Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Located just a short drive from Arusha Town, lies the national park with that bears the same name. Arusha National Park is the most accessible national park of the Northern Circuit in Tanzania and the perfect place for a day trip or as the first ór last stop on a longer itinerary. At just 552 square kilometres, Arusha NP is a small park with a lot to see.

Arusha National park is divided between three districts: Momella Lakes, Mount Meru & the Ngurdoto Crater. Depending on the time of year you can spot thousands of flamingo’s at Momella Lakes, who migrate between Lake Manyara and here.

Within these districts, Arusha NP boasts a broad variety of landscapes, ranging from open savannah through acacia scrubland to rainforest and, eventually, to alpine conditions on the higher reaches of Mt. Meru.

With diverse wildlife that includes herbivores such as elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebra, and even the occasional wildebeest, Arusha National Park is also a perfect place to get out and stretch your legs – with both walking safaris and canoe safaris available within the park.

The National Park is also home to the world’s largest population of giraffes, making it a great place to visit for fans of these long-necked, beautiful animals.

 

Arusha National Park Highlights

Arusha National Park is the closest park to the town with the similar name. It is a popular destination for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris.

Arusha National Park is an interesting park to look at both for safari enthousiasts and climbers, as it lies at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro’s little brother, Mt Meru.

Since its so close to the city predators are rarely spotted. Lions have moved elsewhere and leopards can easily hide in the bushes. However, there’s loads of factors that make Arusha NP a worthy opponent for your ‘top 5 national parks bucket list’.

Walking Safari in Arusha NP & The Colobus Monkey

Due to the absence of predatory animals, such as lions, Arusha National Park lends itself perfectly for an exciting walking safari with a ranger.

Walking freely alongside the wildlife of Tanzania offers a truly unique experience. Here you´ll be walking at the foot of Mt. Meru, surrounded by green forests, lakes, waterfalls and a huge population of giraffes. A walking safari offers an amazing chance to be up-close with wildlife. The Colobus monkey is one of the highlights you can spot in Arusha NP and can often be found swinging from the trees.

Mt Meru

Mount Meru is an active, but dorment volcano and forms the center of Arusha National Park. It is known for its huge cliffs and green surroundings at the foot.

Mt. Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. It might not be as tall as its big brother, but it requires more technical skills of its climber, making it a real challenge. The mountain isn’t climbed as often and gives you a really unique, more private experience. It can be climbed in a 3 day route or a 4 day route

Ask us for a quote on one of our ready-made safaris or enquire about your tailor-made travel proposal.

Arusha National Park: Best time to visit

The best time to visit Arusha National Park greatly depends on your personal preferences. The time  of your visit can greatly affect your wildlife experience. The park is a known to be a great place to spot birds, which generally is the best time between November to December and March through May. This is when the migratory birds such as the flamingos arrive.

However, if you prefer to spot mammals, the best time to visit would be in the dry season, between June and October. This is the dryest period of the year, making them significantly easier to spot in the normally thick, lush forests. Since water is more scarce, there’s a great chance to spot wildlife near one of the fresh water sources. 

The dry months, including January and February, is also the best period to take on Mt. Meru.

Wildlife of Arusha National Park

A short list of the ‘most wanted’ animals in Arusha National Park and the chances of spotting them. Some animals are (almost) unique to each park or only appear in certain areas. It’s important to let us know your wildlife preferences, so we can give you the best chance of spotting your favorite animal. 

The numbers listed are an estimation of how often we’ve seen these animals ourselves based on our visits. Some animals we’ve seen 100%, everytime we’ve visited. However, it’s not a zoo, so there’s always a chance you miss an animal.

Feel like visiting yet?

Lion0%
Elephant10%
Leopardhard to spot
Rhinoonly in certain areas
Zebra95%
Buffalo85%
Hippo40%
Wildebeest95%
Crocodileonly northern Serengeti
Giraffe95%
Hyena10%
Wild Dogvery rare
Cheetah5%

Climate & Seasons

Arusha National Park usually has a pleasant and mild climate with fresh mornings and evenings, but nice and warm temperatures during the day. Due to the national park being at the foot of Mt Meru, the climate is highly influenced by the mountain resulting in unpredictable weather and higher chances of rain near the slopes than at the surrounding areas. 

The temperature differences can be quite drastic. It’s highly adviced to bring a thick sweather for early morning safaris as the average temperature is around 10 degrees at night time. Day-time termpatures are usually around 20 degrees, depending on the time of year and elevation level. 

Activities in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park offers more than ‘just’ wildlife spotting. There’s quite a few amazing activities you can underdate if you’re on your way to the park. 

For example:

For more info check out the activities on the right

  • Canoe Safari Arusha National Park Momella Lakes

    Canoe Safari at Momella Lakes (Arusha National Park)

    Enjoy a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lake, in the heart of Arusha National Park. Spot local wildlife such as hippos on the water and giraffes, buffaloes, bushbuck and many other animals grazing on the shoreline.
  • Arusha City Tour, Tanzania

    Arusha City Tour

    From€35
    Today we will be exploring the vibrant heart Arusha. The safari capital of East-Africa! This centrally located city lies amidst of many renowned wildlife parks, giving it a worldwide known status. 
  • Lake Duluti day trip

    Lake Duluti Day Trip – Walking & Kanoing – Arusha

    From€30
    Grab a canoe and and put on your hiking boots, as we will explore the surroundings of the mysterious Lake Duluti; an old crater that became a lake and that has said to have a dept over 700m deep, but it's unconfirmed till this day.
  • Walking safari arusha national park

    Walking Safari in Arusha National Park (DAY-TRIP)

    From€165
    Walk freely among Tanzania's wildlife in Arusha National Park, accompanied by a professional ranger. Arusha National Park is famous for its green surroundings, lakes, unique sights and the black and white colubus monkey.
  • Maasai village

    Spend a day with the Maasai Tribe

    From€70
    Spend a day amidst one of the most colorful and widely known tribes in all of East-Africa; the Maasai. Take part in their everyday lives and help with tasks such as milking cows in one of the settlements, collecting firewood, repairing local Maasai houses or take a nature walk in […]

Arusha National Park: Where to Stay?

Arusha Accommodation

Below are some of our favorite accommodations in/near Arusha National Park. Most people choose to stay outside of the national park as there are loads of options available in multiple price ranges, from budget to luxury. The cost of staying inside of the park is significantly more expensive, but if you can spare some money, there are a few amazing options available within the national park itself! 

To make sure they meet all of our requirements, all lodges are tested personally, by us. This way we can guarantee the best possible safari-experience. We check the lodges on efficiency of the location, ‘wildlife-experience’, quality of the rooms and service and of course the safari-factor! There’s a perfect lodge for every budget and every type of traveler.

 

    Mambo Arusha Hideaway (Arusha)

    Mambo Arusha Hideaway is a small & local "stay at home" lodge in a quiet area in Arusha. A perfect accommodation for younger travelers with […]
    Budget

    Moyoni Airport Lodge

    Moyoni Airport Lodge in Arusha, Tanzania, stands as a testament to refined simplicity and genuine hospitality. Nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Arusha, this accommodation […]
    Mid

    Kiboko Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania

    Kiboko Lodge is located at the border of Arusha national Park and the slopes of Mt. Meru. The lodge offers a comfortable and inviting retreat […]
    Mid

    Mtoni River Lodge , Arusha, Tanzania

    Situated on the tranquil outskirts of Arusha, Mtoni River Lodge offers a peaceful retreat amidst the stunning natural beauty of Tanzania.
    Mid

    Under the Shade, Arusha, Tanzania

    Nestled under the soothing shade of Arusha's natural surroundings, the chalet offers a practical and comfortable retreat.
    Mid

    Wildlife Residence Tuvaila, Tanzania

    Nestled amidst breathtaking wildlife, The Wildlife Residence is an exquisite lodge located just a scenic 30-minute drive from the vibrant town of Arusha. Boasting stunning […]
    Lux

    Vijiji Center Lodge, Arusha

    The Vijiji Center Lodge is a cozy and local accommodation located in the beautiful green surroundings just outside the central part of arusha city. The […]
    Budget-Mid

    Tumbili Lodge, Arusha

    Tumbili Lodge is a charming and picturesque retreat nestled in the heart of Arusha, Tanzania. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering acacia trees, the lodge […]
    Mid

    Onsea House Arusha

    The Onsea House lies just a few minutes away from the vibrant city centre of Arusha, Tanzania. Come and relax in this luxurious bed and […]
    Lux

    Lemala Hamerkop House, Arusha

    Hamerkop House by Lemala, is a delightful 3 bedroom house situated halfway between Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha. A wonderful accomodation to start or finish […]
    LUX

Driving Time & Distances

  • Driving from Arusha to Arusha National Park will take about 30 minutes.
  • Driving from Ngorongoro to Arusha National Park takes about 3,5 hours.
  • Driving from Lake Manyara to Arusha National Park takes about 3 hours.
  • Driving from Tarangire to Arusha National Park takes about 2,5 hours. 
  • Driving from Moshi to Arusha NP takes between 1-1,5 hours depending on the current traffic situation.

Note that you’re only allowed to drive in the parks between 6am and 6pm. 

Safaris visiting Arusha NP

Be inspired by our pre-planned safaris or create your own tailor-made journey!
  • Safari Lake Natron, Tanzania Highlights & Tribes of East-Africa

    14 Days
    Experience an adventurous journey travellers seeking something unique without missing Tanzania’s highlights. Experience safari across […]
    From€2,690
  • great migration calving season safari serengeti tanzania

    Calving Season in the Serengeti

    8 Days
    Experience Tanzania's untouched beauty during the Great Migration's calving season, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, […]
    From€2,045
  • honeymoon safari tanzania zanzibar

    HONEYMOON SAFARI TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR

    16 Days
    Embark on a romantic adventure with our Honeymoon Safari, featuring unique highlights and off-the-beaten-path experiences, […]
    From€2,690
  • couples tanzania safari and zanzibar

    COUPLE’S ADVENTURE SAFARI & ZANZIBAR

    16 Days
    Discover the thrill of adventure and romance on our Couple Adventure Safari, where unforgettable experiences […]
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  • 3 day safari Tanzania

    3 DAY SHORT SAFARI

    5 Days
    A short safari for those looking to get a taste of the wonders that Tanzania […]
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  • northern circuit safari tanzania

    NORTHERN CIRCUIT SAFARI

    10 Days
    Venture out to experience all of Tanzania's iconic highlights in one complete journey, including 3 […]
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  • Safari Njema Tanzania - Highlights of Tanzania

    A COMPLETE SAFARI

    7 Days
    Experience one of the most iconic safari routes in Tanzania, exploring the country's greatest highlights: […]
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  • great migration safari tanzania

    THE ULTIMATE GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI-EXPERIENCE

    9 Days
    Chase after the Great Migration and witness the famous Mara River Crossing in Serengeti National […]
    From€2,195
  • Tailor-Made Safari Tanzania

    TAILOR-MADE SAFARI

    N/A
    Tailor your journey to Tanzania entirely to your personal wishes and needs. Request a tailor-made […]
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How to plan your Tanzania safari?

Tailor made safari 1

 1. REQUEST A TAILOR-MADE SAFARI

Tailor made safari 2

2. CALL WITH US ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

3. CO-CREATE YOUR DREAMSAFARI

Tailor made safari 4

4. PACK YOUR STUFF, SAFARI NJEMA!

Why travel to Tanzania with Arusha Trips

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