The Land Where Safari Lives Forever The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most iconic safari destination—a place where wildlife, landscapes, and ancient
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Month | What’s Happening | Why Visit? |
---|---|---|
June – Oct | Dry season – great views & easy wildlife spotting | Best time for walking safaris & climbs |
Nov – Dec | Short rains – green scenery, good birding | Fewer tourists, lush landscapes |
Jan – Mar | Warm & dry – ideal for trekking | Excellent for Mount Meru climbs |
Apr – May | Long rains – quiet season | Peaceful visits, dramatic landscapes |
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