Arusha National Park
Tanzania’s Scenic Safari Secret
Arusha National Park
Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru and just a short drive from the bustling town of Arusha, Arusha National Park is a compact treasure chest of landscapes and wildlife. Though it’s one of Tanzania’s smaller parks at just 552 square kilometers, it offers an astonishing diversity of habitats from lush montane forests and shimmering crater lakes to alpine meadows and volcanic peaks.
Often overlooked in favor of its heavyweight neighbors like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Arusha National Park rewards those who venture here with quiet beauty, uncrowded game drives, and a surprising variety of sights all in a single day. It’s the kind of place where you can spot giraffes grazing against the backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro, watch flamingos feeding in turquoise crater lakes, and walk beneath ancient fig trees alive with monkeys.
The Ultimate Way to Experience Arusha National Park
Where Mountains Touch the Sky and Wildlife Roams Below
The park’s crown jewel is Mount Meru (4,566 m), Tanzania’s second-highest peak, whose forested slopes and open alpine areas are a haven for wildlife and hikers alike.
For those seeking a climbing challenge, Meru offers a less-crowded, equally scenic alternative to Kilimanjaro, with breathtaking sunrise views over Africa’s rooftop.
But the magic of Arusha National Park isn’t limited to its mountain. Within a short drive, visitors can explore:
Ngurdoto Crater
A lush, steep-walled volcanic caldera often called “Little Ngorongoro,” where buffaloes graze the swampy floor and black-and-white colobus monkeys swing in the surrounding forest.
Momella Lakes
Seven alkaline lakes whose colors shift with the light, from jade green to shimmering blue, attracting flamingos, waterfowl, and herds of waterbuck along their shores.
Montane Forests
Evergreen jungles alive with bird calls and the rustle of monkeys. Blue monkeys, Sykes’ monkeys, and the rare black-and-white colobus are commonly seen here.
Wildlife in Arusha National Park is abundant, though big cats are rare. Instead, the park is home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, bushbucks, hippos, and a dazzling array of birds—over 400 species recorded.
This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers.
The Beauty of Diversity
One of Arusha National Park’s greatest charms is how quickly its scenery changes. You can drive through shady forest tunnels in the morning, picnic beside a shimmering lake at midday, and stroll across open grasslands in the afternoon. On clear days, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro dominates the eastern horizon, while Meru’s rugged slopes rise dramatically above you.
This variety means the park offers something for everyone:
Game drives for classic safari experiences
Guided walking safaris for an up-close look at wildlife and plants
Canoeing on Momella Lakes for a serene, water-level perspective
Mountain climbing for adventure seekers aiming for Meru’s summit
History and Conservation of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park’s roots stretch deep into local culture and history. The lands around Mount Meru have long been home to the Meru and Arusha people, whose traditions remain intertwined with the mountain. The park was gazetted in 1960, initially to protect Ngurdoto Crater and the surrounding forest, and later expanded to include Mount Meru and the Momella Lakes.
Today, it stands as a vital green refuge on the doorstep of northern Tanzania’s safari circuit. It plays a crucial role in protecting montane ecosystems, serving as a water catchment area, and offering sanctuary to species adapted to higher altitudes.
In Arusha National Park, beauty isn’t just in the wildlife—it’s in the sweeping views, the cool mountain air, and the sense of peace that comes from being in a place untouched by mass tourism. Whether as a half-day escape, a prelude to a longer safari, or a destination in its own right, Arusha leaves an impression that lingers long after you’ve left.
