Arusha National Park Tanzania Safari – A Hidden Gem at the Foot of Mount Meru

Nestled in northern Tanzania between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti plains, Arusha National Park is a quiet sanctuary of beauty and diversity. Though smaller than many of Tanzania’s famous parks, it offers a remarkable variety of landscapes — from lush montane forests to sparkling lakes and dramatic volcanic craters. Its location near Arusha town, the safari capital of Tanzania, makes it the perfect introduction to East Africa’s wilderness or a peaceful retreat after a Kilimanjaro climb or Serengeti adventure.

Discovering Arusha National Park

Covering about 137 square kilometers, Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and ecologically diverse protected areas. The park encompasses Mount Meru (Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566 meters), the Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes, each offering its own unique ecosystem and wildlife experiences.

What makes Arusha National Park special is not its size, but its serenity. Unlike the bustling Serengeti or Ngorongoro, here you can enjoy wildlife viewing without the crowds — making it ideal for travelers who appreciate peaceful safaris filled with raw, untouched nature.

Main Attractions in Arusha National Park

Mount Meru – Tanzania’s Forgotten Giant

Rising above the clouds within the park, Mount Meru is often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, yet it offers one of the most rewarding treks in Africa. Its slopes are rich in wildlife, and hiking to its summit provides stunning views of Kilimanjaro to the east and the Great Rift Valley below.

The Mount Meru trek takes about 3–4 days and serves as a perfect acclimatization climb before attempting Kilimanjaro. Along the trail, trekkers may encounter buffalos, colobus monkeys, and even giraffes grazing in the lower forests.

Ngurdoto Crater – The Mini Ngorongoro

Often referred to as “Little Ngorongoro,” this ancient volcanic crater is about 3 kilometers wide, with steep forested walls surrounding a swampy floor teeming with wildlife. Visitors can spot warthogs, buffalos, and various antelope species grazing in the open marshland. The rim offers spectacular viewpoints, especially in the early morning mist.

Momella Lakes – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The chain of alkaline and freshwater lakes known as the Momella Lakes is one of the park’s most picturesque features. Their changing colors — green, blue, and pink — are a result of varying algae and mineral content. These lakes attract thousands of lesser and greater flamingos, along with pelicans, herons, and over 400 other bird species.

Canoe safaris on the Momella Lakes are a highlight, offering a tranquil way to observe waterbirds, hippos, and giraffes grazing along the shores.

Wildlife Viewing in Arusha National Park

Though Arusha National Park does not host large predators like lions or cheetahs, it teems with smaller but equally fascinating wildlife. Visitors can expect to see:

• Giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, warthogs, and buffalos.

• Blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons in the montane forests.

• Occasional sightings of leopards and hyenas.

The absence of major predators makes it one of the few Tanzanian parks where walking safaris and canoe tours are possible — offering close, intimate encounters with animals and landscapes.

Top Activities in Arusha National Park

Game Drives

Game drives in Arusha National Park offer incredible scenery and diverse wildlife encounters in just a few hours. Visitors often explore the Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes regions, where animals gather in open spaces. Morning and evening drives provide excellent lighting for photography and birdwatching.

Walking Safaris

Arusha is one of the few parks in Tanzania where guided walking safaris are allowed. Accompanied by armed rangers, visitors can walk through the forest, observing wildlife at eye level and learning about animal tracks, birds, and medicinal plants. It’s one of the most authentic and educational safari experiences available.

Canoeing on Momella Lakes

Canoe safaris on the Momella Lakes are peaceful yet exciting, offering a unique perspective of the park. You’ll paddle silently past herds of grazing giraffes and watch waterbirds take flight from the reeds — a photographer’s dream.

Mount Meru Climb

For adventure seekers, climbing Mount Meru is a must. The trail ascends through forest zones rich in wildlife, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the spectacular summit — Socialist Peak — with unmatched sunrise views of Kilimanjaro.

Bird Watching

Arusha National Park is one of East Africa’s birding gems, with more than 400 recorded species. Common sightings include the Hartlaub’s turaco, crowned eagle, silvery-cheeked hornbill, tawny eagle, and flamingos.

Best Time to Visit

Arusha National Park can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons — from June to October and December to February — are the most favorable for hiking and game viewing. The wet season (March to May) transforms the park into a lush paradise, ideal for photography and birdwatching, especially when the flamingos gather in large numbers.

Accommodation Options

Arusha offers a variety of lodges and camps both inside and around the park:

• Hatari Lodge: A boutique lodge within the park, famous for its vintage charm and views of Mount Meru.

• Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge: Set on a private estate with lake views and resident colobus monkeys.

• Mount Meru Hotel and Arusha Serena Hotel: Perfect for travelers seeking luxury comfort before or after a safari.

• Public and special campsites: For adventure travelers who prefer a closer connection with nature.

Getting There

Arusha National Park is only about 45 minutes from Arusha town and 60 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Its accessibility makes it an ideal destination for short safaris, day trips, or as part of a longer northern circuit itinerary that includes Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.

Conclusion

An Arusha National Park safari is a journey into tranquility — a place where mountain peaks touch the clouds, flamingos color the lakes, and giraffes wander freely through misty forests. It’s a park that surprises visitors with its diversity, beauty, and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re trekking Mount Meru, paddling across the Momella Lakes, or exploring volcanic craters, Arusha National Park offers an experience that’s intimate, refreshing, and authentically Tanzanian.