Overview
About Arusha National Park, Tanzania
Arusha National Park is located at northeast of Arusha City brings and brings together volcanic landscapes, montane forest, open grasslands and the alkaline Momella Lakes beneath Mount Meru.
Despite its compact size, it offers an incredible diversity of landscapes ranging from montane forests and wetlands to open grasslands. Visitors can enjoy serene picnics and boat tours while spotting birdlife along the Momella Lakes, or explore the lush, forested caldera of the Ngurdoto Crater, fondly known as 'Little Ngorongoro' for its rich concentration of wildlife."
Vion guides can explore the park with you by Safari vehicle, on guided walks, day trips and, when conditions allow by canoe, making it an excellent introduction or relaxed addition to a Northern Tanzania Safari.
On Safari
Wildlife
The park is a home to various wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, zebra, warthog and waterbuck are regularly seen in the park's open areas, while black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys favour the forest.
Elephant sightings are less predictable, and leopard and spotted hyena are rarely seen. The Momella Lakes support flamingos and diverse waterbirds when conditions are suitable.
Things to Do
Activities
Game Drives
Mount Meru Climbing
Guided Walking Safari
Waterfall Walks
Nature Photography
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Plan Ahead
Best Time to Visit
Arusha National Park can be visited throughout the year.
June to October is generally drier, with easier wildlife viewing, good walking conditions and clearer tracks, although mornings can be cool.
January and February can also bring attractive green landscapes and good mountain views when skies are clear.
The long rains usually fall from March to May, bringing lush forest, stronger waterfalls and excellent birdlife but sometimes muddy roads and cloud around Mount Meru.
Short rains around November and December refresh the park and coincide with additional migratory birds.
Flamingo numbers on the Momella Lakes change naturally with water and feeding conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Plan Your Safari
Ready to Explore Arusha National Park, Tanzania?
Tell us what you would like to experience and we will help create a Safari around your interests, time and travel style.
Good to Know
Travel Tips
Start Early
Morning conditions often give you clearer mountain views and comfortable temperatures before cloud builds around Mount Meru.
Bring Binoculars
The Momella Lakes, forest and wetlands make Arusha National Park especially rewarding for waterbirds, raptors and forest species.
Watch the Forest Canopy
Slow down beneath the trees and look upward for black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys moving through the forest.
Keep Flamingo Expectations Flexible
Flamingos use the Momella Lakes according to changing water and feeding conditions, so large concentrations are never guaranteed.
Add a Guided Walk
If time allows, let us arrange a ranger-guided walk so you can experience the park's grasslands, forest and wildlife away from the Safari vehicle.
Confirm Canoeing in Advance
Canoeing depends on current park operations and conditions, so Vion will confirm availability before including it in your Safari.
Separate Meru Climbing From Your Park Day: Reaching Mount Meru's summit is a multi-day mountain climb, not an extension of a normal Arusha National Park day Safari.