Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most diverse and picturesque safari destinations. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,380 meters, it lies between the towering Mount Kilimanjaro and the majestic Mount Meru. Its strategic location makes it a perfect stop on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, providing easy access to Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

Despite its relatively small size, Arusha National Park offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from lush rainforest and volcanic craters to alkaline lakes and open grasslands. The park’s combination of scenic beauty, volcanic history, and abundant wildlife makes it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful yet adventurous safari experience. Photographers, nature enthusiasts, and first-time safari-goers alike find something unforgettable here.

Visitors to Arusha National Park can enjoy unique experiences such as trekking Mount Meru, exploring the Ngurdoto Crater, and visiting the colorful Momela Lakes. Its accessibility, scenic diversity, and relatively low visitor density make it a tranquil alternative to the busier northern parks, while still delivering rich wildlife sightings and breathtaking views that will leave a lasting impression.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

1. Mount Meru – Tanzania’s Second-Highest Peak

Mount Meru rises dramatically from the heart of the park, offering one of Africa’s most scenic climbs. Unlike Kilimanjaro, the Meru ascent passes through dense forests rich with wildlife. The standard four-day trek takes adventurers through lush vegetation, giant fig trees, and open moorlands before reaching the dramatic summit ridge overlooking a massive crater and ash cone.
A unique feature of this climb is that hikers are required to be accompanied by a park ranger due to the abundant wildlife along the trail. It’s an excellent acclimatization climb for trekkers preparing for Mount Kilimanjaro.

2. Ngurdoto Crater – The Mini Ngorongoro

Known as the “Little Ngorongoro,” Ngurdoto Crater is a spectacular volcanic caldera with steep forested walls and a marshy green floor. While descending into the crater is restricted to protect the ecosystem, the viewpoints along its rim provide superb wildlife viewing. Animals commonly seen here include elephants, buffaloes, baboons, blue monkeys, and bushbucks. The crater’s wetlands also attract bird species such as hamerkops, herons, and spur-winged geese.

3. The Colorful Momela Lakes

The seven alkaline Momela Lakes — Big Momela, Small Momela, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro, Tulusia, and El Kekhotoito — are among the park’s most photogenic attractions. Their unique mineral compositions give each lake a different color, ranging from emerald green to soft blue. Flamingos are often seen feeding along the shores, while other birds like cormorants, eagles, pelicans, and Egyptian geese add to the rich birdlife.
Although the lakes do not provide drinking water for most animals, they attract wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks that graze peacefully around the open grasslands.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park may not offer the “Big Five” in one place, but it delivers remarkable wildlife diversity in a serene, uncrowded setting. Some of the animals found here include:

• Giraffes

• Buffaloes

• Zebras

• Warthogs

• Bushbucks

• Colobus monkeys

• Blue monkeys

• Hippos (mainly near the Momela Lakes)

Bird lovers will find the park especially rewarding, with over 400 recorded species, making it one of the best birding destinations near Arusha city.

Activities You Can Enjoy

• Game drives through forests, open plains, and around the lakes

• Walking safaris led by armed rangers

• Mount Meru trekking

• Canoeing on the Momela Lakes (a unique activity not available in many parks)

• Bird watching

• Photography tours around volcanic features and scenic viewpoints

Arusha National Park is ideal for travelers who want a calm safari experience before or after visiting Tanzania’s larger, busier wildlife destinations.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October) when the skies are clear and wildlife is easier to spot.
January and February also offer good conditions with lush scenery and fewer visitors.
The wet seasons (March–May and November) bring heavy rains, but the park remains beautiful with green landscapes — perfect for photographers and bird-watchers.

Final Thoughts

Arusha National Park is a hidden treasure that combines accessibility, wildlife diversity, and stunning scenery in one compact destination. Whether you’re preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb, beginning a Tanzanian safari, or simply seeking a peaceful escape into nature, this park offers rewarding experiences for every traveler.