National Park
Arusha National Park
Mount Meru, colobus monkeys, and the only walking safari on the circuit
- Size
- About 137 km²
- Known for
- Mount Meru, colobus monkeys, walking safaris
- Peak
- Mount Meru, about 4,566 m
- From Arusha
- Under an hour by road
- Best for
- Day trips, walking safaris, Meru treks
A small, varied park on the doorstep of Arusha with a volcanic peak, a grassy crater, shallow lakes, and forest alive with monkeys.
Wildlife and nature
- Black and white colobus monkey
- Giraffe
- Buffalo
- Zebra
- Warthog
- Hippo
- Waterbuck
- Flamingos (seasonal)
- Many bird species
Sightings depend on season, location, and chance. None are guaranteed.
Highlights
Mount Meru
A dormant volcano and Tanzania's second-highest peak. Trekking it is a serious high-altitude climb on its own.
Ngurdoto Crater
A forested crater with a grassy floor, often called a smaller cousin of Ngorongoro, viewed from rim lookouts.
Momella Lakes
Shallow alkaline lakes with changing colours, attracting waders and, at times, flamingos.
On foot with a ranger
Armed park rangers can lead walking safaris here, a rare chance for close, quiet encounters.
Things to do
- Game drives
- Guided walking safari with a ranger
- Birdwatching
- Mount Meru trekking
When to go
- June to October
- Dry season, with clear views of Mount Meru and sometimes Kilimanjaro.
- November to May
- Greener and wetter. Cloud often covers the peaks.
Good to know
- The easiest park to add before or after a longer trip, since it is so close to Arusha.
- Walking safaris need a ranger and are arranged in advance.
- Ask about the Mount Meru climb for a bigger challenge.
More parks to explore
Ready to see Arusha National Park? Tell us your dates and group size and we will prepare a quotation.