Arusha National Park: Everything You Need to Know
Arusha National Park is situated right between the majestic Mount Meru which is termed as the second-highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,566 meters and then the great Mount Kilimanjaro to the east. Also, it is just 25 kilometres east of Arusha City. This is yet one of the other Tanzania national parks that are thrilling to visit. Additionally, Arusha is filled mind blowing tourism attractions that all those visit it are left speechless with.
Arusha National Park offers captivating safari experience in the northern ends of Tanzania, known for its stunning landscapes. And one of the advantages of visiting the park is that it is in close proximity to Kilimanjaro International Airport and the popular northern safari circuit. Hence, Arusha national park is among the most visited national parks in the country.
Shaped by Mount Meru and home to the Meru and Arusha people for centuries, this area was first protected as a game reserve during German colonial rule in the early 20th century. After British control post-World War I, it became Ngurdoto Crater National Park in 1960. Hence, expanding in 1967 to include Mount Meru and Momella Lakes, and renamed Arusha National Park.
Managed by TANAPA, it faced challenges like poaching but thrives today as a compact safari destination. Arusha National Park is now known for its wildlife, walking tours, and proximity to Arusha city. So, Arusha NP has become popular for numerous Tanzania safari activities and adventures.
Arusha National Park Map
Worst and Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
Get to know the best and the worst time to go on a safari to Arusha National Park Tanzania. Note that the ideal time to visit Arusha NP is during the months of June to October. Alternatively, the worst months to go on a safari to Arusha Park, is from April and May. Also, the months of November to March ranked ideal for bird watching safaris in Tanzania. Hence, the park can be visited all year through though here is what to know about the worst and best time the park for the best Tanzania safari experience.
Best time to visit Arusha National Park
As earlier mentioned, the best time to visit Arusha National Park in Tanzania is within the months of June to October. So, this is because these months considered as the dry season perfect for trekking and wildlife viewing in the park most especially in areas such as; Momella Lakes known best for Hippos, Waterfowl such as Egyptian geese, herons, kingfishers, and ducks, elephants, Zebras and buffaloes then Ngurdoto Crater, Little Serengeti and Mount Meru Slopes. All this is possible due to the fact that the forest walking trails in Arusha Park are accessible and vegetation is thinner.
Worst months to visit Arusha NP
The months of March to May are known to be the worst times to visit Arusha National Park. Additionally, they are the long Rainy Season in Tanzania. This is the worst time because trails in Arusha, especially the Mount Meru route, can be muddy and slippery. Hence, making it hard to navigate the park. Also, some parts of Arusha National park, like Ngurdoto Crater, may be temporarily inaccessible due to heavy rains.
Seasons and Climate in Arusha National Park Tanzania
Differing from other national parks in Tanzania, Arusha is known to be with a generally cool and temperate mountain climate. So, this is due to it`s altitude variations and just like all the rest of the Tanzania national Parks.
The park’s moderate climate, rarely too hot or too cold, makes it a great spot for activities like walking safaris. Other things to do in Arusha are birdwatching (over 400 species), and exploring Tululusia Waterfall, which flows stronger in the wet season.
Arusha NP has two seasons and they are as below;
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The Dry Season
Dry seasons in this park run from the months of June to October. Relatively cool evenings, particularly at higher elevations close to Mount Meru. Also, daily temperatures that average 20–25°C (68–77°F). This is the ideal time of year to visit Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s main tourist destinations. On fresh mornings, the bright sky is ideal for climbing Mount Meru and can see Mount Kilimanjaro in amazing detail. The drier, less dense plant-life in the beautiful volcanic caldera known as the Ngurdoto Crater makes it possible to identify buffalo and warthogs. The Momella Lakes also shine during this season, with flamingos migrating to their alkaline waters. Hence, producing an intense pink display against the pure scenery.
2. The Wet Season
The wet season of Arusha National Park Tanzania runs from November to May. Also. Its compromised of short rains in November to December and long rains from March to May. Within these times the parks temperatures are range between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F). The pathways surrounding the Momella Lakes are perfect for canoeing during the rainy season. Hence, providing an enjoyable opportunity to see species such as herons and pelicans in this Park.
Even during heavier rains, the park’s accessibility from Arusha city means you can still enjoy shorter visits. Do Tanzania activities in Arusha Park like guided walking safaris, which feel magical with the forest alive and blooming
Wildlife and Birdlife in Arusha National Park
Due to the open fact that arusha national park is not home to most of the Tanzania big five, this does not stop it from hosting numerous mind-blowing attractions. So, this makes it exceptional from other Tanzania national parks. This park home various wildlife such percentage of over 40% mammals, 8% of primates and 400 bird spices which can be witnessed in the park.
- Mammals: 40%
- As earlier mentioned, that Arusha NP is not home most of the big five safari animals in Tanzania (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinoceros, but has buffaloes. Arusha national park Tanzania is still home to over 40% other mammals that visitors can spot. Other mammals in this park include; Giraffes these are known to carry the largest percentage in the destination.
- Also, zebras, warthogs, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and bushbucks. There are chances sightseers can get to witness hyenas for they are as well present in the park but elusive.
- Primates:
- As you visit Arusha NP in Tanzania expect to witness the primates which carry a 8% availability. Also, these are spotted in Montane Forest zones of the park such as; Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes area, Fig Tree Arch and waterfall trails. Visitors to Arusha Tanzania can see primates like; black-and-white colobus monkeys within the park.
- Birds:
- Arusha National Park is home to over 400 bird species in Tanzania. So, this makes this park a paradise for birdwatchers in Africa. Spot birding species in Arusha National Park Tanzania like Greater and Lesser Flamingos which are mostly found at Momella Lakes. Augur buzzards, African fish eagles, Bar-tailed trogons these are witnessed in the forest zones and also Hartlaub’s turaco.
Tourist attractions in Arusha National Park Tanzania
Arusha national park is known to host numerous landscapes which; mountain forests, craters, swamps, savannahs, and alpine moorlands. So, these are definitely the top tourist attractions in Arusha Tanzania along with;
- Ngurdoto Crater: This crater is one of the major attractions found in Arusha park. Additionally, its commonly called the “Little Ngorongoro,”. Ngurdoto crater is known to be a collapsed volcanic caldera which is surrounded by steep, forested walls. Also, its filled with lush grassland and all these are homes to numerous wildlife and birdlife in Arusha. Hence, one of the most visited spots in Arusha national park.
- Momella Lakes: Momella lakes are key features in Arusha national park Tanzania. Also, these series of alkaline lakes act as birding spots. They have birds like; large populations of flamingos, herons, kingfishers, and other birdlife. Momella Lakes in Arusha Tanzania are also known to change colour due to algae and mineral content which is found in the waters.
- Mount Meru: Mount Meru is top hiked spot within the Arusha NP. Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano within this park. So, one of the main reasons as to why it top hiked is due to the biodiversity along its slopes. Also, the Tanzania climbing tour to its summit is a popular activity to do in Arusha. So, its because, mount Meru offers excellent acclimatization for climbers heading to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Things to do in Arusha National Park
Arusha national park offers mind blowing Tanzania safari tour activities to all those that are thrilled by adventures. Also, Arusha NP Tanzania is ranked to have game drives as the top safari experiences tagged along with canoeing safaris.
1. Walking Safaris in Arusha NP
When you are interested in exploring Arusha Park on a close up gage the only way is through walking safaris. So, walking safari tours in Arusha Park are always led by well trained safari guides. So, you get to visit areas and top things to see in Arusha park like Mount Meru and around the Ngurdoto Crater rim. While at these destinations, visitors get to have close-up views of flora, birds, and smaller animals.
2. Mount Meru Trekking in Arusha Tanzania
You can visit Arusha and experience a 3–4 day trek around the electrifying Mount Meru. So, this offers a quieter alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro especially fot one interested in a crowd-free trekking adventure in Africa. Mount Meru in Arusha Park is known for equally stunning views, especially of Kilimanjaro itself.
3. Canoeing Safaris on Momella Lakes in Arusha NP
Arusha Park Tanzania is among the few parks in Tanzania that offer canoeing safaris. These boat safaris in Arusha are specifically carried out in areas like; Momella lakes and Lake Duluti. During these unique boat safaris in Arusha Park, witness animals like hippos, birds and other wildlife coming to drink water.
4. Safari game Drives in Arusha Tanzania
Game drives are most famous safari activities carried out in this park. In addition, these game drives are carried out around the Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes which provide rewarding sightings. It is wise to note that these game drives in Arusha National Park usually last up to 4 hours maximum.
4. Bird Watching tours in Arusha National Park
Arusha Np Tanzania is a great bird watching destination in Africa with over 400 bird species most especially in the wet seasons. Here, sightseers have chances to witness migratory species such as; Hartlaub’s Turaco, Augur Buzzard, European Bee-eater and Common Sandpiper. So, these are present in most months of the year aroun Lake Duluti, Mount Meru slopes, Momella Lake and Ngurdoto Crater.
Where to Stay in Arusha Game Park (Luxury, mid-range and budget accommodations)
As you plan to visit Arusha national park in Tanzania, below are some of the accommodations to consider before making a selection. So, these Arusha accommodations range from of Tanzania luxury lodges, midrange eco-lodges, andbudget campsites. Since Arusha National Park is near the urban, it has an excellent variety of accommodations to select from on your wildlife safari in Tanzania. Here are some of these in different ranges.
Luxury Lodges in Arusha NP:
- Hatari Lodge: This is found in right next to Momella Gate, and it known to offer quality services to all its visitors.
- Legendary Lodge (in Arusha): This lodge is one of the top Luxury suites in a coffee estate, very ideal for those flying in and out of Arusha.
Midrange Arusha hotels:
- Meru View Lodge: It offers midrange services to all its client and positioned in area where it can easily be located that is near the Momella Gate.
- Mount Meru Game Lodge: Its one of the most charming options with a wildlife sanctuary onsite. Mount Meru Gane Lodge offers top notch service and different Arusha safari activity engagements.
Budget Accommodation in Arusha Park
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- Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge: Offers a peaceful stay at a lower price and great forest views.
- Public Campsites: These are managed by TANAPA and are available near the Momella area inside the park.
How to Get to Arusha Park in Tanzania
You can get to Arusha National Park in Tanzania by air for luxury based travellers, or by road for budget or road trip lovers. Below are some of the ways to get to Arusha Patk in Tanzania and the gates oftenly used.
How to get to Arusha NP Tanzania by Road:
One of mostly used way and budget friendly means of accessing Arusha national park is by road. Visitors can get to the park from Arusha City, which is just 45-minute drive via the Moshi–Arusha Road (A23). So, here they get to the park using the Ngongongare Gate, which is the park’s main entrance.
It should be noted that Arusha National Park is approximately about 60 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Hence, to those just landing in Tanzania, get to have roughly a 1-hour drive to this park.
Getting to Arusha Tanzania by Air:
This is one of the quickest ways to get to this park. Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and upon arrival, you are transferred to Arusha National Park by road. Or can opt for domestic flight from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Nairobi (via connections), to Arusha Airport then continue to the park by road.
Arusha Park Entrance Fees and Safari Costs (2025)
Just like in Nyerere National Park and all other national parks in Tanzania, Arusha is as well visited at a cost. All these Arusha safari costs in Tanzania are regulated by Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). And it should be noted these are not fixed prices and that they can change at any given time of the year. Here are the safari costs for Arusha National Park as of 2025;
- Non-resident Adults: $50 per person per day
- Children (5–15 years): $30
- East African Residents: $25 per adult
- Tanzanian Citizens: TZS 10,000
