, including but not limited to those listed below.

The blacked-winged kite birds are long-winged raptors, mainly grey or white, with black patches. They also have falcon-like wings, extending beyond their tails when perched.

Black-winged Kite

Bearded vultures are among the birds you'll see during bird watching in Arusha National Park. They possess white to reddish-yellow plumage on their breast and head with grey-black wings and tails.

Bearded Vultures

Martial eagles are heavy-built birds with black throats, white underparts, and black spots. Besides that, their eyes are bright yellows with short, barred tails.

Martial Eagle

Long-crested eagles are distinctive birds with a long, shaggy crest and all dark plumage. They are blackish-brown with long, thin feathers growing from their crown's rear.

Long-crested Eagle

Euphonias are tiny birds, ranging from 86 to 96 mm in length. Their undersurface is bright yellow, and the rest of their upper parts, including their throats, are steel blue.

Euphonias

Monarch flycatchers are beautiful birds with broad, bluish-grey bills, bristles, and striking colors. They have long wings, sharp, curved claws, and short legs.

Monarch Flycatcher

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Landscape in Arusha National Park

Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru and home to countless species of wildlife, the landscape offers an incredible opportunity to experience nature at its finest.

Mount Meru is Africa's fifth-highest mountain, with a striking figure at 4,566 meters or 14,980 feet. The mountain is typically visible throughout the year.

Mount Meru

Ngurdoto is a swampy crater inhabited by many animals, making it a popular stop for game drives. Visitors can see animals like elephants, Cape buffalo, baboons, warthogs, monkeys, and several antelope species.

Ngurdoto Crater

Momella lakes comprise seven shallow lakes found within Arusha National Park. These seven lakes are the Big Momella, Small Momella, Kusare, Tulusia, Lekandiro, El Kekhotoito, and Rishateni.

Lake Momella

The Ngurdoto Museum is your go-to place to see an impressive array of birds, animals, and insects in the park. It also overlooks the Ngurdoto Forest and its black and white monkey population.

Ngurdoto Museum

This lake is a famous watering hole being the only freshwater lake in Arusha National Park. It is where waterbucks and buffaloes gather to quench their thirst.

Lake Longil

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Where to stay in Arusha National Park

From luxurious safari lodges a more rustic camping experiences, there are plenty of great options for where to stay in Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park Tours: Our Top Tours in Arusha National Park

Tanzania - kilimanjaro mt 7 - arusha national park

4 DaysArusha

Mount Meru Trek 4 Days

Tour group next to lake

(Start) JRO6 Days

Budget Tanzania Tour

Spcp30

(Start) JRO Airport9 days

Northern Tanzania Safari

Glamping safaris - lady kayaking on safari - easy travel tanzania

(Start) JRO7 Days

A ‘Glamping’ Experience

Reviews of Arusha National Park

Top questions answered for Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is unlike anywhere you’ve been before. So, you have questions. We’ve been visiting for decades. So, we have answers.

What makes Arusha National Park unique?

Apart from being the most accessible park in the northern safari circuit, Arusha National Park offers a range of wildlife and landscape diversity. This includes black and white colobus monkeys, waterfalls, lakes, craters, swamps, and Kili’s sister, Mount Meru.

How many lakes are in Arusha National Park?

There are currently seven lakes in the park: Small Momella, Big Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, El Kekhotoito, Tulusia, and Rishateni.

Is Arusha National Park worth a visit?

Very much so! Besides the high animal concentration here, the park also boasts wonderful birdlife, landscape, and ease of access.

What are the highlights of an Arusha safari?

Some of the highlights of an Arusha safari are Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, Ngurdoto Museum, and many more.

Can I go canoeing in Arusha?

Absolutely! With its seven lakes, you can take canoe safaris in Momella lake here in Arusha National Park.

Can I go on a walking safari in Arusha?

Walking safaris are among the best safari activities in Arusha Park. This is particularly a walk at Mount Meru’s foot, where you’ll have a chase to spot monkeys, buffaloes, zebras, and more.

How to get to Arusha National Park?

You can get to Arusha either by plane or road. It’ll only take 45 minutes from Arusha city to Arusha National Park.

However, if you land in Dar es Salaam, the travel time to reach the park will be around 12 hours via bus. You also have the option to travel via plane for one hour, entering Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.

What's the weather like in Arusha?

The weather in Arusha is generally warm and temperate, with less rainfall. However, the weather gets cold from mid-May to September, so wear a jacket when visiting during these months.

When can I visit Arusha National Park?

You can visit year-round. However, if you want an excellent game-viewing experience, the best period to visit Arusha Park is from December to March, then June to September—the months coinciding with the park’s dry seasons.

How can I plan my Arusha trip in the best way possible?

The best way to plan your Arusha National Park trip is to entrust it to an award-winning local tour operator like Easy Travel. We have 35 years of expertise under our belt, guaranteeing the best possible experience for our guests.

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Other parks, lakes, and mountains

Besides the charming Arusha National Park, you may add other parks to your main safari destination, such as those shown below.

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