Arusha National Park Tanzania | Walking & Wildlife Safaris

Arusha National Park is located in the northern section of Tanzania not too far south from the border with Kenya and just outside the city of Arusha. The national park encompasses an area of 53 square miles (137 sq km) making it one of the smaller national parks in both Tanzania and the continent of Africa.

Some people consider this a sister park to Kilimanjaro which is just east of Arusha National Park. It is usual for people to visit both parks, particularly those who have an inclination for mountains.

Tanzania is home to two of the world’s highest mountains—Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The highest point on Meru is actually lower than Kilimanjaro at 14,968 feet (4,562 m). Both mountains are visible from each other on sunny days. The fifth-tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Meru, is a stratovolcano that is dormant.

Despite its diminutive size in comparison to other national parks, the park boasts an abundance of natural diversity. The park is divided into three distinct sections. Towards the park’s western edge sits the Meru Crater, which feeds the Jekukumia River with its runoff. At the very top of the crater rim is the peak.

In the park’s southeastern corner, among a verdant grassland environment, lies Ngurdoto Crater. Birds flock to the Momella Lakes in the park’s northeastern section to feed on the algae blooms that occur there.

At the foot of the mountain, in the forest that surrounds it, you can find a wide variety of animals and birds. As a haven for birdwatchers, this park is home to around 400 different bird species.

Buffalo, bushbuck, elephant, warthog, zebra, and black and white colobus monkeys are among the other animals. There is the elusive leopard, but it is not easy to spot.

The neighbouring parks of Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the spectacular Serengeti National Park tend to cast a shadow over Arusha National Park.

Things to See in Arusha National Park Tanzania

Among Africa’s five highest peaks, Mount Meru ranks second in Tanzania and fifth in the world. It is the park’s crown jewel and main attraction. This little park contains a variety of ecosystems that nature lovers will want to explore.

Climbing Mount Meru is the main attraction for most tourists to Arusha. Take advantage of this chance to interact with the mountain, its many natural features, and the vistas of the forest that lie below its peak.

Things to do in Arusha National Park Tanzania

Arusha National Park offers a diverse range of activities, including walking safaris, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and climbing Mount Meru. Visitors can enjoy game drives to see giraffes, zebras, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as visit the scenic Ngurdoto Crater, birdwatch (400+ species), and explore the Momella Lakes.

  1. Walking Safaris: Accompanied by armed rangers, these tours allow walking through the forest and savannah to see wildlife closely.
  2. Mount Meru Trekking: Hike Tanzania’s second-highest mountain for stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  3. Canoeing on Momella Lakes: A 2.5-hour canoeing excursion on the shallow Momella Lakes offers views of hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, and water birds.
  4. Game Drives: Explore the park’s varied habitats to spot giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, bushbucks, and leopards.
  5. Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoints: Visit the crater edge for spectacular views of the marshy crater floor and its many wildlife species.
  6. Bird Watching: Spot flamingos, grey-crowned cranes, and African fish eagles around the lakes.
  7. Ngurdoto Museum: Visit this small museum to view collections of animals, insects, and reptiles found in the region.