Arusha National Park

Adventure, wildlife, and scenery combine in vibrant Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park offers diverse landscapes, from volcanic peaks to lush craters, only minutes from the city. Visitors enjoy hiking Mount Meru, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and spotting rare Colobus monkeys in forests, all within a compact yet breathtaking Tanzanian destination.

Established

1960

Established

1960

Location

Northern Tanzania

Altitude

1,400 - 4,566 m

Climate

Cool Tropical

Terrain

Mountain Forests

Fauna

Colobus Monkeys

Flora

Montane

A Compact Jewel of Tanzania’s Scenic Treasures!

The park is small, but it has a wide variety of animals. In only one day of exploring, visitors can see giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and a wide range of bird species.

The park is a small area that showcases Tanzania’s beauty through trekking, canoeing, or simply taking in the sights. It works just as well for a quiet day excursion as it does for a memorable start or end to an extended safari.

This national park is only a few minutes from Arusha and Moshi, making it easy to get to a beautiful mix of nature and landscape. Because of where it is, it’s perfect for people who want a brief but meaningful break in nature.

Landscapes change a lot within their boundaries, going from broad savannah and lush rainforests to acacia trees and alpine meadows on the slopes of Mount Meru. Every zone offers fresh sights to explore and capture with your camera.

Best Time To Visit Arusha

Wildlife viewing is excellent all year, but June to October offers the best sightings. Wet months from November to May bring lush scenery, though March and April can be rainy.

Best Time

June to October

High Season

July to March

Low Season

April and May

Best Weather

June to October

Best Time

June to October

High Season

July to March

Low Season

April and May

Best Weather

June to October

Explore East Africa’s Top Safari Packages

Discover an incredible collection of East Africa’s best safari packages. From thrilling game drives and breathtaking landscapes to rich cultures and abundant wildlife, find the perfect journey across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Top Reasons to Visit Stunning Arusha National Park

Beyond the mountain, Arusha is home to Momella Lakes, where seasonal flamingos and waterbirds create a living canvas of color, and the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro,” with its marshy floor teeming with wildlife.

Adding to its charm are unique sites like the Mini Serengeti, where herbivores gather at dawn, and the Fig Tree Arch, a natural wonder large enough for a safari vehicle to pass through. Together with over 400 bird species, this blend of landscapes, wildlife, and rare attractions makes Arusha a park that always surprises.

Beyond the mountain, Arusha is home to Momella Lakes, where seasonal flamingos and waterbirds create a living canvas of color, and the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro,” with its marshy floor teeming with wildlife.

Adding to its charm are unique sites like the Mini Serengeti, where herbivores gather at dawn, and the Fig Tree Arch, a natural wonder large enough for a safari vehicle to pass through. Together with over 400 bird species, this blend of landscapes, wildlife, and rare attractions makes Arusha a park that always surprises.

The park is also known for its breathtaking viewpoints. On clear days, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, its snow-capped peak rising above the clouds like a distant dream.

Arusha’s gentle pace and easy access make it perfect for day trips or short stays. Whether you come for a hike, a drive, or a picnic by the lakes, the park always leaves visitors feeling refreshed and inspired.

Arusha National Park offers an incredible variety of habitats within a small area. From mountain forests and open plains to sparkling lakes, each part of the park feels completely different yet beautifully connected. Exploring it feels like taking several safaris in one place.

The forested slopes of Mount Meru are full of life. Colobus monkeys leap through the treetops, and bushbucks move quietly below. The cool mountain air and peaceful atmosphere make walking safaris here both relaxing and rewarding.

Tanzania Safari FAQs to Guide Your Dream Adventure

It can be overwhelming to plan a safari in Tanzania, but we’ve made it easier for you. Here are the most common questions that people have before going to East Africa’s most famous wildlife destination.

What makes Tanzania different from other safari destinations?

Tanzania is one of Africa’s ultimate safari destinations thanks to its sheer diversity. The Serengeti hosts the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration, Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique chance to see the Big Five in one day, Mount Kilimanjaro promises iconic trekking adventures, and Zanzibar adds beach relaxation after a wildlife-filled safari.

Yes, most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an e-visa online before travel or get one on arrival at airports such as Kilimanjaro International or Dar es Salaam.

The single-entry tourist visa usually costs $50–$100, depending on your nationality, and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Tanzania is fantastic year-round, but wildlife viewing is especially good in the dry season (June–October), when animals gather around rivers and waterholes.

If you want to witness the Great Migration River crossings, July to September is ideal.

For those interested in birdwatching and calving season (when wildebeest give birth), January–February is excellent.

Green season (March–May) brings lush scenery, fewer crowds, and lower prices, though some rains may limit movement.

If you are going to or passing through a place where yellow fever is a concern, you need to get a yellow fever vaccination. It is very important to avoid getting malaria, so talk to your doctor about the best medicine to take.

It’s also a good idea to keep up with your usual vaccinations, like those for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. During your Tanzania Safari, bring bug spray, drink bottled or filtered water, and keep yourself clean.

The most important things are comfort and usefulness. Wearing clothes in neutral colours like khaki, beige, or olive helps you blend in with your surroundings and keeps bugs away. Bring light clothing because it can be cool in the morning and evening, but warm in the afternoon. You need strong walking shoes or boots, especially for game walks or hikes. You should bring binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, a hat with a wide brim, bug spray, and reusable water bottles. When going mountain trekking, you need to wear warm clothes and rain gear.

Yes, tourists may feel safe and welcome in Tanzania. National parks are secure, and the guides are experienced specialists. It’s wise to be careful in cities, just like anywhere else. Don’t carry valuables in plain sight, use licensed cabs, and don’t stroll alone at night. Most guests say they feel comfortable, especially when they go on safari with a trusted company like ours.

The Tanzania Safari Cost depends on the level of comfort and duration. On average:

  • Budget safaris: $200–$300 per person per day (camping or simple lodges).
  • Mid-range safaris: $400–$800 per person per day (comfortable lodges/tented camps).
  • Luxury safaris: $1,000+ per person per day (exclusive lodges, private vehicles, luxury experiences).

The price usually covers accommodation, park fees, meals, and game drives. Flights, visas, and tips are typically extra.

The migration is a year-round event as over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing. In Tanzania, the action is best between December and July:

  • December–March: Calving season in Southern Serengeti.
  • April–June: Herds move north through Central and Western Serengeti.
  • July–October: Famous Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti.
    By November, herds start returning south. Timing depends on rainfall patterns, but Tanzania always hosts a significant part of the cycle.

Of course! Tanzania is an excellent place for families because lodges and camps have family suites, kids’ menus, and activities for young adventurers. You can make game drives shorter, and some camps even feature nature excursions and cultural activities for kids. Kids adore seeing elephants, giraffes, and zebras up close, and parents can relax knowing that the guides are well-trained.

Tanzania isn’t just about game drives. You can also:

  • Trek Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru for world-class climbing adventures.
  • Take a hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti at sunrise.
  • Visit the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes for authentic cultural interactions.
  • Explore the spice farms and pristine beaches of

Explore East Africa’s Timeless Safari Destinations

Journey across Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, where landscapes shift from endless savannahs to misty mountains. Witness lions roaming the Serengeti, gorillas in Rwanda’s volcanoes, and elephants crossing Kenya’s plains. Each destination offers its own beauty, culture, and rhythm, creating a safari experience that defines East Africa’s untamed soul.

Your Complete Travel Guide to Explore The Wild Tanzania!

Explore practical guides to make planning your Tanzania safari easier and more enjoyable. Discover expert insights on budgeting, packing, and seasons, plus local food and cultural tips. Each guide helps you prepare confidently for a relaxed, rewarding, and adventure-filled journey through Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife wonders.

Safari Cost

Know Your Budget

Safari Packing List

Pack Smartly Always

Safari Foods

Taste Local Flavors

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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Find out how amazing East Africa's safaris are, with lions roaming, boundless plains, & vibrant civilizations. Visit Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, & Rwanda, where every sunrise feels fresh & every trip makes you want to go deeper into Africa's untamed heart.