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Located just 40 minutes from Arusha town, Arusha National Park offers an exceptional safari experience in a compact, diverse landscape. Often called "Little Serengeti," this park features Mount Meru (Tanzania's second highest peak), the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, and seven beautiful Momella Lakes. Home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, rare black-and-white colobus monkeys, and over 400 bird species, it's the perfect day trip or multi-day safari extension.
Our expert guides with 10+ years experience will show you the best wildlife viewing spots and hidden gems of this underrated park.
Tanzania's Most Accessible Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1960, Arusha National Park covers 137 square kilometers (53 square miles) in northeastern Tanzania. Despite its relatively small size, it boasts remarkable geographical diversity: from the 4,565-meter summit of Mount Meru (Africa's fifth highest peak) to the lush rainforests of Ngurdoto Crater's floor, and the alkaline Momella Lakes that attract thousands of flamingos. The park's varied altitudes (1,500m to 4,565m) create distinct ecosystems within short distances.
Unlike many Tanzanian parks, Arusha allows walking safaris and canoeing on the lakes, offering unique perspectives on wildlife. The park's proximity to both Arusha town (25km) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (60km) makes it the perfect introductory safari or extension to longer Tanzania itineraries.
Bird watching is exceptional year-round, with migratory birds from Europe and Asia present November-April.
Dry Season (June-October):
Optimal wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. Clear skies offer spectacular views of Mount Meru and (on very clear days) Mount Kilimanjaro. Day temperatures: 20-25°C (68-77°F). Mornings can be chilly at higher elevations.
Green Season (November-May):
Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, excellent bird watching. November-December "short rains" and March-May "long rains" bring afternoon showers but mornings are often clear. Migratory birds present. Excellent for photography with dramatic skies.
Year-Round: The park is accessible year-round with appropriate preparation for seasonal conditions.
Tailored Experiences from Day Trips to Multi-Day Adventures
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Perfect introduction to Tanzanian wildlife. Full day exploring Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru viewpoints. Includes picnic lunch with scenic views.
Highlights: Colobus monkeys, giraffes, flamingos, Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint
Best For: Families, time-limited travelers, Kilimanjaro climbers
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Combine game drives with guided walking safaris (with armed ranger). Overnight at lodge near park. Unique opportunity to experience African wilderness on foot.
Highlights: Walking safari, overnight in nature, sunrise game drive
Best For: Active travelers, photography enthusiasts
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Comprehensive exploration including safari drives, walking, and ascent to Mount Meru crater rim (optional). Accommodation at scenic lodges with mountain views.
Highlights: Meru viewpoints, diverse activities, luxury accommodation
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, active seniors
Enquire NowClick on each day to view detailed activities and experiences
Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pickup from your Arusha hotel at 7:00 AM. Brief orientation with your guide about the day's activities. Drive 40 minutes to the park's main gate. Complete registration and begin your safari with a drive toward Ngurdoto Crater, often called "Little Ngorongoro." Stop at multiple viewpoints overlooking the 3km-wide crater floor, observing buffalo herds, warthogs, and monkeys in the lush rainforest below. Learn about the crater's volcanic origins and unique ecosystem.
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Picnic lunch at a scenic spot with views of Mount Meru. Your guide will point out the different vegetation zones on the mountain and explain the climbing routes. After lunch, drive to the Momella Lakes region, stopping to observe giraffe families feeding on acacia trees with the mountain backdrop—a classic Arusha photo opportunity.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the seven Momella Lakes, each with different mineral content attracting various bird species. Spot thousands of flamingos (seasonal), pelicans, storks, and other waterbirds. Look for hippos in the larger lakes. Visit the Fig Tree Arch, a natural archway formed by two fused fig trees. Late afternoon game drive through open grasslands spotting zebras, bushbucks, and with luck, leopards (though elusive).
Evening (5:00 PM onward): Exit the park and transfer to your chosen accommodation (luxury lodge or mid-range hotel). Dinner and overnight with sounds of the African night. Optional evening presentation about Arusha's ecology.
Early Morning (6:30 AM - 10:00 AM): Early breakfast at your accommodation. Return to the park for a unique walking safari experience (with armed ranger for safety). Walk through montane forest along the lower slopes of Mount Meru, experiencing the African bush with all your senses. Your guide will explain animal tracks, medicinal plants, and smaller ecosystem details missed on game drives. This 2-3 hour walk offers intimate wildlife encounters at a slower pace.
Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Specialized colobus monkey tracking session. With your guide's expertise, locate troops of the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys. Observe their social behaviors, feeding patterns, and impressive acrobatics through the forest canopy. Learn about conservation efforts for these primates. Continue with a game drive through different habitats, seeking buffalo herds, giraffes, and antelope species.
Midday (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Final game drive to areas not yet explored, with last photography opportunities. Enjoy a farewell picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the park, with Mount Meru as backdrop. Complete your wildlife checklist with your guide.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Exit the park and return to Arusha. Drop-off at your hotel or preferred location in Arusha by approximately 4:00 PM. Receive a digital wildlife checklist and photos from your guide (optional). End of services or continuation to next destination.
Optional Add-ons: Visit to local Maasai village, coffee plantation tour, or extension to other Northern Circuit parks.
Diverse Experiences Within One Compact Park
Often called "Little Ngorongoro," this 3km-wide volcanic crater features a swampy floor surrounded by steep forested walls. Animals cannot easily enter or exit, creating a unique enclosed ecosystem. Viewpoints around the rim offer spectacular vistas of buffalo herds, warthogs, and monkeys below. The crater's rainforest is home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and over 100 bird species. Photography is exceptional in morning light. Note: Visitors cannot descend to the crater floor to minimize human impact on this fragile environment.
Key Species: Buffalo, colobus monkeys, bushbucks, tropical birds
Best Time: Morning for photography, any day for wildlife
Activity: Viewpoint visits, photography, bird watching
The park's seven shallow alkaline lakes (Big Momella, Small Momella, etc.) vary in mineral content, attracting different algae and consequently different bird species. Flamingo numbers fluctuate with water levels and algae blooms—peak viewing is usually December-February. Hippos inhabit the larger lakes, visible during daytime. The lakes area offers easy game viewing with giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks often coming to drink. Canoeing is permitted on some lakes (with guide), offering unique water-level perspectives. The Fig Tree Arch nearby is a natural wonder worth visiting.
Key Species: Flamingos, hippos, pelicans, giraffes, zebras
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
Activity: Game drives, canoeing, bird watching
Africa's fifth highest peak (4,565m) dominates the park's landscape. While full ascents require 3-4 days, the lower slopes offer excellent walking safari opportunities. The montane forest hosts diverse wildlife including elephants (rare), buffaloes, and numerous monkey species. Several walking trails lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, and the impressive "Tululusia" hill. Meru's different vegetation zones (rainforest, moorland, alpine desert) are visible during walks. For serious trekkers, multi-day Meru climbs can be combined with safari elements—excellent Kilimanjaro training or standalone adventure.
Key Species: Colobus monkeys, duikers, forest birds, buffalo
Best Time: Dry season for clearer views
Activity: Walking safaris, photography, trekking
Absolutely, but for different reasons. Arusha National Park offers:
While it lacks lions and elephants are rare, its accessibility and variety make it an excellent complement to longer safari itineraries or perfect standalone for time-limited travelers.
Our all-inclusive Arusha National Park packages include: All park entry fees and conservation charges, professional English-speaking safari guide (other languages available), comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing, bottled drinking water throughout, picnic lunches or lodge meals as specified, Arusha hotel transfers, walking safari fees and armed ranger (where applicable), government taxes and VAT. For multi-day packages: Accommodation as specified (luxury lodge, mid-range, or camping options), all meals during safari, morning and afternoon game drives.
Not included: International flights, Tanzania visa (US$50 for most nationalities), travel insurance, tips for guides and staff (recommended $20-30/day for guide, $10-15/day for driver), alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, optional activities (cultural visits, etc.), accommodation before/after safari (can be arranged).
Arusha National Park offers excellent value compared to larger parks:
Prices vary by season (higher June-October, lower April-May), group size, accommodation level, and inclusions. We offer budget camping options through luxury lodge experiences. Contact us for exact quotes based on your preferences.
Yes! Arusha is one of few Tanzanian national parks that permits walking safaris, making it a unique destination. Walking safaris:
Walking safaris offer immersive experiences impossible from vehicles—hearing wildlife sounds, smelling the bush, feeling the terrain. Highly recommended for active travelers.
Almost Guaranteed (90%+ chance):
Possible with Luck (30-60% chance):
Not Present: Lions (no established populations), rhinos, cheetahs.
Yes, with appropriate planning:
For Families with Children:
For Seniors/Mobility Considerations:
We've hosted families with infants to active travelers in their 80s—contact us to tailor the perfect experience.
Our Arusha National Park specialists have been guiding in this park for over 10 years. We know the best viewpoints, hidden trails, and wildlife hotspots. We'll design your perfect safari based on your interests, time available, and budget.
Why choose True Africa Escape for Arusha National Park?
• Local expertise with 10+ years guiding in this specific park
• Multiple itinerary options from half-day to multi-day adventures
• Specialized colobus monkey tracking knowledge
• Walking safari permits and armed ranger arrangements included
• Photography-focused guides who know best light conditions
• Family-friendly and senior-appropriate itineraries
• 24/7 support from booking to completion
Contact us today for a free consultation and detailed itinerary proposal.