Inquire
Experience Tanzania the right way with Patmo Tanzania Travel. From breathtaking wildlife safaris and Kilimanjaro expeditions to relaxing Zanzibar escapes
Facebook Instagram Tripadvisor Whatsapp

Signature Safari Destinations

Arusha National Park

Explore Arusha National Park with walking safaris, canoeing, wildlife encounters, and stunning Mount Meru scenery near Arusha.

Overview

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse national parks, offering a unique blend of wildlife, landscapes, and outdoor activities. Located close to Arusha town, the park is dominated by Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, and features lush forests, open grasslands, and sparkling alpine lakes.

Though compact in size, Arusha National Park delivers rich safari experiences, including close encounters with giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, flamingos, and a wide variety of primates. It is the only national park in northern Tanzania where walking safaris and canoeing are permitted, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a gentle yet immersive introduction to safari life.

Best Time to Visit

Arusha National Park can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own charm.

  • June to October (Dry Season):
    The best time for clear views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife viewing is excellent, and walking safaris are most comfortable.

  • November to May (Green Season):
    The park becomes lush and vibrant, attracting migratory birds and creating excellent photography opportunities. Flamingos are often seen at Momella Lakes during this period.

  • January to February:
    A favourable window with pleasant weather, active wildlife, and fewer visitors.

Key Highlights

  • Mount Meru:Rising majestically within the park, Mount Meru offers dramatic scenery and is a popular trekking destination. Its slopes are home to diverse wildlife and panoramic viewpoints.
  • Momella Lakes:A series of shallow alkaline lakes that attract flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds, providing striking reflections and photographic moments.
  • Ngurdoto Crater:Often called “Little Ngorongoro,” this forested volcanic crater is rich in wildlife and offers impressive viewpoints from the rim.
  • Montane Forests:Dense forests shelter black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of bird species, making the park a haven for primate and bird enthusiasts.
Often called “Little Ngorongoro,” this forested volcanic crater is rich in wildlife and offers impressive viewpoints from the rim.

Activities

  • Game Drives:Explore grasslands and forest edges on guided game drives, spotting giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes, and abundant birdlife.
  • Walking Safaris:Arusha National Park is one of the few parks in Tanzania where guided walking safaris are allowed, offering a close-up experience with nature under the guidance of armed rangers.
  • Canoeing:Canoe safaris on the Momella Lakes provide a peaceful and unique way to observe birds and wildlife from the water.
  • Mount Meru Trekking:For adventure seekers, Mount Meru offers multi-day treks with rewarding views and acclimatization opportunities before Mount Kilimanjaro climbs.
  • Birdwatching:With more than 400 recorded bird species, the park is a prime destination for bird lovers, especially during the green season.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park is ideal for travellers seeking a short safari, a soft adventure, or a pre- or post-Kilimanjaro experience. Its accessibility, diverse activities, and scenic beauty make it a perfect complement to Tanzania’s larger parks, offering a relaxed yet rewarding safari experience.

Talk to a Safari Expert