Arusha National Park

About Arusha National Park

Located just 45 minutes from Arusha city, this compact but stunning park offers a mix of wildlife, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of Mount Meru (Tanzania’s second-highest peak).

Key Features of Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park, Preserve, northern Tanzania. Established in 1960, the park contains a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is the site of Mount Meru (14,978 ft [4,565 m]) and Ngurdoto Crater, an extinct volcano. Nearby are Mount Kilimanjaro, Olduvai Gorge, and Ngorongoro Crater, whose surrounding area teems with wildlife.

Close-up of an African elephant in Arusha, Tanzania, showcasing its majestic presence in the wild.

Diverse Wildlife

Giraffes (common, often up close). Colobus monkeys (black-and-white, with long tails). Buffaloes, zebras, dik-diks, and bushbucks. Flamingos (seasonal, at Momella Lakes). Leopards & hyenas (rare but present).

Close-up of an African elephant in Arusha, Tanzania, showcasing its majestic presence in the wild.

Best Time to Visit

June-October (Dry Season) – Best wildlife viewing. November-May (Green Season) – Lush scenery, fewer crowds.

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Activities in Arusha National Park

✔ Game Drives – Spot wildlife in open savannah & forest. Walking Safaris – Only park near Arusha allowing guided bush walks. Canoeing – On Momella Lakes (hippos & birdlife). Hiking – To Tululusia Falls or Mount Meru’s lower slopes. Birdwatching – Over 400 species, including flamingos & eagles.

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Where to Stay

Luxury: Hatari Lodge (historic, stunning Meru views). Mid-Range: Momella Wildlife Lodge. Budget: Arusha town hotels (day trip only).

Beautiful villa with pool illuminated at twilight in Kayaköy, Türkiye, offering a serene vacation spot.

Why Visit Arusha National Park

Less crowded than Serengeti/Ngorongoro. Unique activities (walking safaris, canoeing). Perfect for families & short trips. Stunning views of Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro (on clear days).

A serene safari scene with African elephants and a hot air balloon over a lush savannah.

Tour Description

Arusha National Park has a lot to offer and dazzles with a perfect mix of flora and fauna and diversified landscapes. Passing the “small Serengeti” during a game drive, you are likely to spot peaceful herds of buffaloes, shy bushbucks on the edge of the forest as well as warthogs and zebras

A zebra grazing peacefully in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Full-Day Itinerary: Arusha National Park

In the morning, we will collect you from your hotel in Arusha and take you to the Arusha National Park. The park has an incredible variety of fauna and flora, which cannot fail to impress. Your day trip will include a visit to the Ngurudoto Crater. Buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and baboons can be seen all year round as well as many different bird species. At the Momella Gate, an armed ranger will be waiting for you to accompany you on your walking safari that will give you the chance to experience the wildlife up-close. Only a few other national parks in Tanzania give you such an opportunity and it is something that should not be missed. Lunch will be taken at a picnic place and in the afternoon, you will continue your tour in the safari vehicle through the Arusha National Park. After plenty of time allocated for you to observe the wildlife, we will take you back to Moshi

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Why Visit Arusha National Park with Rauforest Adventure?

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What to Bring?

  • Hiking shoes (trail can be slippery)
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Small backpack for personal items

Included

✔️ Hotel pick-up & drop-off (Moshi)
✔️ Professional English-speaking guide
✔️ Entrance fees 
✔️ lunch
✔️ Drinking water

Excluded

✖ International flights & visas.
✖ Tips for guides/staff (recommended 20−20−30/day).

✖Travel Insurance 

Frequently Asked Questions

Distance from Arusha town: ~45 minutes (35 km).Distance from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO): ~1.5 hours (60 km).Nearest major town: Arusha (gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit).

Compact size (552 km²) but diverse landscapes (lakes, forests, savannah, and a volcano).
✅ One of the few parks allowing walking safaris & canoeing.
✅ Best views of Mount Meru (4,566m).
✅ No lions or elephants, making it safer for walking tours.

  • 🦒 Common sightings:Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, colobus monkeys, flamingos (seasonal).

  • 🐾 Rare but possible:Leopards, hyenas, dik-diks, bushbucks.

  • 🦜 Birdlife: 400+ species, including fish eagles and flamingos.

  • Yes, on clear days (best views from Momella Lakes or Meru viewpoints).

✔ Game drives (morning/afternoon).
✔ Guided walking safaris (unique in Tanzania!).
✔ Canoeing on Momella Lakes (hippos & birds).
✔ Hiking to Tululusia Waterfall.
✔ Mount Meru trekking (3-4 days; requires a guide).

✅ Yes, with an armed ranger (buffaloes are the main concern).
❌ No lions or elephants, reducing danger.