Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru in Tanzania, Arusha National Park is a captivating blend of diverse ecosystems, rich wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. This compact yet stunning park offers a unique safari experience, allowing visitors to witness the incredible diversity of flora and fauna against the backdrop of towering mountains and lush greenery. From the scenic Momella Lakes and the lush Ngurdoto Crater to the majestic Mount Meru itself, Arusha National Park invites adventurers to discover the wonders of East Africa in a single, immersive destination. Whether hiking through the montane forests, encountering giraffes and zebras on the savannah, or marveling at the vibrant birdlife, Arusha National Park promises a memorable journey through the heart of Tanzania's natural beauty.
With so much to do and see at Arusha National Park, here are some of the attractions that will leave a lasting impression:
At over 4500 meters, this dormant volcano is the fifth highest mountain in Africa and the second highest in Tanzania. It is the topographic centrepiece of the Arusha National Park, and the rich fertile mountain supports a wide variety of post-ice-age flora and fauna. It is a hiking delight and can prepare tourists for the Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Unlike Kilimanjaro, it is visible all year round and is easier to climb than its juggernaut counterpart.
Momella lakes are a series of seven shallow lakes within the National park; these are El Kekhotoito, Rishateni, Tulusia, Lekandiro, Kusare, Small Momella and Big Momella. The presence of algae gives them all their characteristic blue and green looks. Tourists can go on a canoeing Safari on Small Momella and catch a glimpse of exotic birds and dazzling water life
This historical hill was once a lookout spot during the Tanzanian tribal wars of years past. The area around it is heavily forested and a home to many of East Africa’s wildlife fauna including the mischievous White Colobus monkey,
Stretching about 3km across, the crater is steep-sided and surrounded by dense forestation, the crater floor, however, is a swamp and is home to many of Africa’s Safari animals. Due to the nature of the surroundings, it is prohibited to get to the bottom of the crater, but tourists can still enjoy the panoramic view overhead.
The national park is 45 minutes’ drive from Arusha and about 90 minutes from Moshi. The roads are in good condition and you can hire a car or take public transport from Arusha or Moshi.
There are direct scheduled flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam to Arusha Airport every day. Most often, tour operators are present at the Arusha airport to pick up tourists and they also handle any further transportation from there.
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Arusha National Park features a great wildlife viewing all through the year. But the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from June to October. The park is not always crowded between July and March. You can visit during the wet season when the scenery is picturesque and impressive. March and April are the peak months for heavy rainfall and should be avoided because the downpours may disrupt your safari experience.
Hiking on the Mount Meru is an enthralling experience. The mountain is a resident volcano and holds many millions of years of volcanic history for the curious mind to explore.
Wildlife viewing takes place all through the year, but during the wet season, the roads become difficult to navigate. You may need the 4×4 vehicles for your safari adventure during this period.
Bondeni Street, Pangani Road
Arusha, Tanzania
+255 699 815 313