Arusha National Park is a small but incredibly diverse reserve located in northeastern Tanzania, just a short drive from the city of Arusha making it a perfect starting or ending point for any northern safari circuit. Despite its compact size, the park offers a stunning variety of landscapes and ecosystems, all framed by spectacular views of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro.
This charming park is a sanctuary of contrasts: from tropical rainforests, alpine moorlands, and volcanic craters to lakes, waterfalls, and open grassy plains. It’s the ideal setting for a wide range of animal and bird species.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the sight of silvery-cheeked hornbills, trogons, and thousands of flamingos that gather on the alkaline lakes. The park is also the only place in northern Tanzania where you can reliably spot the black-and-white colobus monkey, swinging through the canopy of ancient fig trees.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle walking safari, a canoe trip on Momella Lakes, or just a peaceful day in nature before heading to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Arusha National Park delivers a unique and tranquil wildlife experience.
Located within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is a striking and often overlooked mountain that offers an unforgettable trekking experience. Standing at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet), it is Tanzania’s second highest peak, and a dormant volcano with a dramatic, jagged crater rim and forested slopes teeming with wildlife.
Though less famous than nearby Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is equally breathtaking and more tranquil. The climb is challenging yet deeply rewarding, with panoramic views from the summit stretching across the steppes of Arusha National Park, the Momella Lakes, and on clear days, even Mount Kilimanjaro itself.
For those not aiming for the summit, a guided day hike on the lower slopes offers an excellent opportunity to explore the mountain’s lush forests, spot wildlife like giraffes, monkeys, and bushbucks, and enjoy a completely different perspective of the park.
At African Landscape Adventures, we organize both full summit treks and scenic day hikes tailored to your fitness level and interests. Whether you’re preparing for Kilimanjaro or looking for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Mount Meru is a perfect choice.
One of the highlights of Arusha National Park is the chance to step out of the vehicle and experience wildlife up close and on foot. The park offers both guided walking safaris and canoe excursions a rare opportunity in Tanzania’s national parks.
Accompanied by an armed ranger, a walking safari allows you to explore the park’s open landscapes and lush forests at ground level. It’s a thrilling way to encounter buffalo, bushbucks, warthogs, and various primates while learning about the ecosystem, tracks, and plant life from your guide.
For a different perspective, head to the Momella Lakes, located in the northeast of the park. These scenic lakes are ideal for a peaceful canoe safari, where you can quietly paddle past hippos, watch giraffes grazing on the shoreline, and spot a stunning array of birdlife, including herons, flamingos, and fish eagles.
These non-motorized safaris offer a refreshing change from traditional game drives and provide a deeper, more immersive connection with nature making your time in Arusha National Park truly unforgettable.
Travel Tip: Arusha town is only 45 minutes away, making the park ideal for a day trip or first stop on your northern safari. Mount Kilimanjaro is also nearby just 50 km (31 miles) from the park.
Arusha National Park is known for the black-and-white colobus monkeys, Mount Meru, swamps, lakes, waterfalls and craters! A beautiful park with a wide diversity of landscapes and wildlife.
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