Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park offers a different side of Tanzania's safari experience, where lush forests, sparkling lakes, and volcanic landscapes replace endless savannahs. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, the park is renowned for its scenic beauty, diverse habitats, and unique activities, including walking safaris and canoe safaris that bring you even closer to nature.
Location:
Located just 40 km (25 miles) from Arusha city, Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania's accessible national parks. It sits on the slopes of Mount Meru, Africa's fifth-highest mountain, making it an ideal addition to the Northern Safari Circuit or a perfect introduction before travelling to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire.
Size:
Covering approximately 552 km² (213 sq mi), the park encompasses a variety of landscapes, from lush montane forests and open grasslands to volcanic craters, waterfalls, and the beautiful Momella Lakes.
Seasons:
- Dry Season (June – October): Pleasant temperatures and excellent visibility make this the ideal season for game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing.
- Green Season (November – May): The park becomes lush and vibrant, with waterfalls flowing at their fullest and migratory birds arriving in large numbers.
Best time to visit:
Arusha National Park can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The dry season offers the best conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing, while the green season rewards visitors with beautiful scenery, excellent birdwatching, and fewer crowds.
Animal population:
Although it is not known for the Big Five, Arusha National Park supports healthy populations of giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, and colobus monkeys. The Momella Lakes also attract thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds throughout the year.
Highlights:
- Home to the majestic Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain
- One of the few parks in Tanzania offering guided walking safaris
- Canoe safaris on the scenic Momella Lakes
- Beautiful waterfalls, volcanic craters, and lush montane forests
- Excellent birdwatching with more than 400 recorded bird species
Animal species:
- Large Mammals: giraffe, buffalo, zebra, waterbuck, warthog, and bushbuck
- Primates: black-and-white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and vervet monkey
- Predators: leopard (rare), spotted hyena, and serval
- Lake Wildlife: flamingos, pelicans, herons, and other waterbirds around the Momella Lakes
- Birdlife: over 400 recorded species, making it a rewarding destination for bird lovers
Your Safari Experience in Arusha National Park
Your adventure begins beneath the dense canopy of montane forest, where black-and-white colobus monkeys leap gracefully between the trees and colourful birds fill the morning air with song. As you continue through the park, the landscape changes dramatically, revealing open plains, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking views of Mount Meru rising above the horizon.
Unlike many safari destinations, Arusha National Park offers the chance to experience nature on foot or by canoe. Walking alongside an experienced ranger or quietly paddling across the Momella Lakes allows you to appreciate the park from a completely different perspective, with giraffes grazing nearby, buffaloes resting along the shoreline, and flamingos gathering in the shallow waters.
As the day comes to an end, the golden light reflects across the lakes while Mount Meru stands silhouetted against the evening sky, creating a peaceful finale to one of Tanzania's most scenic safari experiences. Whether you're beginning your safari adventure or looking for a quieter escape into nature, Arusha National Park offers unforgettable landscapes, unique activities, and memorable wildlife encounters.
Ready to experience Arusha National Park for yourself?
Let Malaika Oasis Safari create a tailor-made journey that combines the beauty of Mount Meru, the tranquillity of the Momella Lakes, and the unique experiences that make Arusha National Park unlike anywhere else on Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit.
Get in touch with us or check our ''Know Before You Go'' page
malaikaoasis.safari@gmail.com
WhatsApp: + 420 733 711 647