Tanzania Destination Guide
Arusha National Park
The green jewel of northern Tanzania
Tanzania Destination Guide
The green jewel of northern Tanzania
552 km² (212 mi²)
1960 (National Park)
All year (June–October best for wildlife)
Often overlooked by travelers, Arusha National Park teems with giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, and vibrant birdlife. Located a short drive from bustling Arusha Town, this forested retreat hosts canoeing on the Momella Lakes and walking safaris—a hidden gem that might surprise you with its lush beauty and rich biodiversity.
Despite its size, Arusha National Park boasts multiple habitats— from the rainforest near Mount Meru’s slopes to open savannah and alkaline lakes. Encounter buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, and likely Tanzania’s highest density of giraffes. Ngurdoto Crater shelters buffaloes in its swampy interior, ringed by thick forests where black-and-white colobus monkeys leap between treetops. Meanwhile, flocks of flamingos grace the Momella Lakes, joined by hippos and fish eagles.
Classic 4×4 game drives suit day trips or quick add-ons. But Arusha National Park is one of few Tanzanian parks allowing walking safaris. Explore forest trails near the Tululusia Waterfall, or canoe across the Momella Lakes for close encounters with waterbucks and flamingos. It’s a unique blend of landscape immersion and wildlife viewing— all less than an hour from Arusha.
Each shallow, alkaline lake in this cluster has distinct salt levels, attracting flamingos in certain seasons. Small Momella Lake offers serene canoe rides, letting you admire the forested slopes of Mount Meru and watch wildlife from a peaceful vantage. Photographers will love capturing reflections of giraffes or buffaloes in the water.
Arusha National Park is open year-round. The dry season (June–October) generally yields the best wildlife sightings in shorter grass, ideal for walking safaris. If you visit in the green season (November, March–May), expect lush scenery and excellent birdwatching, though wildlife may be a bit more dispersed.
June–October
Better visibility, pleasant for walking & canoeing
November & March–May
Lush landscapes, great birding
For a quick safari introduction or a scenic day trip, Arusha National Park excels. Although not a “Big Five” showcase, it offers close giraffe encounters, forest walks, flamingo-dotted lakes, and canoe safaris in a relaxed setting. Perfect for visitors short on time or seeking something different near Arusha Town.
From lush rainforests to open savannah, Arusha National Park nurtures a variety of species. Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs populate grassland areas, while black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys thrive in the canopy. Over 400 bird species grace the park, including flamingos, turacos, trogons, fish eagles, and kingfishers around the Momella Lakes—truly a birdwatcher’s dream.
Situated around 25 km north of Arusha Town, Arusha National Park is easily accessible via a short drive on tarmac roads. Many visitors base themselves in Arusha, offering a broad range of lodging—from budget hotels to upscale lodges. This proximity makes Arusha National Park perfect for a one-day excursion or the first stop on a Northern Circuit safari.