Currently seeing:
Mount Meru rising above acacia-dotted savanna grasslands in Arusha National Park, Tanzania
National ParkArusha National Park
Lakes, craters, and giraffes at the foot of Mount Meru, just minutes from Arusha.
Just outside the city, Arusha National Park is often the first stop for travellers beginning a Tanzania safari itinerary. Although it may be smaller than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, what it lacks in size it makes up for in variety. Within a single day trip, you can move from volcanic craters to forested slopes, alkaline lakes, and open plains. The highlights come one after another. The Momela Lakes shimmer in shades of green and blue, drawing flocks of flamingoes and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. The dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro,” is home to buffalo and warthogs in its swampy floor. On the grasslands, giraffes stroll between herds of zebra, while monkeys chatter in the forest canopy. Unlike many other stops on the Tanzania safari circuit, this park allows for a mix of activities. You can explore on a game drive, stretch your legs on a guided walking safari, or try something rare in East Africa: canoeing on the Momela Lakes with wildlife at the water’s edge. With Mount Meru rising above it and Kilimanjaro visible on clear days, the scenery is as memorable as the wildlife. And with its location just 40 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport and easily accessible through the Arusha gate, the park is perfectly placed for those who want to start or end their safari with a taste of Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife.
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Best time to go to Arusha National Park
The best time to visit Arusha National Park is in the dry seasons (June–October and December–February), when wildlife is easier to spot on game drives and conditions are best for walking safaris and canoeing on the Momela Lakes. These months also bring clear views of Mount Meru and, on some days, Kilimanjaro in the distance. The green seasons (March–May and November) transform the park with lush vegetation and excellent birdlife, particularly flamingos, although wildlife can be more dispersed. For travellers adding the park to a Tanzania safari itinerary, the dry months suit those seeking reliable sightings, while the green season appeals to birdwatchers and photographers.
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Where to stay in Arusha National Park
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