Arusha National Park
Overview of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a hidden gem located near Arusha town, perfect for short safaris, hiking, and cultural experiences. Covering 552 km², the park is home to Mount Meru (4,566m), Tanzania’s second-highest peak. It offers stunning landscapes, lush forests, volcanic craters, and diverse wildlife. Unlike Serengeti or Tarangire, Arusha National Park is not known for the Big Five. Instead, it offers fantastic walking safaris, canoe safaris, and birdwatching.
Ruaha National Park Reviews
Ruaha National Park is widely rated as one of Tanzania’s most authentic safari destinations. Travellers highlight its vast wilderness, low tourist numbers, large elephant herds, and excellent sightings of lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Many describe it as a “true wilderness experience” with fewer vehicles and untouched landscapes compared to northern parks.
Read Full Reviews →Why Visit Arusha National Park?
Closest national park to Arusha – Perfect for a 1-day safari One of Tanzania’s best walking & canoe safari destinations Home to Mount Meru – A great choice to Kilimanjaro trekking Diverse landscapes – Forests, lakes, waterfalls, and craters
Where is Arusha National Park Located?
Arusha National Park is located in northern Tanzania, just 40 minutes from Arusha town and 1.5 hours from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
How to Get to Arusha National Park:
By Air: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Alternatively, you can arrive at Arusha Airport (ARK). From either airport, drive to the park.
By Road: A 40-minute drive from Arusha town, making it Tanzania’s most accessible national park.
Wildlife in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park does not have lions or rhinos. However, it offers excellent sightings of giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and birds.
Common Wildlife Sightings
Giraffes – The tallest land animals, commonly seen near open savannahs Buffaloes – Large herds found near the Momella Lakes Zebras & Warthogs – Frequently spotted on game drives Blue & Colobus Monkeys – Playful primates in the forested areas
Birdwatching Paradise
Over 400 bird species, including flamingos, fish eagles, and turacos. Lake Momella attracts migratory birds, including herons & kingfishers.
