Arusha National Park
Tanzania’s Hidden Safari Gem
Discover the Beauty of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most charming and diverse safari destinations, offering visitors a peaceful and unforgettable wildlife experience. Located just a short drive from Arusha City, the park covers more than 200 square miles and showcases an incredible mix of landscapes from lush rainforests and sparkling lakes to open savannahs, volcanic craters, and mountain forests. Few places in Tanzania offer so much natural beauty in such a compact area, making Arusha National Park a perfect introduction to the country’s rich wildlife and landscapes.
This beautiful park is home to the largest population of giraffes in the world, making it one of the best places to observe these gentle giants up close as they gracefully move through the woodlands. Visitors can also spot a variety of other wildlife, including zebras, waterbucks, buffaloes, warthogs, bushbucks, and playful baboons and monkeys.
While the park does not have large predators like lions, it provides a safe and relaxed safari environment that is perfect for families, nature lovers,
and first-time visitors.
Highlights of the park
Momella Lakes
One of the highlights of the park is the Momella Lakes, a series of shallow alkaline lakes known for their stunning colors and the vibrant birdlife they attract.
Thousands of flamingos often gather here, creating a breathtaking pink display across the water. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful canoeing safari, silently gliding across the lake while admiring hippos, waterbirds, and the beautiful reflections of Mount Meru.
Ngurdoto Crater
The park is also famous for Ngurdoto Crater, sometimes called the “Little Ngorongoro” because of its steep crater walls and green marshy floor.
It is a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing and photography, offering dramatic views from the crater rim and scenic forest-filled routes as you drive around its edges.
Mount Meru
For adventure lovers, Arusha National Park is the gateway to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters. Unlike Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers a quieter, more intimate trekking experience through forests filled with colobus monkeys, waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Reaching the summit rewards climbers with incredible sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.
The park’s diverse vegetation—ranging from rainforest, lush montane forests, alpine moorlands, to savannah grasslands—supports more than 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Every turn in the park reveals a new habitat and a fresh sense of adventure.
Whether you choose to explore by vehicle, take a guided walking safari, paddle across the lakes, or hike through the forests, Arusha National Park delivers a safari experience that is calm, personal, and rich in natural beauty. It is the ideal destination for travelers who want breathtaking scenery, gentle wildlife encounters, and a closer connection with Tanzania’s natural wonders.
Top Tourist Attractions & Activities in Arusha National Park
Hiking and Trekking
Explore Arusha National Park on foot and witness its rich biodiversity up close. The park is home to giraffes, elephants, zebras, and antelope species such as dik-dik and bushbuck. Though large predators like lions and leopards are rare, their occasional presence adds an element of excitement to your trek.
Don’t miss: The 3-day Mount Meru Trek, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding climbs, with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the summit.
Mount Meru
Rising 4,566 meters above sea level, Mount Meru dominates the landscape of Arusha National Park. This dormant volcano offers a challenging yet scenic trek through forests, open moorlands, and rocky peaks. Along the way, hikers may encounter giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys.
Reaching the summit rewards you with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the vast plains below — a thrilling alternative to Africa’s tallest peak.
Birdwatching Paradise
With over 400 bird species, Arusha National Park is a dream destination for bird lovers. Look out for flamingos, African fish eagles, crowned cranes, and the colorful Hartlaub’s turaco. The lush forests, crater rims, and lake shores attract a spectacular variety of birds year-round, making every visit a new discovery.
Momella Lakes
The Momella Lakes shimmer in shades of turquoise and green, creating a tranquil haven for both wildlife and photographers. This series of alkaline lakes hosts flamingos, storks, and herons, while the surrounding plains are frequented by zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes.
Visitors can enjoy canoeing safaris, gliding across the calm waters for an up-close experience with nature’s beauty.
Ngurdoto Crater
Known as the “Little Ngorongoro,” Ngurdoto Crater is a lush volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. Its forested slopes are home to monkeys, buffaloes, and warthogs, while the rim offers panoramic views of the crater floor below. This hidden gem provides a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
The Strangler Fig Tree
The Strangler Fig is one of the park’s most iconic natural landmarks. Found near Mount Meru’s slopes, its massive roots and twisted branches form breathtaking shapes. The tree is not only a photographer’s delight but also a vital food source and shelter for birds, monkeys, and elephants.
Top Experiences in Arusha National Park
Game Drives
Enjoy thrilling game drives through grasslands and forested areas, where you’ll spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs grazing in open savannahs. While large predators are rare, leopards and hyenas are occasionally seen.
The absence of lions and rhinos makes the park peaceful and family-friendly, perfect for visitors seeking a relaxed and uncrowded safari.
Canoeing on the Momella Lakes
Arusha National Park is one of the few parks in Tanzania offering canoeing safaris.
Glide across the still waters of Momella Lakes as flamingos, pelicans, and Egyptian geese float nearby, and watch giraffes and hippos at the water’s edge — all set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Meru.
Walking Safaris
Experience the wild like never before with a guided walking safari. Wander through misty forests filled with giant fig trees, spot buffaloes and giraffes up close, and reach the rim of Ngurdoto Crater for awe-inspiring views.
This rare opportunity to explore on foot makes Arusha one of Tanzania’s most immersive safari destinations.
Birdwatching Safaris
Whether you’re an avid birder or a curious traveler, birdwatching safaris in Arusha National Park are a must.
From vibrant forest species like bar-tailed trogons to powerful raptors such as augur buzzards, every trail reveals new avian treasures.
Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
- June – October: Dry season – perfect for wildlife viewing and game drives.
- November – May: Wet season – lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching.
- December – February: Best for Mount Meru trekking and clear summit views.
Why Visit Arusha National Park?
- Ideal for a short safari before or after climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Less crowded than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, offering peace and tranquility.
- Home to unique activities like walking and canoeing safaris.
- Features diverse landscapes – from savannahs and craters to forests and lakes.
- Easily accessible from Arusha city, making it perfect for day trips.
Plan Your Visit
Experience the magic of Arusha National Park, where adventure meets serenity. Whether you’re hiking Mount Meru, watching flamingos on Momella Lakes, or exploring the hidden beauty of Ngurdoto Crater — every moment here is unforgettable.