Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a hidden gem just 32 km from the bustling safari capital of Arusha — a compact but extraordinarily diverse 552-square-kilometre wilderness where the towering cone of Mount Meru (4,566m, Africa's fifth-highest peak) presides over a mosaic of montane rainforest, highland meadows, crater lakes, and the strikingly beautiful Momella Lakes.
Destination Guide
About Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a hidden gem just 32 km from the bustling safari capital of Arusha — a compact but extraordinarily diverse 552-square-kilometre wilderness where the towering cone of Mount Meru (4,566m, Africa's fifth-highest peak) presides over a mosaic of montane rainforest, highland meadows, crater lakes, and the strikingly beautiful Momella Lakes. Despite being one of Tanzania's smallest national parks, Arusha packs a remarkable range of habitats and wildlife into its boundaries: black-and-white colobus monkeys swing through the forest canopy, giraffes and buffaloes graze the open meadows, and flamingos and over 400 bird species animate the alkaline Momella Lakes with colour and sound.
What makes Arusha National Park truly special is its accessibility and versatility. Unlike most Tanzanian parks where game drives are the only activity, Arusha offers exceptional walking safaris, canoeing on the Momella Lakes, and the challenging 3-4 day Mount Meru climb — Tanzania's best "warm-up" trek before Kilimanjaro. The park's compact size means you can experience forest primates, open savannah game, and stunning lake scenery all in a single half-day visit. The Ngurdoto Crater, a small volcanic caldera often called "Little Ngorongoro," is a scenic highlight where no vehicles are permitted, preserving its pristine beauty for viewpoint observation only. With C.A.T.S Safaris, Arusha National Park is the perfect start or finish to any Northern Circuit itinerary — a taste of Tanzania's incredible diversity within arm's reach of the city.
Why Visit Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park delivers a remarkably complete safari experience in a fraction of the time and cost of more distant parks. Within 30 minutes of Arusha town, you are walking through ancient montane forest with colobus monkeys overhead, canoeing on flamingo-filled lakes with Mount Meru reflected in the water, or driving through open meadows where buffaloes and giraffes roam. The park's unique allowance of walking safaris gives it an intimacy and immersion impossible in vehicle-only parks. For families with younger children, the short transfer time, compact game circuits, and diverse activities (forest walks, canoeing, game drives) make Arusha National Park ideal for a half-day or full-day excursion without the commitment of a multi-day safari. Adventurers can tackle the Mount Meru climb — a spectacular 3-4 day trek through five ecological zones with jaw-dropping views of Kilimanjaro from the summit ridge. The Momella Lakes, each a different shade of green and blue due to varying mineral content, create one of the most photogenic landscapes in northern Tanzania. As a bonus, the park's proximity to Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports makes it the perfect activity for arrival or departure days.
🦁 Wildlife Guide
Animals of Arusha National Park
Black-and-White Colobus Monkey
Very HighLarge troops with striking black-and-white flowing fur inhabit the montane forest and are among the most frequently seen and easily photographed primates in the park.
Blue Monkey
HighThese attractive primates share the forest canopy with colobus monkeys and are regularly encountered on walking safaris.
Giraffe
Very HighMasai giraffes are commonly seen on the open meadows between the forest and the lakes, often with Mount Meru as a stunning backdrop.
African Buffalo
Very HighHerds of buffalo graze the highland meadows and the Ngurdoto Crater floor. They can be seen from the crater rim viewpoints.
Greater Flamingo
HighThe alkaline Momella Lakes attract flocks of greater and lesser flamingos, creating beautiful pink reflections on the water's surface.
Hippo
ModerateSmall pods of hippos inhabit some of the Momella Lakes and are an unexpected delight at this altitude.
Red Forest Duiker
ModerateThis small, shy antelope inhabits the dense forest understorey and is occasionally spotted on quiet walking safaris.
Augur Buzzard
Very HighThis striking raptor with black-and-white or rufous plumage soars above the forest and crater rim on thermal currents.
Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill
HighLarge, noisy hornbills with distinctive casques are a highlight of the forest zone, heard before they are seen.
Bushbuck
HighThese elegant, striped antelopes frequent the forest edges and are regularly encountered on walking safaris.
🎯 Activities & Experiences
Things To Do at Arusha National Park
Canoe on Momella Lakes
Paddle across serene alkaline lakes surrounded by flamingos and framed by the majestic Mount Meru — one of Tanzania's most unique and peaceful safari activities.
Forest Colobus Walk
Walk through ancient montane forest with a ranger, watching troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys swing through the canopy overhead.
Mount Meru Summit Trek
Tackle Africa's fifth-highest peak on a 3-4 day trek through five ecological zones, culminating in a dramatic summit ridge with views of Kilimanjaro at dawn.
Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoints
Peer into the pristine "Little Ngorongoro" from scenic rim viewpoints, spotting buffalo herds and elephants on the crater floor far below.
Arusha City & Cultural Tour
Explore Arusha town's bustling central market, Maasai craft stalls, and the Cultural Heritage Centre — a great introduction to Tanzanian urban culture.
Birdwatching at Momella Lakes
The seven Momella Lakes, each a different colour, attract over 400 bird species including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and rare Eurasian migrants.
📅 When To Visit
Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
Dry Season
ExcellentJune – October
Best for clear views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. Wildlife is concentrated near water. Ideal for climbing Mount Meru. Cool and pleasant temperatures.
Dry & Warm
GoodDecember – February
Warm, relatively dry weather. Good wildlife viewing and clear mountain views. Flamingos often present in large numbers on the Momella Lakes.
Short Rains
FairNovember
Brief afternoon showers. Lush, green landscapes. Good birdwatching with migratory species arriving. Fewer tourists.
Long Rains
FairMarch – May
Wettest period. Forest walks are atmospheric but trails can be muddy. Mount Meru climb is not recommended. Beautiful for photography.
✈️ Getting There
How to Reach Arusha National Park
Road from Arusha
Just 32 km (45 minutes) from Arusha town. The park gate at Ngongongare is signposted and easily accessible on a tarmac road.
From Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Approximately 58 km (1 hour) from Kilimanjaro International Airport — making it possible to visit the park en route to or from the airport.
From Arusha Airport (ARK)
About 25 km (30 minutes) from Arusha domestic airport. Ideal for visitors flying in from Zanzibar or other parks.
C.A.T.S Transfer
C.A.T.S includes comfortable 4x4 transfers from Arusha hotels or airports, with the option to visit the park on arrival or departure day.
💰 Park Fees
Entry Fees for Arusha National Park
| Category | Fee (per person/day) |
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* All park fees are included in C.A.T.S safari packages. Fees shown for reference only and may change without notice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Arusha National Park FAQs
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