Arusha National Park

The park is centered around three key features:

1. Mount Meru (4,566m) – Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, offering a breathtaking backdrop and a challenging trek.

2. Ngurdoto Crater – a lush, swampy caldera often called “Little Ngorongoro.”

3. Momella Lakes – a string of alkaline lakes famous for flamingos and waterbirds.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

While Arusha doesn’t host large predators like lions (though leopards exist in the dense forests), it’s teeming with wildlife. You’re likely to encounter:

• Giraffes in large numbers, often seen elegantly walking across the open plains.

• Herds of Cape buffalo, zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, and warthogs.

• Black-and-white colobus monkeys, which are a highlight in the montane forests.

• Hippos basking in the Momella Lakes.

• Over 400 species of birds, including flamingos, African fish eagles, herons, and turacos.

Because of its compact size and rich habitats, Arusha National Park allows for intimate and rewarding wildlife sightings, often without the crowds found in larger parks.

Top Activities in Arusha National Park

1. Game Drives
   Explore diverse ecosystems, from the forested slopes of Mount Meru to the open savannahs, offering excellent chances to see wildlife up close.

2. Walking Safaris
   One of the few parks in Tanzania where you can enjoy a walking safari. Guided by an armed ranger, you can track animals on foot, providing a unique, immersive experience.

3. Canoeing on the Momella Lakes
   Paddle quietly alongside flocks of flamingos, hippos, and waterbirds with Mount Meru towering in the background — a tranquil and scenic adventure.

4. Mount Meru Trekking
   For avid hikers, a 3 to 4-day trek to the summit of Mount Meru is an unforgettable experience and a fantastic acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro.

5. Visit Ngurdoto Crater
   View this forested crater from designated viewpoints. Though descending into it is not permitted, it offers excellent photography opportunities of the lush crater floor.

6. Birdwatching
   Arusha is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with a combination of forest, lake, and grassland species in close proximity.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

• Perfect for a day trip or short safari extension.

• Less crowded, offering a peaceful safari atmosphere.

• Unique combination of walking, canoeing, and game drives.

• A great way to start or end your Northern Circuit safari.

• Mount Meru climb offers dramatic views of Kilimanjaro and the East African Rift Valley.

• Excellent for families and travelers who prefer light adventure.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June to October): Best visibility and easier hiking.

• Green Season (November to May): Lush scenery, excellent birdwatching, and fewer tourists.