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Arusha National Park Tanzania flag

9 Tours 1 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$285PP

Overview

Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, an eminent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of northeastern Tanzania. The park is just a few kilometres northeast of Arusha, though the main gate is 25 km east of the city. It is also 58 km from Moshi and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
The park is small in size but varied with breathtaking landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River and the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the southeast is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the northeast have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds. The range of wildlife animals to spot here is usually less. Among the Big 5 animals, the only buffalo can be seen here regularly.

High Season
July to March
Best Time to Go
June to October (easier to spot animals)

Pros & Cons

  • It's the only park in the northern circuit that can be seen in a single day in which walking safari is also possible.
  • Home of Africa's largest giraffe population
  • You can also see waterbucks, cape buffalo, elephants, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, turacos, trogons, and even the occasional lion or leopard in the right conditions.
  • An incredibly diverse variety of bird life is available for birding enthusiasts.
  • Views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
  • Canoeing in the Momella Lakes
  • Popular game drives in Ngurdoto Crater
  • Hiking and Camping in Tululusia Hill
  • Most of the safari animals aren't available or easily seen
  • Safari can be completed within a day itself

Map in Tanzania

Arusha National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

Arusha National Park has a significant variety of wildlife, but visitors shouldn't expect the same game-viewing experience they find in other national parks of Tanzania's northern circuit. In spite of the small size, common animals including the giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, bushbuck and many other African animals can be spotted. Leopards, cheetahs, Wild dogs and hyenas are present in Arusha but can be seen very rarely.

B&W Colobus Monkey

B&W Colobus Monkey

Endemic
Blue Monkey

Blue Monkey

Endemic
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Zebra

Zebra

Common
Elephant

Elephant

Occasional
Hippo

Hippo

Occasional
Leopard

Leopard

Rare

Wildlife Highlights

An impressive number of blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys are present in this park and can't be found in any other region of northern Tanzania. Visitors can expect to see the Cape Buffalo, elephants, monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and a number of different antelope species in Ngurdoto Crater. Elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, the red duiker, suni, leopards, and even tree-dwelling pythons can be found in the heavily forested region of Tululusia Hill.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Arusha National Park is throughout the year – But in the dry season from June to October animals are easier to observe as they congregate near freshwater sources, rainfall is minimal, foliage is less dense and mosquito levels are reduced. In the Wet season (March to April), some of the roads might become difficult to navigate, which can interfere with your wildlife viewing experience.

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Birds

The Arusha National Park and the Momella Lakes is the perfect place for bird-watching. The national park is inhabited by over 400 different migrant and resident bird species. The most famous bird species in the Arusha National Park are waterfowls such as little grebes, eagles, pochards, geese, hamerkop, red sharks, spurwinged goose, woodpeckers, herons, secretary birds, and grey parrots.

Hartlaub's turaco

Hartlaub's turaco

Endemic
Scaly spurfowl

Scaly spurfowl

Endemic
Common Pochard

Common Pochard

Common
Spur-winged goose

Spur-winged goose

Common

Best Time for Birding

Arusha NP is perfect for birding year-round. Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present from November to April, and resident birds have their breeding plumage. For bird watching, this will be the perfect timing.

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Best Time to Visit – Arusha National Park

The best time to visit Arusha National Park is throughout the year – But in the dry season from June to October animals are easier to observe as they congregate near freshwater sources, rainfall is minimal, foliage is less dense and mosquito levels are reduced. In the Wet season (March to April), some of the roads might become difficult to navigate, which can interfere with your wildlife viewing experience.

High Season
July to March
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Arusha National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Mountain Climbing

Mountain Climbing

Adventure enthusiasts have sufficient climbing options in Africa, from the Amazing Mt. Kilimanjaro down to the smallest hills.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.

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