Location

The park is 51 km (31 mi) from the northern Tanzania city of Arusha.

Size

The size of Arusha National Park is about 53 square miles.

History

Mountain rainforests. Rich savannahs. Alpine moorlands. And majestic Mt. Meru. You can soak up all these scenic landscapes in a single day at Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and varied parks.

Dating back to 1960, the area was set aside as Ngurdoto Crater National Park to protect the region’s wildlife and natural resources. Then, in 1967, the area surrounding Mt. Meru was added to the park, and the name was changed to Arusha National Park. The park’s name comes from the Waarusha people who lived in the area.

Though often overlooked, this small park presents a variety of experiences for curious visitors. Home to the world’s largest population of giraffes, Arusha National Park presents numerous hiking and exploring possibilities.

Ever go on a canoe safari? The seven Momella lakes in the park, all a different shade of algae green or blue, offer opportunities to sail and explore. From your floating perch you can spot flamingoes and further out on the shore, giraffes, zebra, dik-dik and warthog.

With its easy vibe, lush green hills and woodlands, the park lends itself to walking safaris. You’ll find great stretches of forest hosting blue and colobus monkeys. And several trails will bring you to Mt. Meru, the second highest summit in Tanzania, the fourth highest in Africa.

Entrance Fees & Permits

• Non-residents: $50 USD in high season, $45 USD in low season for 16+ or ages 5-15 is $15 USD
• Residents and expatriates: $25 USD in high season, $22.5 USD in low season for 16+ or $7.5 USD for ages 5-15
• Tanzanians/East African citizens: 10,000 Tanzania shillings for 16+ and 2,000 shillings for 5-15
• Children under 5: Free

Hours of Operation

The park is open from 06:00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs.

How to get there

By Road

You can book a tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris from Arusha, about an hour and ½ drive.

By Air

The park is 35 km (21 mi) from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Best time to visit

Weather & Climate

The park’s mild climate offers average daytime temperatures of 21°C/70°F. It can cool off a bit after sunset and early morning game drives tend to be chilly.

Avoiding Crowds

Wildlife watching is best during the dry months of June to October. But bundle up at night as it can get quite cold. Bird lovers may prefer the wet season, March to May, when migrating flocks arrive at the park.

Value for Money

Arusha National Park is a great value for your money because of its diverse wildlife, unique activities like hiking and canoeing, and affordable prices compared to other, more popular parks.

Wildlife and landscape

Popular Wildlife Sightings in Arusha National Park

Common wildlife sightings in Arusha National Park include giraffes, birds, monkeys, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, zebras, leopards, waterbucks, turacos, and trogons.

The Terrain

The park has three main topographical features: Mount Meru (the second highest peak in Tanzania), Momella Lake, and Ngurdoto. The park is best for those who wish to hike, trek, cycle, or canoe.

Experiences

Guided Walking Safaris

It’s safe to walk the trails in the park, a wonderful way to get closer to the various wildlife. You’ll likely spot a giraffe and be on the lookout for buffalo, warthog, and birds like the hornbill and eagle.

Canoeing Safari

Paddle along the shores of Momella lake, taking in the verdant hills and the park’s wildlife – both aquatic and terrestrial.