A compact park with mountain, crater and lakes
Arusha National Park is a small national park in northern Tanzania, about 25 km east of Arusha town. It is known for Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, giraffes and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
The park combines three very different landscapes: the forested slopes and crater of Mount Meru, the open grasslands and forest around Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes, a chain of shallow alkaline lakes that attract flamingos and other waterbirds.
Because it is so close to town, Arusha National Park suits a half-day or full-day safari, a first stop before a longer trip, or a trek up Mount Meru as preparation for Kilimanjaro. It is one of the few northern Tanzania parks where guided walking safaris and canoe trips are commonly offered.
Start PlanningArusha National Park at a glance
The essentials travellers search for most, in one place.
- Location
- Arusha Region, northern Tanzania
- Distance from Arusha
- About 25 km; around 45 minutes by road
- Established
- 1960 as Ngurdoto Crater National Park; renamed in 1967
- Managed by
- Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)
- Highest point
- Mount Meru, about 4,566 m
- Main landscapes
- Meru Crater, Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes
- Famous for
- Colobus monkeys, giraffes, flamingos, Meru trekking
- Birdlife
- More than 400 species recorded
- Activities
- Game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, Meru treks
- Best time to visit
- June to February; clearest mountain views in the dry months
- Typical visit
- Half day to full day; 3 to 4 days for Mount Meru
- Park fees
- Set by TANAPA and revised periodically; we confirm current rates when quoting
Experience Arusha National Park your way
Arusha National Park rewards slower travel. Combine a drive, a guided walk and a lake-side stop, or head up Mount Meru for a proper trek.
Game Drives and Giraffes
Drive between the Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints and the Momella Lakes. Giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog and waterbuck are regularly seen, along with colobus and blue monkeys in the forest.
Walking and Canoe Safaris
Walk with an armed park ranger across the grasslands or paddle on the Momella Lakes. Both are quiet ways to see wildlife and birds up close.
Forest and Mountain Scenery
Drive or hike through montane forest with views toward Mount Meru and, on clear mornings, Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Animals and birds you can see in Arusha National Park
Sightings depend on season and location. The park is better for variety and scenery than for big predators.
Giraffe and buffalo
Common around the Momella Lakes and grasslands, often seen close to the road.
Colobus monkeys
Black-and-white colobus live in the forests, especially around Ngurdoto Crater.
Flamingos and waterbirds
Lesser and greater flamingos, pelicans and Egyptian geese use the Momella Lakes; numbers vary with water levels.
What you won’t see
Lions and rhinos are absent, and leopards are scarce, so many travellers pair Arusha with a larger park.
Mild highland weather, with clearest views in the dry months
Arusha National Park can be visited all year. Its altitude keeps temperatures cool, and the best views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro come in the dry months and in the early morning.
- Jun–OctMain dry season. Clear skies, good walking conditions and the best mountain views.
- Nov–DecShort rains bring green landscapes and migratory birds; showers are usually brief.
- Jan–FebWarm and often clear. Good for views and birdwatching.
- Mar–MayLong rains. Quieter and very green, but trails can be wet and mountain views less reliable.
How Arusha National Park compares with nearby parks
Arusha works best as a short add-on or a mountain-focused visit rather than a big-game destination.
Arusha vs Tarangire
Tarangire offers large elephant herds and a stronger dry-season game-viewing experience. Arusha is closer, greener and better for walks, canoeing and Meru.
Arusha vs Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is known for tree-climbing lions, baboons and a rift-valley lake. Arusha suits a shorter trip with forest and mountain scenery.
Arusha vs Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is a major multi-day climb. Mount Meru is shorter and is often used as an acclimatisation trek beforehand.
Plan your Arusha National Park safari
A short visit here fits easily around flights and onward travel. Adhama Africa Adventures can build it into a wider Tanzania itinerary.
Half-day or full-day
Many visitors spend a morning here before heading to Tarangire or Manyara. A full day allows a walk and a lake-side picnic.
Add a Mount Meru trek
A guided Meru climb takes several days and is a good warm-up for Kilimanjaro. Park rules require a ranger guide.
Combine destinations
Pair Arusha National Park with Tarangire, Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro Crater on a northern Tanzania safari.
Let’s plan your Arusha National Park trip
Tell us when you are travelling, how much time you have and whether you prefer a drive, a walk or a mountain trek. We’ll shape the day or the route around it.
Helpful things to know before you go
Where is Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park is in northern Tanzania, around 25 km east of Arusha town. The drive to the park takes roughly 45 minutes.
What is Arusha National Park known for?
It is known for Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes, giraffes, black-and-white colobus monkeys and flamingos. It is also one of the few northern Tanzania parks where walking and canoe safaris are common.
What is the best time to visit Arusha National Park?
The dry months, from June to October, usually give the clearest views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. January and February are also good. The park can be visited year-round.
How long do you need in Arusha National Park?
Most visitors spend a half day to a full day. A guided Mount Meru trek takes several days.
Can you see lions in Arusha National Park?
No. Lions are absent from the park, and leopards are scarce. The park is best for giraffe, buffalo, monkeys, birds and scenery.
Can you climb Mount Meru from Arusha National Park?
Yes. Mount Meru, about 4,566 m, is climbed through the park with a ranger guide. It is often used as acclimatisation before Kilimanjaro.
Can you do a walking safari in Arusha National Park?
Yes. Guided walking safaris with park rangers are one of the park’s main activities, along with canoeing on the Momella Lakes.
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