• Location: 35 km (1-hour drive) from Arusha town.
• Size: 552 km² (213 mi²).
• Closest Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 1.5 hours away.

Landscapes & Ecosystems

Arusha National Park is unique because it has three distinct ecosystems:

Mount Meru & Rainforests 

• Mount Meru (4,566m/14,980ft) – the second-highest mountain in Tanzania.  
• Home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and leopards.

Momella Lakes & Wetlands 

• A series of shallow alkaline lakes surrounded by flamingos and waterbirds.
• Great for canoeing and birdwatching.

Ngurdoto Crater (“Little Ngorongoro”) 

• A lush, 400-meter-deep volcanic crater.
• Inhabited by buffalo, warthogs, and baboons.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

While the park does not have lions or rhinos, it is home to many other amazing animals:

Large Mammals

• Buffalo, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks are commonly seen.
• Elephants are present but less frequent.

Primates & Rare Species

• Black-and-white colobus monkeys (easily spotted in the forest).
• Blue monkeys and vervet monkeys.
• A few leopards and hyenas, but they are very elusive.

Birdwatching Paradise

• Over 400 bird species, including:
  
  • Flamingos in the Momella Lakes.
  • Eagles, hornbills, and turacos in the forests.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

Top Activities in Arusha National Park

Game Drives (Half-Day or Full-Day) 

• Explore the Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and savannah.
• See giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, and colobus monkeys.

Walking Safari (Unique Experience)

• Guided hikes in the rainforest to see animals up close.
• Best place to spot colobus monkeys and smaller wildlife.

Canoeing on Momella Lakes

• Paddle through the lakes surrounded by flamingos, hippos, and waterbirds.
• One of the few places in Tanzania that offers canoe safaris.

Climbing Mount Meru (3–4 Days) 

• A great acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro.
• Offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro from the summit.

Birdwatching 

• Over 400 species, including flamingos, turacos, and kingfishers.
• Best near Momella Lakes and in the rainforest.

Where to Stay in Arusha National Park?

Budget Lodges & Camps ($50 – $150 per night)

• Meriwether Lodge (just outside the park).
• Twiga Lodge & Campsite.

Mid-Range Lodges ($150 – $300 per night)

• Hatari Lodge (historical lodge near Momella Lakes).
• Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge.

Luxury Lodges ($300+ per night)

• Legendary Lodge Arusha.
• Arusha Coffee Lodge (outside the park).

How to Get to Arusha National Park

By Air:

• Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).
• Airport to the park: 1-1.5 hours drive.

By Road:

• 45-minute drive from Arusha town.
• Private safari vehicle or self-drive possible.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

• Perfect for a Day Trip – Close to Arusha town & Kilimanjaro Airport.
• Unique Activities – Canoeing, walking safaris, and Mount Meru climbing.
• Great for Wildlife & Birdwatching – Without the crowds of Serengeti.
• Stunning Scenery – Forests, lakes, craters, and mountain views.

Would You Like to Visit Arusha National Park?

I can help plan a custom itinerary that includes Arusha National Park, Mount Meru, and nearby safaris like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Let me know your travel dates, budget, and interests, and I’ll organize a great trip for you!