Explore Arusha National Park with walking safaris, canoeing, Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru. Plan a tailor-made Tanzania trip with local experts.
From the forested slopes of Mount Meru to the blue-green Momela Lakes and the hidden floor of Ngurdoto Crater, Arusha National Park packs remarkable variety into one compact, walkable park.
Arusha National Park was established in 1960 as Ngurdoto Crater National Park. In 1967 the slopes of Mount Meru were added, and the park took its present name, honoring the Waarusha people of the region. Today it protects forests, craters, lakes, and mountains in one small area close to Arusha.
Giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and warthogs share the glades with black-and-white colobus monkeys in the forest, while thousands of flamingos can gather on the Momela Lakes. It is one of the few northern-circuit parks where you can explore on foot with an armed ranger, and on clear days both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro fill the horizon.
From walking safaris and canoeing to a Mount Meru trek, choose the experiences that shape your perfect visit. Treat these as ideas: we adapt every one to you.
2 – 4 hoursDrive through forest glades, open grassland, and the shores of the Momella Lakes to see giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog and waterbuck.
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2 – 3 hoursWalk with an armed park ranger through glades and forest edges for a close, quiet encounter with wildlife. Arranged in advance at Momella Gate.
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3 – 4 daysClimb through forest, moorland, and alpine zones to a summit of 4,566 m with a ranger. Many climbers use it as acclimatization before Kilimanjaro.
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About 2 hoursPaddle quietly beside flamingos, hippos, and waterbuck for a very different view of the lakes.
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FlexibleMore than 400 bird species are recorded here, including flamingos, herons, ibis, grebes and Egyptian geese.
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Half dayLook down from the rim into a hidden swampy floor where buffalo, warthogs, and waterbuck graze undisturbed.
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Half dayExplore selected routes at a slower pace on horseback or by bicycle, subject to park arrangements.
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1–2 hoursLearn about the park’s volcanic origins, wildlife, and the history of the Momella area at the Ngurdoto Museum.
Ask about thisThe park can be visited all year. Cooler air, clearer mountain views and trekking conditions change with the seasons.
Warm days and some of the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the park. Good for walking and photography.
Mountain viewsLush green forest, dramatic skies, and far fewer visitors. Trails can be wet, so plan walks and climbs carefully.
Quite seasonComfortable temperatures for walking and the start of the best months to climb Mount Meru.
Walking & trekkingThe driest and clearest months, when animals are easier to spot and trails are at their best. Highlight this card.
Peak seasonBrief showers refresh the landscape and migrant birds arrive. Mountain views improve again from December.
Seasonal transitionFrom luxury lodges to mobile tented camps that follow the herds, choose the base that fits your style and budget.
Arusha, Tanzania
Near the park gates
Momella area
Mount Meru route
Inside the parkA few essentials to help you shape the perfect journey.
Northeast of Arusha town in northern Tanzania, on the slopes of Mount Meru, with Kilimanjaro about 60 km to the east.
Ngurdoto Gate (main entry), Momella Gate (walking safaris and Mount Meru trek) and Ngongongare Gate.
An easy drive from Arusha, usually 30 to 45 minutes, and close to both Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport. It works well as a half-day trip, a full day, or a gentle start or finish to a northern safari.
Lodges near the gates and in Arusha town, public and special campsites, and park-run huts on the Mount Meru route.
Park, camping, ranger and climbing fees are set by TANAPA. Walking safaris and Meru climbs must be arranged in advance, so confirm current rates and booking steps before you travel.
Tell us when you want to travel and what inspires you, and we will design your journey.
Wildlife Heading: Animals You Can Spot Intro: Arusha National Park is small, but its forests, glades, and lakes shelter an impressive range of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for these species.
The Serengeti pairs beautifully with Tanzania’s other parks. Combine them for a fuller northern-circuit safari.
Northern CircuitHome to the Great Migration and some of the richest wildlife viewing on Earth.
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Northern CircuitFamous for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, especially in the dry season.
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Northern CircuitA vast volcanic caldera with dense wildlife, including a good chance of seeing black rhino.
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Northern CircuitA compact park of groundwater forest, soda lake and escarpment views, rich in birds.
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Central-Southern TanzaniaRuaha National Park is the second largest national park in Tanzania, known for its vast and diverse landscapes.
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Northern CircuitIs best known for non-technical high-altitude trekking and multi-day summit ascents to Uhuru Peak
Explore this ParkA little preparation makes your journey smoother. Consider your travel dates, route, transport and the type of experience you want before choosing a final itinerary.
Decide which wildlife, mountain or beach experiences matter most. Seasonal conditions can influence the best route and accommodation availability.
Explore the seasonsConsider driving distances, time in each park, internal flights where appropriate, and how much time you want to spend relaxing between activities.
Discover destinationsCheck passport and visa requirements, travel insurance, recommended health advice, baggage limits and any activity-specific equipment needs.
Discuss your tripTell us when you would like to travel, what inspires you and what kind of experience you have in mind.
