Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park (ANAPA) is a gem of varied ecosystems and spectacular views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name.
It is a popular destination for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris. The small national park includes the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes.
Situated just a short drive from Arusha and Moshi, Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania's most convenient parks and is a fantastic destination for a day trip and makes for a great beginning or end to any Tanzanian itinerary.
Arusha National Park hosts a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from vast savannah and rainforest through to acacia woodlands and up to alpine vegetation on the higher reaches of Mount Meru.
At just over 200 square miles, Arusha National Park has great wildlife densities, and it is home to the world's largest population of giraffe. Black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red forest duikers, hippos, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and bushbucks can all be seen. Leopards are rare. Hosting more than 400 bird species, it is a grand choice for bird lovers.
Arusha National Park can generally be explored in a day and is a great stand-alone adventure due to its proximity to Arusha and Moshi, and thanks to its small size. It also pairs well with longer itineraries on the northern safari circuit, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.
Activities
- Game Drives
- Bird Watching
- Walking / Hiking
- Mountain Trekking
- Canoeing (seasonal)
Wildlife Highlights
- Giraffes – world's largest population
- Primates – black & white colobus, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys
- Large mammals – elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra
- Antelopes – bushbuck, waterbuck, red forest duiker
- 400+ birds – diverse species across varied habitats
Ngurdoto Crater
Often called "Little Ngorongoro", this volcanic crater is 3.6 km wide and 100 meters deep. The crater floor is covered with marshy grassland and is home to buffalos, elephants, warthogs, antelopes, monkeys, baboons, leopards, and spotted hyenas.
Mount Meru
Tanzania's second-highest peak at 4,566 metres. An active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1910. Climbing requires technical skills and offers diverse vegetation zones from montane forest to alpine desert.
Momela Lakes
A group of shallow alkaline lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife, including flamingos. Game viewing around the lakes is at a laid-back and quiet pace, offering excellent photography opportunities.
Arusha FAQs
Everything you need to know about visiting Arusha National Park – from Mount Meru trekking and Ngurdoto Crater to walking safaris, birdwatching, and diverse ecosystems.
Arusha National Park is located in northern Tanzania, approximately 35 km from Arusha and close to Moshi.
The park is famous for its diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, volcanic craters, and the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain.
The park covers approximately 552 square kilometres.
Common wildlife includes:
- Giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs
- Bushbucks, waterbucks, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys
- Hippos and various bird species
No. Lions and rhinos are generally absent from the park. However, visitors can enjoy excellent viewing of giraffes, buffaloes, primates, and other wildlife.
Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano standing at 4,566 metres (14,980 feet). It is Tanzania's second-highest peak and a popular trekking destination.
The Momela Lakes are a group of shallow alkaline lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife, including flamingos.
Ngurdoto Crater is a volcanic crater often called the "Little Ngorongoro" because of its resemblance to the larger Ngorongoro Crater.
Yes. The park hosts more than 400 bird species, making it one of Tanzania's top birdwatching destinations.
- June–October: Best for wildlife viewing and trekking
- November–May: Excellent for birdwatching and green scenery
Yes. Multi-day guided treks to the summit of Mount Meru are available and are often used as preparation for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Game drives
- Walking safaris
- Canoeing on Momella Lakes (when conditions permit)
- Birdwatching
- Mountain trekking
Yes. Arusha National Park is one of the few Tanzanian parks where guided walking safaris are a major attraction.
The park is easily accessible by road from Arusha and is about an hour's drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Most visitors spend one day exploring the park, although trekkers climbing Mount Meru typically stay longer.
Accommodation options include:
- Safari lodges
- Tented camps
- Guesthouses in nearby Arusha
- Mountain huts on Mount Meru trekking routes
Yes. Its proximity to Arusha and variety of activities make it a great destination for families and first-time safari visitors.
Recommended items include:
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Walking shoes
- Hat and sunscreen
- Camera and binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Light rain jacket during the wet season
Yes. It is often combined with:
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Serengeti National Park
Arusha National Park offers a unique combination of wildlife, mountain scenery, walking safaris, canoeing, birdwatching, and trekking. Its accessibility and diverse attractions make it an excellent introduction to Tanzania's natural beauty and safari experiences.
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