Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a beautiful and diverse wilderness destination in northern Tanzania, where volcanic landscapes, montane forests, open grasslands and tranquil lakes come together beneath the impressive peaks of Mount Meru. Although smaller than some of Tanzania’s famous safari parks, Arusha offers an exceptional variety of scenery and wildlife within a relatively compact area.

Located close to Arusha city, the park is an ideal introduction to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Its changing landscapes allow visitors to experience forest walks, scenic game drives, canoeing and mountain views in the same destination. From curious giraffes crossing open plains to buffalo grazing near the forest edge and colorful birds hidden among the trees, Arusha National Park offers a safari experience with a distinctly intimate character.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

Discover Mount Meru

Dominating the landscape, Mount Meru provides a spectacular backdrop throughout much of the park. At 4,566 metres, the mountain is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and offers a dramatic setting for wildlife viewing, photography and trekking adventures.

Explore the Momella Lakes

The beautiful Momella Lakes form one of the park’s most recognizable landscapes. The collection of shallow lakes attracts waterbirds and other wildlife, while the surrounding green hills create stunning scenery. On clear days, the lakes and Mount Meru combine to create unforgettable photographs.

Walk Through the Montane Forest

Arusha National Park is one of the best places on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit to experience the forest on foot. Guided walks can reveal a world of towering trees, monkeys, butterflies and birds that is easy to overlook from a safari vehicle.

Meet the Giraffes of the Open Plains

The park’s open grasslands provide excellent opportunities to see giraffes moving across the landscape. Their elegant silhouettes against Mount Meru create some of the most distinctive wildlife scenes in the park.

Search for Buffalo and Other Wildlife

Buffalo, zebra, warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck and other herbivores inhabit the park’s different environments. Elephants can also occur in the park, while predators such as leopards and hyenas are more elusive and require patient observation.

Discover a Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The combination of forest, lakes, wetlands and open grassland creates excellent bird habitat. Visitors can encounter colorful forest species, waterbirds, raptors and many other birds throughout the park, making Arusha particularly rewarding for bird enthusiasts.

Things to do at Arusha National Park

Experience a Walking Safari

Leave the safari vehicle behind and explore the wilderness on foot with an authorized guide. Walking allows you to concentrate on animal tracks, plants, insects, birds and other smaller details while experiencing the landscape at a slower pace.

Canoe Across the Momella Lakes

A canoe excursion on the Momella Lakes provides a peaceful alternative to a traditional game drive. Paddle across the water while observing birds and wildlife along the shoreline, with the surrounding mountains creating a spectacular backdrop.

Explore the Ngurdoto Crater

Often described as a natural amphitheatre, Ngurdoto Crater is surrounded by forested slopes and contains a broad grass covered floor. Viewpoints around the crater provide impressive panoramas, while buffalo and other wildlife may be seen below.

Discover the Fig Tree Arch

One of the park’s fascinating natural features is the enormous fig tree whose roots and trunk have formed a dramatic arch. It provides an unusual photographic subject and demonstrates the remarkable character of the park’s forest environment.

Enjoy the Changing Landscapes

One of Arusha National Park’s greatest attractions is its variety. A single excursion can take you from dense montane forest to open savannah, from volcanic slopes to peaceful lakes and from crater viewpoints to mountain scenery.

Capture Mount Meru at Sunset

As the afternoon light fades, Mount Meru and the surrounding landscapes take on warm colors. The combination of mountain, forest, grassland and lakes creates an exceptional setting for landscape photography.