Arusha National Park is a small, delightful park tucked away in the northeast of Tanzania, not far from Arusha city. It’s a place where you can gaze out at the towering Mount Kilimanjaro while exploring a world brimming with wildlife and diverse landscapes. Here, you can wander through everything from lush rainforests and quiet lakes to misty swamps and even a volcano. The park is home to lots of different plants and animals. You might spot the unique black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the trees or hear the loud call of the silvery-cheeked hornbills.
- This is one of the few places in northern Tanzania where you can see the colobus monkeys up close.
- The park offers a variety of landscapes, including Mount Meru, cool forests, peaceful lakes, craters, and swampy areas.
- It’s just a short trip from the city of Arusha, making it easy to come and explore for a day or more.
Arusha National Park is a special spot in Tanzania, perfect for a quick escape into nature or a longer adventure. It’s a place where you can connect with the wild during Safaris in Tanzania and take home memories of a stunning landscape.
Best Time To Visit
A world where colobus monkeys play, Mount Meru reigns, and every path leads to adventure among lakes and waterfalls!
Visiting Arusha National Park is great all year, but the dry months from June to October are ideal for wildlife watching as animals gather at water sources. This time is also when it’s sunny, and there’s less rain, making it easier to explore.On the other hand, the park turns lush and vibrant from November to May, offering stunning views of Mounts Meru and Kilimanjaro, especially from December to February.
Rates drop, and the park is less crowded in the wetter months of April and May, which also represents a spectacular display of migratory birds.
Wildlife
Arusha National Park offers a unique peek into the world of Tanzanian wildlife, distinct from its northern counterparts. While you might spot the occasional buffalo, the park really shines with its variety of forest dwellers and graceful giraffes that roam with Mount Meru in the backdrop.
Look out for blue monkeys and the striking Kilimanjaro colobus among the treetops. The park’s waters are a playground for hippos, and its underbrush hides the shy bushbuck and small, elusive antelopes like Harvey’s red duiker and suni. Though large predators are rare, keep your eyes peeled for a leopard or a stealthy hyena.
Arusha National Park is easily accessible and showcases diverse wildlife and landscapes, including colobus monkeys, waterfalls, and the majestic Mount Meru.
The park features seven beautiful lakes: Small Momella, Big Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, El Kekhotoito, Tulusia, and Rishateni.
Arusha National Park is a short 45-minute drive from Arusha city. If arriving from Dar es Salaam, it takes about 12 hours by bus or one hour by plane to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.
The climate is generally warm and temperate with minimal rainfall, but it can get chilly from mid-May to September, so bring a jacket.
The park is open year-round, but the best game-viewing times are from December to March and June to September during the dry seasons.
Wildlife
Arusha National Park boasts Africa's largest giraffe population.
Hiking
Climb Mount Meru and witness breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro.
Canoeing
Explore the Momella Lakes by canoe for unique wildlife sightings.
Crater
Discover diverse animals in the lush Ngurdoto Crater.
Lakes
Visit Lake Longil, a prime spot for buffalo and waterbuck.
Safaris
Go on walking safaris to encounter wildlife up close.
