Arusha National Park – Tanzania’s Scenic Safari Secret

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A Beautiful Blend of Forests, Craters, and Lakes

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible and diverse parks, located just a 45-minute drive from Arusha city and a short transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Though smaller in size (just 552 km²), the park packs an impressive range of ecosystems—from mountainous rainforests and crater lakes to open grasslands and the majestic Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak.

Whether you’re starting your Northern Circuit safari or looking for an adventurous day trip, Arusha National Park offers a uniquely tranquil and intimate wildlife experience.

a couple of giraffe standing on top of a grass covered field

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park stands out for its remarkable variety of terrain:

• The lush Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro,”

• The serene Momella Lakes, home to pink flamingos and waterbirds,

• And Mount Meru, rising dramatically over the forested slopes and offering incredible hiking opportunities.

Despite its size, the park offers plenty of game viewing, birdwatching, and walking safaris, all set against a backdrop of forests, lakes, and volcanic scenery.

a large mountain with a very tall peak in the distance

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

While Arusha National Park doesn’t have the “Big Five,” it compensates with rare species, beautiful settings, and intimate wildlife encounters.

Commonly Seen Animals

Giraffes (some of the largest populations in northern Tanzania)
Buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and bushbucks
Black-and-white colobus monkeys – a park highlight, especially in the forest canopy
Blue monkeys, baboons, duikers, and waterbucks
Occasional sightings of leopards, hyenas, and elephants

Birdlife at the Momella Lakes

Over 400 bird species, including:
- Flamingos, egrets, herons, Egyptian geese
- African fish eagles, turacos, and hornbills
- Best visited during the wet season for migratory species

Climb Mount Meru – A Hidden Alternative to Kilimanjaro

Mount Meru (4,566 meters) towers over the park and is a challenging yet rewarding trek, often seen as a warm-up climb for Mount Kilimanjaro. The 3–4 day hike leads you through tropical forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro on clear mornings.

Insider tip: Meru is less crowded than Kilimanjaro and has a higher wildlife encounter rate, including buffalo, giraffe, and antelope along the lower slopes.

a giraffe standing on top of a lush green field

two elephants walking on grass covered ground

Why Choose Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park is a park of contrasts, beauty, and serenity. It may not offer the full-scale safari drama of the Serengeti, but what it does offer is rich diversity, peaceful surroundings, and the chance to explore on foot or by canoe—something rare in many Tanzanian parks.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning safari lover, Arusha National Park promises a unique, up-close connection with nature and a beautiful start to any Tanzanian adventure.

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