Why visit Arusha National Park?
Safari in Arusha Park
Going on safari in Arusha Park is a superb introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and natural riches, where you can observe numerous species of monkey in the rainforest covering the Ngurdoto Crater, admire herds of buffalo, meet colonies of pink flamingos and other waterbirds on the Momella Lakes, and above all walk on foot on Mount Meru and discover an enchanting view.
The park’s animals
In Arusha National Park, there are no large predators. It is therefore a fairly peaceful park where you can calmly observe buffalo, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, hippos, antelopes and many birds.
The park’s flora
Arusha Park is made up of wooded plains with immense fig trees. There are many bodies of water: lakes, ponds and marshes, mainly the Momella Lakes. These are 7 shallow lakes all fed by a different underground source. It is also the best place to photograph the famous Mount Meru.
A rainforest covers the park’s small caldera: Ngurdoto Crater, measuring 3km² in diameter. That is a long way from the 326km² of Ngorongoro! It is in this dense forest that you can set out in search of baboons, blue monkeys and above all a rare species: the colobus monkey!
The Arusha region is fairly mountainous. Indeed, Arusha Park surrounds Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, located opposite the majestic Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain!
Journey through Arusha National Park
Visiting Arusha National Park means being taken into the heart of a lush forest alive with the monkeys and birds that live there. It means driving to the lakes and stopping for a picnic in front of a herd of pink flamingos! It means continuing on to Mount Meru and walking to see the waterfalls. It also means ending your journey at the Jekukumia River, where calm reigns. Here, you rest while listening to the sounds of the birds. You close your eyes and think back to the beautiful things you have seen. You realise you are in Tanzania. Your dream starts here, in the most fabulous of Africa’s small parks!
When to go on safari in Arusha National Park
Visiting Arusha National Park can be done all year round. Most often, people go to Arusha Park between June and October, during the dry season. Wildlife gathers around water sources and it is easier to see as the vegetation is less dense. There is a short rainy season in November, after which the landscapes are even more lush! The ascent of Mount Meru is often recommended between December and February as this is the period when you can see Kilimanjaro best. It is also the period when you see the most birds.
For your safari in Tanzania in this park, we recommend a half-day stopover or staying for the whole day for a gentle safari. You can also stay 4 days to do the ascent of Mount Meru with our trekking in Tanzania specialists. It is an accessible trek for enthusiasts and even for children over 10 years old. Get some height and observe the landscapes of Arusha with the snows of Kilimanjaro in the background!
How do you get to Arusha Park?
Driving time to Arusha Park
Arusha National Park is the park closest to Kilimanjaro International Airport, the one you land at when you want to travel to northern Tanzania. That is why it is often the first stop on a trip to Tanzania.
It takes a good half hour to get from Arusha to Arusha National Park in a 4×4. If you leave directly from Kilimanjaro Airport, it takes one hour.
Where to sleep?
In general, we offer our travellers their first night in a charming lodge located near Arusha: The Moyoni Airport Lodge. Ideally located, it is also THE lodge in the area that will acclimatise you best. It is a small lodge with a family-friendly, warm atmosphere, local cuisine and a swimming pool with views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.
Lodge – Moyoni lodge from Bourgouin Gary on Vimeo.
Park fees and regulations
Entrance fees: Arusha National Park
The prices for access to Tanzanian parks are set according to age and also vary depending on the weight of the vehicle. You should allow around USD 45 per person over 16 years old; USD 15 for children aged 5 to 16, and free of charge for those under 5. These prices are exclusive of tax, and VAT is 18%.
Arusha National Park: regulations
As in all parks in Tanzania, you must respect the wildlife and flora, follow the guide’s instructions, and not throw your rubbish into nature. Detailed regulations are provided to you at the park entrance.
Excurions and activities to do in Arusha
- Go canoeing on Momella Lakes.
- Go on a forest safari hike at the foot of Mount Meru in search of waterfalls.
- Climb to the summit of Mount Meru (4,566 metres high)
- Take a short cultural tour in Arusha and visit a coffee plantation
- Take a walk around Duluti Lake
