Northern Circuit, Tanzania
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park holds Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, 25 km from Arusha city. Walking safaris, canoeing and black-and-white colobus.
- Region
- Arusha region, north east of Arusha city
- Nearest airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport, 35 kilometres
- Suggested stay
- Half a day to one day, or three to four days to climb Mount Meru
Arusha National Park sits just north east of Arusha city, with its main gate 25 kilometres out and Kilimanjaro International Airport 35 kilometres away. That makes it the easiest park in Tanzania to reach on a short visit.
It contains three distinct areas: Mount Meru, at 4,566 metres the second highest peak in Tanzania, the Momella Lakes in the north east, and the grassland floor of Ngurdoto Crater in the south east.
Because there are no lion resident in the park, activities that are not permitted elsewhere are possible here. Walking safaris and canoeing on the Momella Lakes are the main reasons visitors come.
Why visit Arusha National Park
Proximity. It is close enough to Arusha and the airport to fill a first or last day without disrupting an itinerary.
Activity range. Walking safaris and canoeing are available here because there are no resident lion, which is unusual for a Tanzanian park.
Black-and-white colobus monkeys are common and easily seen, which is not the case on most of the northern circuit.
Wildlife you see here
Giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog, bushbuck and elephant are present. Black-and-white colobus and blue monkey are common in the forested sections.
Leopard occur but are rarely seen. There are no resident lion, which is what makes walking and canoeing possible.
The Momella Lakes are alkaline and shallow, and are known for wading birds including flamingo.
Best time to visit
The park is open and worthwhile all year.
June to October is dry and gives the clearest views of Mount Meru and, on a good day, Kilimanjaro to the east.
The green season brings better birdlife and fuller lakes. Mount Meru climbs are possible year round but are harder in the wettest months.
How to get there
By road, the main gate is 25 kilometres from Arusha city and 35 kilometres from Kilimanjaro International Airport, on paved road for most of the way.
No airstrip inside the park is needed. Most visitors arrive by road from Arusha or directly from the airport.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Arusha or on the road towards the park and visit for the day. There are lodges and camps near the Momella gate for those staying closer.
Mount Meru climbs use mountain huts on the route, booked as part of the trek rather than separately.
Travel tips
This is the practical choice for a day when you have arrived early or have a late flight out.
For walking safaris an armed ranger is required and is arranged through the park.
Mount Meru is a serious climb and is often used as acclimatisation before Kilimanjaro. It is not a day walk.
Things to do
- Game drives around Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes
- Guided walking safaris with an armed ranger
- Canoeing on the Momella Lakes
- Mount Meru trekking, three to four days
- Birdwatching and colobus monkey viewing
Trips visiting Arusha National Park
We build trips to Arusha National Park to order. Tell us your dates and we will send an itinerary.
Common questions
Are there lions in Arusha National Park?
No resident lion population. That is why walking safaris and canoeing are permitted here when they are restricted in most other Tanzanian parks.
How far is Arusha National Park from the airport?
The main gate is about 35 kilometres from Kilimanjaro International Airport and 25 kilometres from Arusha city.
Can you climb Mount Meru?
Yes. Mount Meru rises to 4,566 metres and is usually climbed over three to four days. It is often used as acclimatisation before Kilimanjaro.
Is Arusha National Park worth a day?
It suits a first or last day of a trip, and it offers walking and canoeing that larger parks cannot. It is not a substitute for the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater.