Gateway to the North

Arusha National Park

Mount Meru, Momella lakes and walking safaris — just 30 minutes from Arusha town.

  • Size: About 550 km²
  • From Arusha: About 30–45 min
  • Best time: All year
About Arusha NP

Discover Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is small but wonderfully varied: montane forest home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, the Ngurdoto Crater, the colourful Momella lakes with flamingos, and the slopes of Mount Meru — Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.

It is the perfect half-day or full-day outing on arrival or departure day, and one of the few parks where you can join a guided walking safari or canoe on the lakes.

Quick Facts

  • SizeAbout 550 km²
  • From ArushaAbout 30–45 min
  • Best timeAll year
  • Known forMount Meru, colobus monkeys, canoeing
Top Experiences

Best Things to Do in Arusha National Park

Hand-picked experiences our guides love — we can build any of them into your itinerary.

Walking Safari

Walk among giraffe and buffalo with an armed ranger.

2–3 hoursAll year

Momella Lakes Canoeing

Paddle on Small Momella Lake with Kilimanjaro views.

2 hoursAll year

Mount Meru Climb

A 3–4 day trek up Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.

3–4 daysJun–Feb

Colobus Forest Drive

Look for black-and-white colobus in the misty forest.

Half dayAll year

Napuru Waterfall Walk

A short forest hike to a beautiful waterfall.

2 hoursJun–Feb

Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoint

A pristine crater, often with buffalo grazing below.

1 hourAll year
Iconic Wildlife

Iconic Wildlife of Arusha National Park

The animals and birds that make Arusha National Park special — and the ones our guests most want to see.

01

Black-and-white Colobus

The park’s signature monkey

02

Maasai Giraffe

The tallest of all giraffes

03

Cape Buffalo

Graze in the crater and glades

04

Lesser Flamingo

Visit the alkaline Momella lakes

05

Blue Monkey

Lives in the montane forest

06

Hippopotamus

Found in the Momella lakes

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Arusha NP

Good all year. On clear mornings (especially June–February) you can see both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

Itineraries

Trips Featuring Arusha NP

Every trip below is private and fully customisable — use it as a starting point.

3 Days
Tanzania Safari

Tarangire, Ngorongoro

A compact, fully private safari to Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater – ideal before or after a Kilimanjaro climb or Zanzibar.

4 Days
Tanzania Safari

Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro

Tarangire, a night in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater – the essential Northern Circuit in four days.

7 DaysPopular
Kilimanjaro Trek

Uhuru Peak 5,895 m · Challenging

The most popular route on Kilimanjaro – stunning scenery, excellent acclimatisation and a high summit success rate.

FAQ

Arusha NP Questions

Is Arusha National Park good for a day trip?

Yes — it is ideal on your arrival or departure day, or before a Kilimanjaro climb.

Tailor-made in Tanzania

Let’s Design Your Journey Together

Share your dates, group and dream experiences. A Tobiko trip designer in Arusha replies within 24 hours with a free, fully personalised itinerary and quote — no obligation.