Arusha National Park: A Guide to Mount Meru, Momella Lakes and Walking Safaris

Arusha National Park: key facts

What to see in Arusha National Park

Mount Meru

The park's highlight is this dramatic volcano, which is often climbed as a three or four-day trek. On a clear day, you can also see Kilimanjaro from here.

Momella Lakes

A group of shallow alkaline lakes in different shades of green and blue, often with flamingos and water birds.

Ngurdoto Crater

A small, steep-sided crater, viewed from the rim, with buffalo on the marshy floor below.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

This is one of the best places in northern Tanzania to see black-and-white colobus monkeys. You may also see giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog and bushbuck, as well as blue monkeys. Lion and elephant are rare or absent, so do not come for big cats.

Walking and canoeing in Arusha National Park

Unlike many of Tanzania's parks, Arusha allows walking with an armed ranger, which is a real thrill. Canoeing on the Momella Lakes may also be possible. Tell us if you would like these activities, and we will confirm what is available and the cost.

When to visit Arusha National Park

June to February is generally best. The long rains from March to May can make some tracks difficult. Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro are often clearest in the early morning.

How to visit Arusha National Park

It makes an excellent day trip from Moshi or Arusha, and it is an easy way to see wildlife if you have just one day. See our Arusha day trips. It also works for climbers who want to warm up before Kilimanjaro, or for travelers who arrive a day before their safari.

Safaris that visit Arusha National Park

Prices are at mid-range level with two people sharing. For route advice, see our Arusha day trips.

Climbing Mount Meru from Arusha National Park

At 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest mountain, and many climbers use it as a warm-up for Kilimanjaro. The route usually takes three or four days, with an armed ranger as your escort because of the wildlife on the lower slopes. Huts are available along the way. The final ridge to the summit is dramatic, with big drops and views of Kilimanjaro at sunrise. Tell us if you are interested, and we will quote this for you. See our Kilimanjaro climbing page for how it could fit.

Colobus monkeys and other forest wildlife

The forest around the Ngurdoto area is one of the best places in northern Tanzania to see black-and-white colobus monkeys. With their long white tails, they leap between the trees like something from another world. You may also see blue monkeys, turacos and hornbills. Look for giraffe on the open Serengeti Ndogo, or "little Serengeti", a small area of grassland in the park.

Birds and flamingos at Momella Lakes

The lakes change color depending on their minerals and on the algae in them. They attract flamingos, at times in large numbers, along with ducks and many other water birds. The views of Meru and Kilimanjaro from here on a clear morning are among the best in the region. It is also a good place to look for hippos at the small lakes nearby.

A day trip to Arusha National Park: what to expect

You leave Moshi or Arusha in the morning and enter the park within a couple of hours. A game drive takes you past Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes, and you may stop for a guided walk with a ranger. A picnic lunch follows, often with views of Meru. You return in the afternoon, with plenty of time for dinner in town. Compared with a long trip to the Serengeti, it is relaxed and easy.

Who should visit Arusha National Park?

It suits travelers with only one day, climbers preparing for Kilimanjaro, birders, walkers and anyone who enjoys scenery as much as big game. It is not the right choice if your main goal is lions and elephants. For those, look at Tarangire or the Serengeti.

Walking safely with a ranger

Walking in the park is exciting because you share the ground with buffalo and giraffe. Stay close to your ranger, keep quiet and follow all instructions. Wear closed shoes and long pants, and carry water and sunscreen. Buffalo can be dangerous, so your ranger will choose a safe distance, and a good ranger will explain what you see along the way.

Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro

On a clear morning, Kilimanjaro rises beyond the Momella Lakes, and that view alone is worth the early start. Because the park is close to the airport, it is also a useful stop on your first or last day. Climbers often use it for a gentle warm-up before Mount Kilimanjaro, as a short visit helps them begin to adjust and to shake off a long flight, without tiring their legs.

The history of Arusha National Park

The park was established in 1960, under the name Ngurdoto Crater National Park. It later took in the Momella Lakes and Mount Meru, and it was renamed Arusha National Park in 1967. Part of the classic film Hatari!, starring John Wayne, was shot in the area in the early 1960s. Today, it remains a popular day out for visitors and local schools alike.

Arusha National Park compared with other northern parks

It is much smaller and quieter than the Serengeti or Tarangire, and it has fewer large animals. Its strengths are scenery, forest, walking and how close it is. If you only have a day and want big game, a long day trip to Tarangire may be better. If you enjoy mountains and being out of the vehicle, this is the more rewarding choice. See our wildlife day trips.

How much time do you need in Arusha National Park?

A full day is enough for most visitors, including a game drive and a guided walk. A half day can work if you are short on time, especially on your way to or from the airport. Climbing Mount Meru takes three or four days. Tell us how long you have, and we will suggest a plan. See our Arusha day trips.

Practical tips for visiting Arusha National Park

• Bring a light jacket, as the forest and higher areas can be cool.
• Wear closed shoes if you plan to walk with a ranger.
• Go early for the best chance of seeing Kilimanjaro and Meru.
• Bring binoculars for colobus monkeys and birds.
• Do not expect big cats, and enjoy the scenery and birds instead.

Where to go after Arusha National Park

The park is close to the start of the northern circuit, so it makes an easy first stop before Tarangire and the Serengeti. It also suits a free day in Moshi before a climb. See our northern circuit safari guide for how it all fits.

Arusha National Park: your questions answered

A park for a different kind of day

It offers forest, lakes, walking and views in place of big cats. It makes a fine day out from Moshi or Arusha. Send us your dates, and we will arrange it.