Arusha National Park Tanzania

Arusha National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse protected areas in Tanzania. It is also the most accessible national park in the country. Despite being relatively small, the park offers a wide range of attractions, making it the perfect destination for a day trip on many Tanzania tours.

Interesting Facts about Arusha National Park

• The park lies on only 552 square kilometers. 
• The park is dominated by Mount Meru. It is situated at an elevation of 4566m and is the fourth highest mountain in Africa.
• Mount Meru offers a 300-kilometer axis view of Africa's most famous national parks.
• It lies in a strategic location. Mount Meru is placed on the park, Ngurdoto crater surrounds the park from the south and grassland from the west. 
• The park is also surrounded with the shallow momela lakes in the northeast, making it a feeding ground for the unique wading birds. 

Location 

The park is located about a 40-minute to 1-hour drive from Arusha town. It is approximately 90 minutes from Moshi.

Climate

• The weather in Arusha is pleasant year-round. Like the rest of Tanzania, Arusha National Park has distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from June to October, with cooler temperatures averaging around 10°C (50°F).

• There are two wet seasons. The first, known as the long rains, lasts from mid-March to May. The second, the short rains, occurs from November to December.

• Humidity levels in the park are generally lower than in many other parts of Tanzania, especially between May and September when conditions are at their driest.

• For early morning game drives, it’s a good idea to wear long pants and bring a warm fleece or jacket, as temperatures can feel quite chilly at the start of the day.

Best Time to Visit

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Arusha National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. It is when the animals are easy to observe as they roam near the fresh water sources. 

Why to visit Arusha National Park

The safari or general experience that you get out of the park is a true sense of awe and bewilderment, although the park does not provide a standard or traditional gaming park experience it does impress you with the sheer variance and amount and variance of animals the park can hold. 

Wildlife & Animals

Giraffes: The Park's Gentle Giants

Arusha National Park may be compact, but don't let its size fool you, it punches well above its weight when it comes to wildlife diversity. It is home to the world's largest population of giraffes, and watching these towering giants glide effortlessly through the open grasslands is one of those moments that simply never gets old. Both Masai and reticulated giraffes roam here, giving you a rare chance to compare two distinct varieties in one visit.

See them for yourself. Explore our Tanzania Tours and add Arusha National Park to your ultimate safari itinerary.

Beyond the Big 5

What makes the park feel truly distinctive is that the usual "Big 5" lineup doesn't apply here in the traditional sense. Lions and rhinos are absent, and while buffaloes are the most commonly sighted of the Big 5, that absence is actually part of what makes Arusha so special, the park rewards visitors with rarer, more forest-dwelling species that you simply won't encounter in other parks on the northern circuit. 

Primates & Forest Dwellers

The undisputed celebrity of the park is the black-and-white colobus monkey. Arusha is the only place on the northern safari circuit where you can easily spot these acrobatic primates, and witnessing them leap between the treetops of the montane forest is genuinely electrifying. You'll also find blue monkeys, baboons, and vervets weaving through the canopy.

Rare & Hidden Species

For those who love a good surprise, keep an eye out for Harvey's red duiker and suni, unusual antelope species that thrive in the park's primary forest and are rarely seen elsewhere. Leopards and spotted hyenas are the only large predators in the park, with servals and African wild cats occasionally making a shy appearance. The park also hosts a remarkable variety of reptiles including crocodiles and monitor lizards, and is a true haven for insect and butterfly enthusiasts. 

A Birdwatcher's Paradise

Prepare to be amazed. Arusha National Park harbors around 400 bird species, from the flamboyant crowned eagle and the iconic grey crowned crane to vast flocks of pink flamingos draped across the Momella Lakes. The silvery-cheeked hornbill and thousands of flamingos are among the most visually stunning sightings, while forest specialists like the Hartlaub's turaco and the elusive Narina trogon are highlights for any serious birder.

Things to Do in Arusha National Park

1- Mount Meru 

Mount Meru is an active volcano and a well known climbing destination. Being the fourth highest mountain in Africa, it is a good introduction for those who wish to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Not only does the mount offer a magnificent view of Kilimanjaro, but also the hiking experience is rewarding. It is a chance to walk through various habitats such as giraffes, elephants, antelopes and more. 

2- Momella Lakes

Momella Lakes are a series of seven lakes within Arusha National Park: Big Momella, Small Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, Tulusia, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito. Each of the lakes is a different shade of green or blue. 

It is possible to witness a variety of birds such as flamingos and animals like water bucks, giraffes, dik-diks and zebras in the surrounding areas. 

3- Ngurdoto Crater

Ngurdoto Crater is inhabited by plenty of animals and it is a well known stop for game drives. IIt offers visitors a chance to see elephants, the Cape buffalo, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, and also a number of antelope species. 

The carter is surrounded by the Ngurdoto Forest which is home to black and white colobus monkeys. There is also Serengeti Ndogu, grasslands where zebras can be spotted all year round. 

Loved Arusha? You'll be obsessed with what's next. Check out our guides to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and more

Travel Tips & Logistics

Getting There

The entrance to Arusha National Park is only around 30 km east of Arusha city, a drive that typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour. If you're arriving internationally, the park is just 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it an incredibly convenient first or last stop on a Tanzania safari itinerary.

Entry Fees (2025/2026)

Non-resident adults (16+) pay $50 USD during high season and $45 USD during low season. Non-resident children aged 5–15 pay $15 USD, while children under 5 enter for free. 

Payment — Cards Only!

Cash is not accepted at the gate, payments are card-only (Visa or MasterCard), so make sure you have yours ready before you arrive. 

Insider Tips for the Best Experience

• Head out in the early morning for the best game viewing, wildlife activity peaks at dawn when animals are most active. Brilliant Africa Pack a picnic lunch and make a full day of it.

• For birdwatching, the best months are November to December and March through May, when migratory species arrive. For general wildlife spotting, June to October during the dry season is ideal. 

• While no vaccinations are mandatory for Tanzania, yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis are all recommended before your trip. 

• For a truly unique perspective, don't miss a canoe safari on Small Momella Lake, a 2–3 hour water-level journey through some of the park's most spectacular birdlife and mammal sightings.

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