Primates
Black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys in the forest, with olive baboons along the roads.
Northern Tanzania
Arusha National Park – Walking Safaris, Mount Meru & Day Trips
Forests, crater lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru, less than an hour from Arusha — walk, canoe and drive among giraffes, colobus monkeys and flamingos.
Northern Tanzania · 45 min – 1 hr by road from Arusha
Overview
About Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is small, green and astonishingly varied. In just over 550 km² it stretches from the Ngurdoto Crater and its forest-covered rim, across the shimmering Momella Lakes, to the rugged slopes of Mount Meru — at 4,566 metres, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.
Because it is so close to Arusha, it is often overlooked by visitors heading straight for the Serengeti. That is a pity: this is one of the few parks in northern Tanzania where you can walk with an armed ranger, paddle a canoe among waterbirds and see black-and-white colobus monkeys in the treetops, all on the same day.
Arusha National Park is ideal for a first or last day of a safari, a day trip from Arusha or Moshi, or as the gateway to a Mount Meru climb — a superb trek in its own right and excellent acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro.
Highlights
Top reasons to visit Arusha
- 01
Walking safaris
Walk with an armed park ranger past giraffes and buffalo — an experience few parks in the north offer.
- 02
Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Paddle across the Small Momella Lake for close views of waterbirds and the forested hills.
- 03
Colobus monkeys
The park’s montane forest is one of the best places to see black-and-white colobus monkeys.
- 04
Mount Meru
Climb Tanzania’s second-highest peak on a beautiful 3–4 day trek with wildlife on the lower slopes.
- 05
Ngurdoto Crater
Look down into a lush, untouched crater floor from viewpoints along its forested rim.
- 06
Easy day trip
Under an hour from Arusha — perfect after arrival, before a flight or between longer journeys.
Wildlife & birdlife
Animals of Arusha
Arusha National Park is not a Big Five park — lions are generally absent — but its variety of habitats creates a wonderful mix of animals and birds.
Grazers & browsers
Giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog, waterbuck, bushbuck and the shy red duiker. Elephants are present but less often seen.
Lakes & birds
Flamingos often feed on the alkaline Momella Lakes, with grebes, ducks, herons and many forest birds such as turacos and trogons.
Leopard & hyena
Leopard and spotted hyena live in the park but are seldom seen; walking safaris focus on tracks and smaller details.
Look out for
- Black-and-white colobus
- Blue monkey
- Masai giraffe
- Cape buffalo
- Plains zebra
- Waterbuck
- Bushbuck
- Red duiker
- Warthog
- Hippo
- Lesser flamingo
- Hartlaub’s turaco
- Narina trogon
- Augur buzzard
Landscapes & ecosystems
The land itself
Three landscapes meet in the park. In the east, the Ngurdoto Crater is ringed by montane forest, its floor a protected swamp seen only from above. In the centre lie the Momella Lakes, shallow alkaline lakes that change colour with the minerals and algae in their waters.
To the west rises Mount Meru, an ancient volcano whose eastern side collapsed long ago, leaving a dramatic horseshoe crater and the Ash Cone inside it. On clear mornings, Kilimanjaro appears on the horizon to the east.
Experiences
Things to do in Arusha
- 01
Walking safari
Guided walks with an armed ranger through grassland and forest, usually 2–3 hours.
- 02
Canoe safari
Paddle on the Small Momella Lake with a guide — a peaceful way to watch birds and wildlife.
- 03
Game drive
A loop past Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes and the foothills of Meru in a private vehicle.
- 04
Mount Meru climb
A 3–4 day trek with mountain huts, wildlife on the lower slopes and a spectacular summit ridge.
- 05
Waterfall walks
Short forest walks lead to waterfalls and viewpoints on the lower slopes of Mount Meru.
Day trips & experiences nearby
All day tripsWhen to go
Best time to visit Arusha
The park can be visited all year. For the Mount Meru climb and clear Kilimanjaro views, the dry months are best; the green season is lush and good for birds.
Green season
January · Clear mornings
Warm days with clear mornings and good chances of seeing Kilimanjaro. Good for climbing Meru.
Green season
February · Good climbing month
Usually dry enough for Mount Meru, with lush forests and excellent birdlife.
Long rains
March · The rains begin
Afternoon storms build through the month. Landscapes are at their most dramatic and there are very few other vehicles.
Long rains
April · Long rains
The wettest month. Some roads become muddy and a few camps close, but rates are at their lowest and the scenery is lush.
Long rains
May · Rains ease
Showers ease towards the end of the month and the bush is deep green. A peaceful time to travel with flexible plans.
Dry season
June · Cool and dry
Cool, dry and excellent for walking safaris and climbing Meru.
Dry season
July · Excellent game viewing
Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings. One of the most popular months — book early.
Dry season
August · Peak dry season
Animals gather near permanent water and sightings are at their most reliable. Expect warm days and chilly nights.
Dry season
September · Golden and dry
Very dry landscapes and superb wildlife concentrations. Warm days, beautiful light for photography.
Dry season
October · Late dry season
Hot, dusty and rewarding. Water sources are few, so predators and prey meet often. Fewer visitors than August.
Short rains
November · Short rains
Brief showers refresh the land and bring migrant birds. The bush turns green quickly and rates soften.
Short rains
December · Lush and festive
Green forests and passing showers; a good choice for a holiday-season day trip.
- Dry season
- Green season
- Short rains
- Long rains
Getting there
Getting there & getting around
The park’s Momella Gate is about 35 km from Arusha, around 45 minutes to an hour by road, and roughly 1½ hours from Moshi. It is the closest national park to Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Most visitors explore on a day trip in a private vehicle. Mount Meru climbs start at Momella Gate, where you meet your ranger and porters.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Arusha
Most visitors stay in Arusha or in the coffee estates and gardens around Usa River, close to the park gate.
Mid-RangeArusha Planet Lodge
ArushaA relaxed garden lodge of African-style chalets on the edge of Arusha, with Mount Meru views, a pool and spa — an easy first or last night of a safari.
View the lodge →
LuxuryMount Meru Hotel
ArushaA large, full-service hotel in Arusha with a pool, gym, spa, two restaurants and a range of rooms and suites — convenient for business and leisure travellers alike.
View the lodge →
Ultra LuxuryGran Meliá Arusha
ArushaArusha’s grandest hotel, set among coffee plantations with views of Mount Meru — infinity pool, spa, rooftop bar, six restaurants and bars, and suites with butler service.
View the lodge →Recommended itineraries
Safaris that visit Arusha
Arusha National Park makes a perfect day trip or a gentle start to a longer safari.
Mount Meru
3-Day Mount Meru Climb
Tanzania’s second-highest mountain in three days: wildlife on the lower slopes, montane forest, a dramatic crater rim and Socialist Peak.
- Summit
- 4,566 m
- Pace
- Challenging
- Begins
- Momella Gate
from $750 ppView journey
Mount Meru
4-Day Mount Meru Climb
Mount Meru at a balanced pace: wildlife, montane forest, a sunrise summit on Socialist Peak and a second night at Miriakamba Hut.
- Summit
- 4,566 m
- Pace
- Challenging
- Begins
- Momella Gate
from $850 ppView journey
Regions & areas
Areas to explore
01
All year · forest & viewsArusha
Ngurdoto Crater
A forested crater with viewpoints over its swampy floor — a refuge for buffalo and a haven for monkeys and birds.
02
All year · flamingos & canoeingArusha
Momella Lakes
A string of shallow alkaline lakes, each a slightly different colour, where flamingos and waterbirds feed.
03
June – October & Jan – Feb · climbingArusha
Mount Meru
The park’s highest point, with a dramatic crater and summit ridge; its lower slopes hold forest and grassland full of wildlife.
Before you go
Essential travel information
Park fees
Park entry, walking and canoe fees are set by Tanzania National Parks and are included in our quotes.
Walking safaris
Walks are led by an armed park ranger. Wear closed shoes and neutral colours, and follow your ranger’s instructions.
Climbing Mount Meru
Meru is steep and high. Good fitness and warm, waterproof clothing are essential — we provide a full packing list.
What to pack
A warm layer, rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and binoculars.
Fees, rules and opening times can change. For the latest official information, visit Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) ↗
Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct
National Park
Kilimanjaro
Summit climbs, rainforest hikes
Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing peak — climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m with our team from Moshi, or explore its rainfo…
6–9 days to climbExplore
Year-round
Safari capital
Arusha
Coffee farms, culture, first night
Tanzania’s safari capital at the foot of Mount Meru — a lively, green city of coffee farms, markets and culture, and the starting point for journeys …
1–2 nightsExplore
Year-round
Kilimanjaro gateway
Moshi
Waterfalls, coffee, hot springs
Our home town at the foot of Kilimanjaro — waterfalls, coffee farms, hot springs and crater lakes, with Africa’s highest mountain watching over every…
2–3 nightsExplore
Questions
Arusha safari FAQs
Can’t find your answer? Our team in Moshi is happy to help.
Ask on WhatsAppIs Arusha National Park worth visiting?
Yes — it offers walking safaris, canoeing, colobus monkeys and beautiful scenery very close to Arusha. It complements the larger parks rather than competing with them.
Can you see the Big Five in Arusha National Park?
No. Lions are generally absent and rhino are not found here. Buffalo and elephant are present, and leopard is rarely seen.
Can you do a day trip to Arusha National Park?
Yes, it is ideal for a day trip from Arusha or Moshi, combining a game drive, a walking safari and canoeing.
How long does it take to climb Mount Meru?
Usually three or four days on the Momella route, staying in mountain huts. It is a great acclimatisation climb before Kilimanjaro.
Can you walk in Arusha National Park?
Yes. Walking safaris with an armed ranger are one of the park’s highlights.
Is canoeing in Arusha National Park safe?
Yes. Canoe trips on the Small Momella Lake are guided and follow park safety rules, with life jackets provided.
Photo gallery
Start planning
Plan your day in Arusha National Park
Walk, canoe and explore the slopes of Mount Meru — tell us when you arrive and we will plan the perfect day or climb.
- Call us+255 762 032 480
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Email[email protected]
- OfficeMoshi, Kilimanjaro, TanzaniaEvery day · 08:00 – 18:00 EAT