Arusha National Park

Tanzania’s Best-Kept Secret

Arusha National Park is a small but incredibly scenic gem located just a short drive from Arusha town. Though often overshadowed by Tanzania’s larger parks, Arusha offers stunning landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for a day trip or the perfect introduction to a northern circuit safari. The park is best known for its lush rainforests, open savannahs, and the iconic Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak.

Ngurdoto Crater & Momella Lakes: Beauty & Biodiversity

The park’s highlights include the Ngurdoto Crater, often called the “Little Ngorongoro,” which features steep cliffs and a green floor teeming with buffalo, warthogs, and baboons. The Momella Lakes are famous for their vibrant birdlife, especially flamingos and waterfowl, and provide serene spots for canoeing and photography.

Mount Meru: The Quiet Giant

Towering over the park is Mount Meru (4,566 meters), a dormant volcano that offers a more challenging, less crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Meru is a fantastic adventure in itself and an excellent acclimatization trek for those planning to summit Kilimanjaro. The trails pass through diverse habitats, from rainforest to alpine desert, with breathtaking views along the way.

Why Arusha National Park is Special

What sets Arusha National Park apart is its diverse scenery packed into a small area—from montane forests and crater lakes to alpine meadows and volcanic peaks. It’s one of the best places in Tanzania to spot colobus monkeys, giraffes, and an array of bird species, and it’s unique in offering walking safaris and canoeing, activities rarely available in other parks.

At Shafino Wildlife Safaris, we help you explore every corner of this underrated park, whether you’re seeking wildlife, stunning vistas, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Activities in Arusha National Park

Arusha is ideal for game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing on the Momella Lakes. Trekking Mount Meru is a highlight for climbers, and the park’s landscapes make it a dream for nature photography and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Well-Known For?

Arusha National Park is best known for its diverse landscapes, Mount Meru, and being one of the few parks in Tanzania where visitors can enjoy walking safaris and canoeing. It’s also renowned for its colobus monkey sightings and the scenic beauty of the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater.

When to Visit?

MonthWhat’s HappeningWhy Visit?
June – OctDry season – great views & easy wildlife spottingBest time for walking safaris & climbs
Nov – DecShort rains – green scenery, good birdingFewer tourists, lush landscapes
Jan – MarWarm & dry – ideal for trekkingExcellent for Mount Meru climbs
Apr – MayLong rains – quiet seasonPeaceful visits, dramatic landscapes

 

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