Arusha National Park
Forest, crater and lakes on the slopes of Mt Meru, less than an hour from Arusha.
- Walking safaris
- Canoeing
- Colobus monkeys
- Giraffe and buffalo
- Momella lakes
- Mt Meru
Our view
Arusha National Park is small, close and often overlooked, and I think it is one of the best ways to start or end a northern Tanzania safari. It is less than an hour from Arusha and the airport, so it fits easily on an arrival or departure day.
In a short distance the park takes you through very different country: montane forest with black-and-white colobus monkeys, the Ngurdoto crater, open glades with giraffe and buffalo, and the Momella lakes, where flamingos and waterbirds gather. On a clear day Kilimanjaro rises on one side and Mt Meru on the other.
It is also one of the few national parks where you can walk with an armed ranger and paddle a canoe on the lakes, which makes a good change from vehicles. There are no lions here, so walking is relaxed.
For keen walkers, Mt Meru itself is a superb climb of three to four days, and a good way to acclimatise before Kilimanjaro.
Areas within the park
Momella lakes
A group of shallow lakes of different colours, with flamingos, waterbirds and canoeing on Small Momella.
Ngurdoto crater and forest
A forested crater, viewed from its rim, with colobus and blue monkeys in the surrounding forest.
Mt Meru
Tanzania's second-highest mountain, climbed in three to four days, with buffalo and giraffe on the lower slopes.
When to go
Where to stay
Arusha, Tanzania
Arusha Coffee Lodge
$339 – $429
Arusha, Tanzania
Katambuga House
$146 – $201
Arusha, Tanzania
Legendary Lodge
$515 – $645
Arusha, Tanzania
Rivertrees Country Inn
$170 – $210
Safaris that go here
Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride
Arusha › West Kilimanjaro › Arusha National Park
From US$7,310 pp · 2026 rate
This cross country riding safari in Northern Tanzania takes place at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. It follows the footsteps of the greatest mammal on earth, the African elephant. Spend…
11 day Tanzania walking and active safari – high end option
Arusha › Arusha National Park › Lake Manyara › Ngorongoro › Southern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
Walking and active safari in 4 wilderness areas Starting and ending at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Northern Tanzania, this 11 day / 10 night safari is focused on walking enthusiasts.…
11 day Tanzania walking safari combo
Arusha › Arusha National Park › Lake Manyara › Ngorongoro › Southern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
A walking safari in 4 wilderness areas Starting and ending at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Northern Tanzania, this 11 day / 10 night safari is focused on walking enthusiasts. Accompanied…
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Questions
How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha?
Less than an hour's drive from Arusha town and about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport, so it fits easily on the first or last day of a safari.
Can I walk in Arusha National Park?
Yes. Walking safaris with an armed ranger are allowed, and there is canoeing on the Momella lakes.
Are there lions in Arusha National Park?
No. The park has giraffe, buffalo, zebra, colobus monkeys, leopard and many birds, but no resident lions.
Can I climb Mt Meru?
Yes. Mt Meru (4,566 m) is climbed from Arusha National Park in three to four days, and is often used to acclimatise before Kilimanjaro.
Plan a safari to Arusha
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.