Arusha National Park

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Arusha National Park lies just outside the busy city of Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. Many travellers rush past it on their way to the Serengeti, and many later wish they had not. It is a green, beautiful world of misty mountain forest and open glades where giraffes and zebras graze. In addition, you find shimmering alkaline lakes dotted with flamingos and a dramatic volcanic crater.

Above it all rises Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain. Meanwhile, on clear mornings, the snows of Kilimanjaro float on the eastern horizon.

The park covers around 552 square kilometres on the slopes of Mount Meru, between the cities of Arusha and Moshi. It may be small compared with the Serengeti. Even so, it packs an extraordinary variety of landscapes into a short distance. The land rises from about 1,400 metres on the plains to 4,566 metres at Meru’s summit.

It is also one of the few parks in northern Tanzania where you can explore on foot with an armed ranger. You can paddle a canoe among wildlife and climb a major mountain, all in the same place. Because it lies only about 45 minutes from Arusha and close to Kilimanjaro International Airport, it suits a day trip perfectly. Likewise, it makes a great first or last safari day, or an acclimatisation hike before you climb Kilimanjaro.

History of Arusha National Park

Mount Meru, an active volcano, shaped the landscape of the park. Around 8,000 years ago, a massive eruption blew away the eastern side of the mountain. It sent a huge flow of rock and mud across the land to the east. The Momella Lakes later formed in the hills, hollows and basins it left behind. Ngurdoto Crater, in the southeast of the park, is a separate, older volcanic crater. Meru’s last minor eruption took place in the early twentieth century.

Protection began in 1960, when the area became Ngurdoto Crater National Park. Then, in 1967, Mount Meru and the Momella Lakes joined it, and the park took the name Arusha National Park. Later extensions brought more of Meru’s forest into the park and increased its size to around 552 square kilometres.

In the early 1960s, the Momella area also became a Hollywood film set. The adventure film Hatari!, starring John Wayne, was shot here in 1961 and released in 1962. As a result, audiences around the world saw the landscapes and wildlife of the area. One of the film’s actors, Hardy Krüger, later owned a farm at Momella, and local lodges still remember the link today.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

The park is famous for its black-and-white colobus monkeys. You often see them leaping between the treetops in the montane forest, their long white tails streaming behind them. Blue monkeys and olive baboons are common too.

On the open glades, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes graze in the shadow of Mount Meru. Waterbuck, bushbuck, warthogs and small red duikers also live here. Meanwhile, hippos wallow in the lakes and pools. Leopards and spotted hyenas live in the park as well, although you rarely see them.

Birdlife is a real highlight. More than 400 species live in the forests, lakes and grasslands. Look for flamingos on the Momella Lakes, along with pelicans, ducks and other waterbirds. In the forest, listen for the loud calls of trumpeter hornbills and look for the bright red wings of turacos.

The park does not offer the big-cat action of the Serengeti. Instead, it rewards you with variety, scenery and the freedom to walk.

Things to do in Arusha National Park

Canoeing on Small Momella Lake

Paddle a canoe across Small Momella Lake with a guide. You glide past waterbirds and sometimes hippos, while giraffes and buffaloes graze on the shore and Mount Meru rises behind. It is a peaceful, unforgettable way to experience the park. Canoeing depends on water levels and conditions, so ask us when you book.

Walking safaris

With an armed ranger, you can walk through glades and forest and get close to giraffes and buffaloes on foot. It is a rare thrill on the northern circuit.

Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints

Drive the forested road around the rim of Ngurdoto Crater. Along the way, stop at viewpoints to look down on buffaloes and warthogs on the crater floor, and scan the trees for colobus monkeys.

Mount Meru day hike

A day hike from Momella Gate leads through forest past Fig Tree Arch, waterfalls and viewpoints. You may see colobus monkeys, buffaloes and giraffes. Some hikes go as far as Miriakamba Hut, the first hut on the Meru climb.

Birdwatching and photography

The park is a rewarding birding spot, especially in the wet season. Photographers love it too, thanks to colobus monkeys, giraffes beneath Mount Meru, flamingos on coloured lakes and views of Kilimanjaro.

Best time to visit Arusha National Park

You can visit all year round. Thanks to its altitude, the park stays cooler and greener than many other parks.

June to October: the dry months bring clearer trails and good conditions for walking and for climbing Meru.
December to February: another good window for Mount Meru climbs, often with clear views of Kilimanjaro.
March to May: the long rains turn the forest lush. Some trails get muddy, but birding is excellent.

Flamingo numbers on the Momella Lakes vary through the year, and they depend on water levels.

How to get to Arusha National Park

The main entrance, Ngongongare Gate, is about 25–35 km from Arusha city. The drive takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Momella Gate, used mainly by Mount Meru climbers, lies further into the park.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is about an hour’s drive away. Therefore, it is easy to visit the park on your arrival or departure day.

Park entry fees are set by Tanzania National Parks and change from time to time. We will confirm the current rates when you enquire.

Plan your Arusha safari with Roots

Arusha makes a perfect warm-up before the big parks. From here, many guests head to Tarangire’s baobab country and on to the Serengeti plains. Others use the park to acclimatise before a Kilimanjaro climb.

For a ready-made route, see our 7-day Tanzania wildlife safari, or browse our guide to Tanzania national parks. Then tell us your dates, and we will add Arusha to a tailor-made trip.

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