Close to town, full of surprises
Arusha National Park
Just outside Arusha, a small and beautiful park of forest, lakes and mountain views in the shadow of Mount Meru.
Arusha National Park may be small, but it is one of the most scenic in northern Tanzania. Within a short drive you move from the forest around Ngurdoto Crater to the shallow Momella Lakes, with Mount Meru rising above it all.
What to expect
This is a rare chance to get out of the vehicle, with guided walking safaris accompanied by an armed ranger. Look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys in the forest canopy, giraffes, buffalo and, in season, flamingos on the lakes.
The park also makes an excellent warm-up before climbing Kilimanjaro, or a rewarding day out if you arrive in Arusha with time to spare. Ask us about adding a day here to any of our safaris.
Arusha National Park: common questions
Can you visit Arusha National Park in a day?
Yes. It is so close to town that it makes an easy day trip, and is a good way to use a spare day before or after a longer safari.
Are there lions in Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park is not a big cat destination. Come for the scenery, walking, birdlife, giraffes and colobus monkeys, and pair it with the Serengeti or Tarangire for predators.
Got a spare day in Arusha?
Tell us your flight times and we will arrange a day in the park, or build it into a longer safari.