Close to Arusha
A short transfer from town means no long drive, so it fits easily into a day before or after your main safari.
Mountains · Northern Tanzania
Mount Meru, colobus monkeys and walking safaris.
Arusha National Park is small in size but wide in variety. In one compact area you can pass through montane forest, open grassland, the crater of Ngurdoto and the shallow Momella Lakes, all beneath the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.
It is also the easiest national park in northern Tanzania to reach, only a short drive from Arusha town. That makes it ideal for a relaxed first day after you land, a gentle final day before you fly home, or a change of pace between longer drives.
Walking is a highlight here. With an armed ranger you can explore on foot among giraffes and buffalo, and canoe safaris on the Momella Lakes add another way to see the park quietly and up close.
Highlights
A short transfer from town means no long drive, so it fits easily into a day before or after your main safari.
Black-and-white colobus monkeys move through the forest canopy and are often seen from the trail or the road.
Guided walks and canoe safaris offer a slower, quieter alternative to the vehicle.
On clear mornings the peak of Meru and, in the distance, Kilimanjaro rise above the park.
Experiences
A ranger leads you through grassland and forest edge, with a chance of giraffe, buffalo, warthog and many birds.
Several shallow lakes, each with a slightly different colour, attract flamingos and other waterbirds in season.
Paddle with a guide on the Small Momella Lake, where hippos are rarely far away. Availability depends on season.
A three to four day trek to the summit is a superb acclimatisation climb before Kilimanjaro.
What you may see
Giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog, waterbuck, bushbuck and the blue and black-and-white colobus monkeys are the usual sightings. Leopards live in the forest but are rarely seen, and the park is not known for lions.
Wildlife is wild. Sightings depend on season, weather and luck, and your guide will always put you in the best position.
Planning
Cool, dry days and the best chance of mountain views at dawn.
Another good window for clear skies and comfortable walking.
Green and quiet, but cloud often hides the mountains and trails can be muddy.
The park entrance is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Arusha town and a short transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport. It works well as a half day or full day, with or without an overnight stay.
Most visitors stay in Arusha and visit as a day trip. A few tented camps and lodges inside or near the park suit those who want an early morning walk.
Combine it with
Good to know
Still unsure? Send us your question and a planner will answer personally.
Yes, especially if you have limited time or want walking, canoeing and forest scenery instead of a long game-drive day. It is a good first or last stop.
Leopards live here but are seldom seen, and lions are not a feature of the park. It is better known for giraffe, buffalo, colobus monkeys and landscapes.
Yes. Mount Meru is climbed over about three to four days with a ranger and guide, and it is a popular acclimatisation trek before Kilimanjaro.
Tell us when you want to travel and what you hope to see. We will reply with a plan.
