Arusha National Park

Climb Mount Meru; catch a glimpse of the black-and-white colobus monkeys or enjoy a picnic and a hike by one of the many Momella Lakes in the picturesque landscape that is Arusha National Park.

Situated a 40-minute drive from Arusha Town in the northeast of Tanzania, this small but diverse park offers an abundance of wildlife and hiking opportunities. From breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the east to the more than 400 species of wildlife that call the park home, nature, bird, and adventure lovers won’t be disappointed with all this park has to offer.

Features:

Mount Meru

Standing 4,566 m (15,000 ft) high, this volcano located on the west side of the park offers visitors spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and of the park itself.  Book an add-on climbing excursion with one of our registered mountain guides for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Momella Lakes

Situated in the northeast of the park, these shallow, alkaline lakes provide an excellent opportunity for bird watchers. Waterfowl share the shores with waterbuck, giraffe, and zebra herds - and flocks of thousands of flamingos turn the shorelines pink.

The Momella Lakes have secret shores accessible only by canoe. Book an add-on tour to explore these hidden places as you glide across the shallow waters.

Ngurdoto Crater

This three-kilometer wide, 400 m (two-mile, 1300 ft) deep crater, located in the southeast of the park offers grasslands that support diverse wildlife.  Herds of buffalos and warthogs are often visible from along the crater’s rim.

Wildlife:

Over 400 species of wildlife inhabit the park including monkeys, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and warthogs.

Colorful turacos and trogons, flamingos, and Egyptian geese are some of the diverse fowl you might spot while visiting.

Arusha National Park is not a good location for viewing lions and elephants.

Facts:

• established as a national park in 1960
• size: 552 sq km (213 sq mi)
• location: a 40-minute drive from Arusha in the Arusha District in the northeast of Tanzania and 60 km (37 mi) from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Accommodation:

Lodges, campsites, and mountain huts are available inside the park; additional accommodation is available outside the park and in nearby Arusha Town.

Add-ons:

• book a climbing tour up Mount Meru
• go mountain biking in the foothills of Mount Meru
• see the Momella Lakes by canoe
• visit a Maasai Village
• golfing at the Gymkhana Club in Arusha town
• fishing in the foothills of Mount Meru
• book a camel safari