Arusha National Park is a small, charming park, located in the northeast of Tanzania. It is near the city of Arusha and provides great views of the Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is a scenic and diverse park which offers a wide range of animal and plant species.  And it also has a rich diversity of landscapes. From lakes, waterfalls and swamps to volcanos, mountains and tropical rainforest – the ideal reserve for all kind of animals. The swamps, rainforest and lakes attract many beautiful birds, including silvery-cheeked hornbill and thousands of pink-hued flamingos. This park is also the only place in northern Tanzania where you can easily spot the black-and-white colobus monkey.

Information and facts

Arusha National Park is known for the black-and-white colobus monkeys, Mount Meru, swamps, lakes, waterfalls and craters! A beautiful park with a wide diversity of landscapes and wildlife.

Most common animals

  • Buffalo
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • More than 400 bird species, including flamingos
  • Monkeys: black-and-white colobus monkey, vervet monkey, blue Monkey, baboons
  • Hippo
  • Waterbuck
  • Bushbuck
  • Warthog

Arusha facts:

  • Mount Meru, second-highest mountain in Tanzania, located in the heart of Arusha National Park.
  • Momella Lakes: seven shallow alkaline lakes.
  • Ngurdoto Crater: swampy crater inhabited by large variety of animals.
  • Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
  • Beautiful volcanic scenery and rain forest.
  • Giant fig tree forms an arch across the road, large enough to drive a car through.

Mount Meru

Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park. This dormant volcano is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at a height of 4,566 meters (14,990 feet). It is a beautiful, but challenging mountain to climb. The panorama views from the summit over the steppes of the park, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Momella Lakes are spectacular. A day hike on Mount Meru gives you another perspective and offers a nice change. We also organise climbs to the peak…

Canoeing on the lake or walking safari

One of the popular safari activities in Arusha national park is a canoe or walking safari with an armed ranger. The Momella lakes in the northeast for example offer a large variety of animals. They are in an open landscape and are home to hippos and all kinds of birds. Countless bucks and buffalo can be seen near the lakes. A great change to enjoy wildlife up close, from a different perspective than sitting in a safari vehicle. Absolutely a memorable safari experience!

Arusha town is about 45 minutes away from Arusha National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro is about 50 km (31 miles) away.