The Ultimate safari Guide to Arusha National Park
Highlights In Arusha Natiomal Park!
- View Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and the fifth-highest in Africa
- Discover the wildlife-filled Ngurdoto Crater, often called "Little Ngorongoro
- Watch thousands of pink flamingos along the edges of the Momella Lakes
- Spot rare black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping through the treetops
- Experience a combination of forest, lakes, grassland, and crater scenery
🗺️ Overview of the Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, officially established in 1960, is one of Tanzania’s older national parks. Before it became protected, the area was inhabited by local communities, including the Maasai and the Meru people. The Meru people, known for their RWA social structure lived on the slopes of Mount Meru and practiced farming and livestock keeping. These communities had deep cultural and spiritual ties to the land and its natural features.
The park was later gazetted to protect the rich biodiversity and unique landscapes around Mount Meru, which is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and the fifth-highest in Africa. The mountain provides a beautiful backdrop to the park’s scenery.
Located just a short drive from Arusha town, Arusha National Park offers a mix of forest, open plains, crater lakes, and grassy savannahs, all within a compact area. This variety supports a wide range of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The park is also home to over 400 bird species, making it an excellent location for bird watching.
Unlike many other parks, Arusha National Park allows guided walking safaris, giving visitors a chance to explore nature on foot with a ranger. Highlights include the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes, where flamingos are often seen in season. With its diverse ecosystems, rich cultural history, and accessibility, Arusha National Park is a valuable destination for both nature and culture-focused travellers.
Things to Do in Arusha National Park
Wildlife Viewing Through Guided Game Drives
Game drives are one of the main ways to explore Arusha National Park’s diverse environments. During a game drive, you will travel in a 4×4 vehicle along different trails that pass through open grasslands, forests, and around the park’s lakes. This allows you to see a variety of animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and several species of monkeys. The changing scenery, from plains to forests and volcanic craters, provides an interesting backdrop while spotting wildlife. Game drives can be done in the morning, afternoon, or even as a night drive in some parts of the park.
Exploring Nature on Foot with Walking Safaris
Walking safaris in Arusha National Park offer a different way to experience nature by exploring on foot. Guided by a professional and armed ranger, you will walk through designated areas of the park where you can observe smaller wildlife, plants, and birds closely. Walking allows you to notice details that are often missed on vehicle safaris, such as animal tracks, insects, and plant life. This activity also gives a more personal and quiet experience in the bush, though safety is always a priority. It is suitable for those who enjoy being active and want a closer connection with nature.
Canoeing Safaris on the Momella Lakes
Canoeing on the Momella Lakes is a peaceful and unique activity within Arusha National Park. The lakes are a series of shallow, alkaline lakes that attract many water birds and wildlife. From the canoe, you can quietly approach hippos, flamingos, and other water birds without disturbing them. The calm water offers beautiful reflections of Mount Meru and the surrounding landscape. Canoeing is usually done in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife activity is higher and temperatures are cooler. It’s a gentle way to explore the park from a different perspective.
Horse Riding Safaris Around the Slopes of Mount Meru
Horse riding is available in and around Arusha National Park and provides an alternative way to explore the area. Riding a horse lets you cover more ground than walking while still allowing a quiet and low-impact approach to wildlife. It is an activity suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. You will be accompanied by trained guides who ensure safety and offer knowledge about the park’s environment. Horseback safaris often follow trails through forested areas and open plains, offering chances to see wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Guided Cycling Tours in and Around the Park
Horse riding is available in and around Arusha National Park and provides an alternative way to explore the area. Riding a horse lets you cover more ground than walking while still allowing a quiet and low-impact approach to wildlife. It is an activity suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. You will be accompanied by trained guides who ensure safety and offer knowledge about the park’s environment. Horseback safaris often follow trails through forested areas and open plains, offering chances to see wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Hiking Mount Meru-A Multi-Day Climb with Scenic Views
Mount Meru, standing at 4,566 meters, is the centrepiece of Arusha National Park and offers a rewarding hiking experience. The climb typically takes three to four days, passing through several ecological zones including tropical forest, moorland, and alpine desert. Hiking Mount Meru provides stunning views of the surrounding park and, on clear days, a distant view of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is less crowded than Kilimanjaro, offering a quieter trekking experience. Along the way, hikers may spot wildlife such as buffaloes and colobus monkeys. This hike is suitable for people with reasonable fitness levels and some hiking experience.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options Near Arusha National Park
Arusha Planet Lodge
Arusha Planet Lodge is a welcoming mid-range property tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by gardens and lush greenery. The lodge offers chalet-style rooms built using local materials, each with a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, and mosquito nets. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy local and international meals at the on-site restaurant, and take in the quiet ambiance. The staff are known for their hospitality, making the lodge popular with solo travelers, couples, and families alike. It’s a great value for those seeking comfort without the price of high-end hotels.
Gran Meliá Arusha
Gran Meliá Arusha is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the region, offering a five-star experience just a short drive from the park. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms and suites, many with views of Mount Meru, and includes premium amenities such as a full-service spa, modern gym, rooftop bar, and several fine dining restaurants. It’s also located on a coffee and tea plantation, adding a scenic backdrop to your stay. With its high standards of service, Gran Meliá is ideal for honeymooners, business travelers, or anyone seeking a touch of luxury before heading into the wilderness.
Forest Hill Hotel
Forest Hill Hotel offers a quiet and refreshing escape surrounded by forested landscapes on the outskirts of Arusha. The hotel is designed to blend into its natural environment and provides clean, cozy rooms with simple wooden furniture and en-suite bathrooms. There is a restaurant on site serving freshly made meals, often featuring local produce. It’s a good choice for nature lovers or travelers who prefer a serene setting to rest and recharge. The calm surroundings make Forest Hill a relaxing base either before or after your safari adventures.
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is a historic hotel located in the heart of Arusha city, offering modern convenience mixed with colonial-era charm. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, equipped with all the essentials for a restful stay. Guests can enjoy a well-kept garden, fitness center, and several dining options on site. Because of its central location, the hotel is also close to shops, ATMs, and markets, making it easy for travelers to explore Arusha. It is a reliable choice for those who want city access with the comfort of an international brand.
Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa
Arusha Serena Hotel offers a peaceful setting surrounded by manicured gardens and scenic mountain views. The hotel’s rooms are housed in charming stone cottages with thatched roofs, giving the property a traditional yet elegant look. Guests can relax at the spa, dine at the restaurant serving local and international cuisine, or simply enjoy the beautifully landscaped environment. Located a short drive from both Arusha town and the park entrance, it’s ideal for couples or families who want a relaxing and scenic base.
Moivaro Lodge
Moivaro Lodge is a tranquil property set just outside Arusha town, known for its spacious gardens, fresh air, and friendly vibe. It features cottage-style accommodation, each with its own veranda, offering privacy and a cozy atmosphere. The lodge has a restaurant that prepares meals using vegetables from its garden, and there’s also a swimming pool and spa for guests to enjoy. Moivaro is especially popular with families, groups, and nature lovers who want a quiet place to relax in between safari days. It combines comfort, local style, and a touch of rural charm.
How to Get to Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Tanzania, making it an ideal place to begin your safari adventure. It is located just about 40 minutes’ drive (roughly 35 km) from Arusha town, a major tourism hub in northern Tanzania. If you’re flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the park is only about 1.5 hours away by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Most visitors begin their journey in Arusha, where tour operators can easily organize day trips or longer visits to the park. The roads are well-maintained, and a 4×4 vehicle is often used for game drives inside the park. Whether you’re arriving from the airport, Arusha town, or connecting from other parks in the northern circuit like Tarangire or Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park offers a smooth and convenient starting point for exploring Tanzania’s rich wildlife and landscapes.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park may be small in size, but it is full of unique and beautiful places to explore. From craters and lakes to rivers and waterfalls, every corner of the park offers something different. Here are some of the special highlights
🦬 Uwanja wa Mbogo (Buffalo Glade)
This peaceful open area is a great place to spot buffalo, warthogs, and sometimes giraffes grazing in the grasslands. The name “Uwanja wa Mbogo” means “Buffalo Field” in Swahili. Surrounded by forest and backed by views of Mount Meru, this spot offers excellent chances to see wildlife, especially during a walking safari.
🌋 Ngurdoto Crater
Also known as “Little Ngorongoro,” Ngurdoto Crater is a collapsed volcanic caldera with steep walls and a swampy floor. The crater is about 3 km wide and home to buffalo, baboons, monkeys, and birds. Although visitors can’t descend into the crater, there are scenic viewpoints along the rim where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views and spot animals from above.
🌄 Meru Crater
Located on the slopes of Mount Meru, this crater provides stunning landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities. With thick forest, waterfalls, and wildlife, it’s a popular area for nature walks and more serious climbs. It’s also a great place for photography, especially in the early morning when the clouds are low and the light is soft.
⛰️ Tululusia Hill and Waterfall
This forested hill offers beautiful hiking trails that lead to the Tululusia Waterfall, a hidden gem inside the park. The trail passes through montane forest full of birds, monkeys, and sometimes bush bucks. The waterfall itself is refreshing and scenic, especially after the rainy season when the water flow is strong.
🦢 Momella Lakes
A series of shallow, alkaline lakes found in the northeastern part of the park, the Momella Lakes are famous for their birdlife. Here, you can spot flamingos, herons, Egyptian geese, and many other water birds. The lakes also reflect Mount Meru on clear days, making it a perfect spot for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
🦛 Lake Longil
Unlike the alkaline Momella Lakes, Lake Longil is a freshwater lake, and it’s popular among animals such as waterbucks and buffalo who come to drink. It’s quieter and less visited, offering a peaceful spot for enjoying the sounds of nature
🌳 Fig Tree Arch
One of the most iconic landmarks in the park is the Fig Tree Arch—a giant wild fig tree that has grown in such a way that vehicles can pass underneath it. It’s a great photo stop and an example of how nature can create surprising and beautiful shapes.
💧 Ngarenanyuki River
Flowing through the heart of the park, the Ngarenanyuki River is a lifeline for many animals, especially during the dry season. Along the riverbanks, you might see monkeys, antelopes, and even leopards if you’re lucky. It’s also a good area for walking safaris, offering both bird watching and beautiful natural scenery.
