Arusha National Park Guide | Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris

Arusha National Park

A guide to Arusha National Park — Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, Mount Meru, colobus monkeys, flamingos, walking safaris and canoeing near Moshi and Arusha.

Safari Information

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is the closest national park to Moshi and Arusha and the most varied of Tanzania's smaller parks. Within its boundaries it packs the Momella Lakes, the Ngurdoto Crater and the lower slopes of Mount Meru — a remarkable mix of forest, lakes, crater and mountain in a compact area that can be explored in a single day.

Momella Lakes

A chain of seven shallow, alkaline lakes whose mineral content gives each a slightly different colour. They draw large flocks of flamingos and waterbirds, and the lakeshore grasslands attract buffalo, giraffe, zebra and warthog.

Ngurdoto Crater

Often called the "Little Ngorongoro", this steep-sided volcanic crater is swathed in rainforest and shelters elephant, buffalo, baboon, colobus and blue monkeys. Viewing is from the crater rim, with the marshy floor below closed to vehicles.

Mount Meru

At 4,562 m, Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest peak and dominates the park's western skyline. The lower slopes fall within the park and are crossed by the climbing route to the summit, offering a quieter acclimatisation alternative to Kilimanjaro.

Wildlife

Arusha National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania where the black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen, alongside blue monkeys, giraffe, buffalo, bushbuck, leopard and abundant birdlife — more than 400 recorded species.

Walking & canoe safaris

Unlike most Tanzanian parks, Arusha permits guided walking safaris and canoeing on the Momella Lakes, offering a close-up perspective of wildlife and birdlife impossible from a vehicle.

Best time to visit

The park is rewarding year round. The dry season (June–October) offers the easiest walking and clearest views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, while the green season brings lush forest and peak birdlife.

Getting there

The park gate is roughly 60 km from Moshi and about 40 minutes from Arusha, making it an ideal half- or full-day trip before or after a Kilimanjaro climb or longer Northern Circuit safari.

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