Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park — Tanzania's Hidden Gem on Your Doorstep

Just 25 kilometres from Arusha city and a short drive from Moshi, Arusha National Park is Tanzania's most accessible and most underappreciated national park. Compact but spectacularly diverse, the park climbs from the Momella Lakes at its base — alive with flamingos, pelicans, and waterfowl — through montane forest alive with colobus monkeys, up to the summit of Mount Meru at 4,566 metres, the fifth highest peak in Africa.

Why Arusha National Park Surprises Every Visitor

Most visitors pass through Arusha on their way to the Serengeti and never look sideways. Those who stop for even half a day at Arusha National Park leave astonished. This small park delivers giraffe, buffalo, zebra, hippo, warthog, mongoose, colobus monkey, flamingo, and over 400 bird species — all within an hour of the city. It is also one of the only parks in Tanzania where you can do a canoe safari and walking safaris without special permits.

What You Will See

Giraffe (very accessible), Cape buffalo, hippo, warthog, black-and-white colobus monkey, blue monkey, flamingo (Momella Lakes), pelican, African fish eagle, crowned crane, elephant (occasional), bushbuck, waterbuck, reedbuck, and dik-dik. Mount Meru provides a stunning backdrop throughout.

Mount Meru Trekking

For trekkers acclimatizing before a Kilimanjaro attempt — or simply seeking a formidable summit in its own right — Mount Meru is a 3 to 4-day climb through pristine forest and dramatic alpine zones to a spectacular volcanic crater rim. The views of Kilimanjaro from Meru's summit on a clear morning are among the finest in all of East Africa.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

Year-round. The park is accessible in all seasons and just 25 km from Arusha. The dry months (June to October) offer the clearest Mount Meru views and easier forest walking. The green season brings lush scenery and excellent colobus monkey activity.