Top Attractions and Activities in Arusha National Park, Tanzania Wildlife Safari Tours
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse safari destinations, located just a short drive from Arusha. Though smaller than many of Tanzania’s famous parks, Arusha National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, mountain hiking adventures, canoe safaris, bird watching, and walking safaris.
The park is often visited before or after safaris to iconic northern circuit destinations such as:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Lake Manyara National Park
Covering just over 200 square miles, Arusha National Park is famous for its rich biodiversity, beautiful scenery, and the world’s largest population of giraffes.
Top Attractions in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is divided into three spectacular geographical areas:
Mount Meru
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, standing at 4,566 meters above sea level. The dormant volcanic mountain dominates the park’s landscape and offers spectacular hiking experiences with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ngurdoto Crater
Ngurdoto Crater is a scenic volcanic crater often referred to as the “Little Ngorongoro.” The crater contains swamps, forests, and grasslands that attract a wide variety of wildlife, including buffalo, warthogs, baboons, and antelopes.
Momella Lakes
The Momella Lakes are a chain of seven shallow alkaline lakes famous for their changing shades of blue and green due to algae growth. These lakes attract flamingos, water birds, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife.
The lakes include:
- Big Momella
- Small Momella
- Kusare
- Lekandiro
- Tulusia
- Rishateni
- El Kekhotoito
Wildlife in Arusha National Park
Despite its small size, Arusha National Park hosts an impressive concentration of wildlife species.
Common animals include:
- Giraffes
- Cape buffaloes
- Zebras
- Warthogs
- Elephants
- Bushbucks
- Waterbucks
- Hippos
- Dik-diks
- Baboons
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys
- Blue monkeys
Leopards and lions are also present but are rarely seen.
The park is especially famous for its large population of giraffes roaming freely across the savannah plains.
Bird Watching in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers with hundreds of resident and migratory bird species.
Notable birds include:
- Flamingos
- Narina trogon
- Bar-tailed trogon
- Crowned eagles
- Silvery-cheeked hornbills
- Various starling species
- Water birds around the Momella Lakes
The forests, swamps, and alkaline lakes create excellent habitats for diverse birdlife.
Top Things to Do in Arusha National Park
1. Game Drives in Arusha National Park
Game drives are one of the best ways to explore the park’s diverse habitats, including forests, swamps, savannah plains, and crater landscapes.
Popular game drive areas include:
- Ngurdoto Crater
- Serengeti Ndogo (“Little Serengeti”)
- Momella Lakes region
Morning game drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Walking Safaris
Arusha National Park is the only national park in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit where walking safaris are permitted.
Accompanied by armed park rangers, visitors can explore the wilderness on foot while observing wildlife, birds, and scenic landscapes from close range.
Walking safaris also include hikes to:
- Tululusia Hill
3. Canoe Safaris on Momella Lakes
Canoeing on the Momella Lakes offers a unique safari experience where visitors drift quietly along shallow waters while spotting:
- Flamingos
- Giraffes
- Waterbucks
- Zebras
- Dik-diks
- Water birds
Canoe safaris typically last between 2ando 3 hours.
4. Hiking Mount Meru
Climbing Mount Meru is one of the top adventure activities in Tanzania.
The hike passes through:
- Dense forest
- Open grasslands
- Alpine vegetation
- Rocky volcanic landscapes
Trekkers often encounter wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, and monkeys along the trails.
The summit also provides spectacular views of:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
5. Visiting Ngurdoto Crater
Ngurdoto Crater is one of the park’s main wildlife viewing areas.
Visitors can spot:
- Buffaloes
- Elephants
- Baboons
- Monkeys
- Antelopes
- Warthogs
The surrounding Ngurdoto Forest is especially famous for black-and-white colobus monkeys.
6. Visiting the Ngurdoto Museum
The Ngurdoto Museum displays information about the wildlife, birds, insects, and ecosystems found within Arusha National Park.
7. Visiting Lake Longil
Lake Longil is the park’s only freshwater lake and an excellent place to spot buffaloes and waterbucks gathering to drink.
8. Hiking Tululusia Hill
Tululusia Hill offers panoramic views of Arusha National Park, Mount Meru, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The forested area around the hill supports:
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Colobus monkeys
- Red duikers
- Suni antelopes
- Tree-climbing pythons
Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
The best time to visit Arusha National Park is during the dry seasons:
- June to September
- December to March
These months provide excellent wildlife viewing and ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.
The rainy seasons from March to May and October to December may affect some safari activities.
Access to Arusha National Park
By Road
Arusha National Park is located approximately 45 minutes from Arusha town and is easily accessible by road.
The park serves as a convenient starting point for northern Tanzania safaris.
Accommodation in Arusha National Park
Visitors can choose from luxury lodges, safari camps, and country inns near the park.
Popular accommodation options include:
- Kili Villa
- River Trees Country Inn
These lodges offer comfortable accommodation, excellent dining, scenic surroundings, and safari activities.
Book Your Arusha National Park Safari Tour
Arrange and book your Tanzania wildlife safari with Ultimate Wild Safaris.
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Mobile: +256 705 087 906 / +256 760 282 342
Experience breathtaking landscapes, Mount Meru hiking adventures, canoe safaris, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable Tanzania safari experiences in Arusha National Park.
