Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park covers 552 km² between the city of Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). It was gazetted in 1960, making it one of Tanzania's oldest national parks, and its boundaries were extended in 2005. Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) manages it.

It is a different kind of park from the Serengeti. There are no big open plains, and TANAPA's wildlife list has no lions (leopards live here but are rarely seen). Instead you get montane forest, the Momella Lakes, the small Ngurdoto Crater and the looming bulk of Mount Meru, at 4,566 m Tanzania's second-highest mountain. On a clear day Kilimanjaro is visible too.

Because it is so close to Arusha and the airport, the park works well on an arrival or departure day, as a gentle introduction before a longer safari, or as a walking day that you cannot do in most other northern parks.

What can you see in Arusha National Park?

Giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog, waterbuck, bushbuck and hippo are the everyday animals here, and elephants are present too. The park's standout is the black-and-white colobus monkey: TANAPA calls it probably the best place in Tanzania to watch them, and you often hear their guttural calls through the forest before you see them.

Birdlife is strong for such a small area. TANAPA's brochure lists more than 450 species, and the game track around the Momella Lakes is a good place to watch both lesser and greater flamingos.

Can you do a walking safari in Arusha National Park?

Yes, and it is one of the main reasons to go. Walks are arranged at the park gates, paid for online, and must be accompanied by an armed ranger. Walking among giraffe and buffalo in cool forest is a very different experience from watching them from a vehicle.

One walk leads to the Tululusia waterfall, which TANAPA describes as a 28 m cascade in a steep gorge. Guided hikes have also opened on Ngurdoto Crater, a small but complete volcanic crater. TANAPA's brochure describes a track along the rim with lookout points, from which you look down on swamps and grassy glades where buffalo, warthog and the occasional elephant graze.

Horseback treks through the forest and glades are another option, arranged in advance through a tour operator. Riders need to show they can handle a horse, and TANAPA notes that wild animals quickly get used to having horses close by.

Can you canoe on the Momella Lakes?

Yes, on Small Momella Lake, by prior arrangement. From the water you may see buffalo, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck and hippo along the shore, and plenty of wading birds.

How long does it take to climb Mount Meru?

Usually three to four days. TANAPA's park page describes a 3-day, 2-night hike using Miriakamba and Saddle huts, and its brochure a 4-day trip on the same huts. The climb must be arranged through a tour operator, with porters and an armed ranger escort, and crosses several vegetation zones, including montane forest.

Meru is a dormant volcano. TANAPA's brochure explains that part of the mountain blew out around 8,000 years ago, triggering one of the largest landslides ever measured and shaping the hills and lakes of the park below.

Some climbers do Meru before Kilimanjaro to acclimatise. It can help, but it adds days and cost, and you should allow a rest day between the two. Read our acclimatisation guide and compare Kilimanjaro routes before deciding.

How does Arusha National Park fit into a trip?

It is easiest as a day visit from Arusha or from lodges near the airport. Three good uses:

• Arrival or departure day: the park is close enough to fill a spare day without a long drive.
• Before a Kilimanjaro climb: a gentle walk at moderate altitude is a good way to test boots and legs.
• End of a safari: TANAPA suggests the park's cool green forest as an antidote to a hot, dusty safari.

For bigger game, add the Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti circuit. See Kilimanjaro and safari for combined trips.

Is Arusha National Park worth visiting?

Yes, if you know what you are getting. It is not the place for lions or the migration. It is the place for walking, canoeing, colobus monkeys, forest scenery and views of two big mountains, all within half an hour of Arusha. Visitors expecting Serengeti-style game viewing tend to be disappointed; those looking for something quieter and more varied usually enjoy it. You can ask Kili Aventura whether it suits your plans.

Sources

• Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) — Arusha National Park
• Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) — National parks brochure
• Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) — Northern Zone national parks quick reference guide (October 2024)

Checked 2026-09-25.

About 32 km according to TANAPA, roughly half an hour by tarmac road. It is about 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), so it is easy to visit on an arrival or departure day.

TANAPA does not list lions among the park's wildlife, and leopards are present but rarely seen. Go for giraffe, buffalo, colobus monkeys, birds and walking, and visit Tarangire or the Serengeti for big cats.

Mount Meru is 4,566 m, making it Tanzania's second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro. The climb usually takes three to four days using Miriakamba and Saddle huts.

Yes. Walking safaris are allowed with an armed ranger and are arranged at the park gates. Routes include forest walks and the trail to the Tululusia waterfall.

For game drives, a walk and canoeing, one day is enough for most visitors. Climbing Mount Meru needs three to four days.