About the Park

Arusha National Park, located just 45 minutes from Arusha city in northern Tanzania, is a compact yet diverse gem covering about 552 square kilometers. Nestled between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, the park offers stunning contrasts from lush montane forests and crater lakes to open savannas. Despite its smaller size, Arusha National Park packs an incredible range of landscapes and wildlife, making it a favorite for day safaris and nature lovers. Its backdrop, Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, adds to the park’s dramatic beauty and offers excellent trekking opportunities.

Wildlife & Habitat

Arusha’s varied terrain supports equally diverse wildlife. The park is home to giraffes, zebras, warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, and colobus monkeys, but notably lacks large predators like lions. Leopards and hyenas are occasionally spotted. The Ngurdoto Crater area features swampy grasslands teeming with grazers, while the Momella Lakes attract a colorful array of flamingos and waterbirds. Over 400 bird species have been recorded, including turacos, hornbills, and fish eagles. The montane forests of Mount Meru are home to blue monkeys, and the alpine zone shelters smaller mammals and unique flora.

Safari Experience

Arusha National Park offers a more relaxed and intimate safari experience compared to larger Tanzanian parks. Visitors can enjoy game drives across the crater floor and lake areas, spotting wildlife amid striking scenery. The park is one of the few in Tanzania where walking safaris are permitted guided by armed rangers, they allow a close look at wildlife and nature. Canoeing safaris on the Momella Lakes offer a peaceful way to watch flamingos and hippos. For adventure seekers, trekking Mount Meru is a highlight a challenging 3–4 day climb that rewards with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.

How to Reach

The park is located 35 kilometers from Arusha and 60 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)  about an hour’s drive. Visitors can reach the park by private vehicle, organized safari, or transfer from Arusha town. The main entrance is the Ngongongare Gate, where park permits are issued.

Where to Stay

Arusha National Park has several accommodation options both inside and nearby. Inside the park, choices include Momella Wildlife Lodge and Hatari Lodge, offering scenic views and classic safari charm. Just outside, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Mount Meru Game Lodge, and various boutique lodges provide comfort and easy access. For trekkers, Meru Mountain huts serve as base camps during climbs.

Travel Tips/Park Rules

  • The park is malaria-prone carry insect repellent and take precautions.
  • Walking and canoeing safaris must be accompanied by a licensed ranger.
  • Avoid feeding wildlife or stepping out of vehicles in undesignated areas.
  • Carry light layers mornings and evenings can be cool, especially near Mount Meru.
  • For Mount Meru trekking, ensure you’re acclimatized and properly equipped.
  • The park is ideal as a pre-safari destination before heading to Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

Conservation & Responsible Travel

Arusha National Park plays a key role in protecting Mount Meru’s ecosystems, forests, and wildlife corridors connecting to Kilimanjaro. TANAPA and conservation partners work closely with nearby communities to manage resources sustainably and prevent human-wildlife conflict. Visitors can contribute by staying at eco-lodges, reducing plastic use, and respecting park guidelines. Supporting local guides, rangers, and artisans ensures that tourism directly benefits conservation and community livelihoods.