Arusha National Park

Location: Northern Circuit, Arusha Region
Area: 552 km²
Category: National Park

Overview

Arusha National Park is a diverse and picturesque protected area nestled between Arusha and Moshi in northern Tanzania. Though modest in size, the park showcases an incredible variety of landscapes—from lush highland forests and alpine meadows to volcanic craters and tranquil lakes.

This park is a popular choice for day trips, especially for travelers beginning or concluding their Northern Circuit safari. Within its borders lie key attractions such as Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater (nicknamed “Little Ngorongoro”), and the seven shimmering Momela Lakes.

Home to the world’s largest population of giraffes and over 400 bird species, Arusha National Park offers a peaceful wildlife experience in a scenic and less crowded setting. Visitors can expect to see colobus monkeys swinging through the treetops, herds of buffalo and zebra, playful vervet monkeys, and even the elusive red forest duiker.

Highlights

Stunning views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak
Home to the rare black-and-white colobus monkey
More than 400 recorded bird species around Momela Lakes
Easily accessible from Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport
Scenic diversity: lakes, craters, waterfalls, forest, and savannah

Activities

Game Drives – Ideal for exploring diverse habitats and spotting wildlife in open savannah and lakeside areas.
Walking / Hiking – Guided nature walks to waterfalls, Ngurdoto Crater, or lower slopes of Mount Meru.
Canoeing / Kayaking – Paddle across the calm waters of Momela Lakes surrounded by wildlife.
Bird Watching – Observe flamingos, herons, hornbills, and more across various park zones.
Picnicking & Day Trips – Perfect for a peaceful outing in nature with scenic lunch spots.
Cultural Visits – Combine with a nearby cultural experience for deeper regional insight.

Mount Meru

Standing at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano that offers a rewarding climb with panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. It’s also a great warm-up for climbers preparing for Kilimanjaro.

Ngurdoto Crater

Often compared to Ngorongoro, this mini caldera is encircled by dense forest and hosts buffaloes, warthogs, and monkeys. Its dramatic setting is ideal for photography and nature walks.

Momela Lakes

A chain of seven alkaline lakes—Big Momela, Small Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro, and Tulusia—each displays different colors due to varying mineral and algae content. The area is a magnet for birdlife and a tranquil place for canoeing.

Wildlife

Expect to see giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, hippos, waterbucks, buffaloes, and various monkey species. While larger predators like leopards are rare, the park offers fantastic wildlife viewing in a serene environment.

Getting There

The park is just a 40-minute drive from Arusha and approximately 60 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Its proximity to major towns makes it ideal for short visits or as a soft start to a longer safari journey.

When to Visit

The best time is during the dry season (June to October), when animals are easier to spot as they gather near water sources. However, the park is open year-round, and the green season (November–May) offers vibrant landscapes and excellent birdwatching.