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Buffalo grazing the dry Tanzanian plains

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK 

Welcome to Arusha National Park!

Home to Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, this park offers unforgettable experiences and serves as a perfect acclimatization stop before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Rich in wildlife and ideal for day trips, visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, mountain climbing, canoeing, cycling, and horse riding.

Originally a cattle ranch in 1907, it became Ngurdoto Crater National Park in 1960. With the addition of Mount Meru, it was renamed Arusha National Park and now spans 322 km².

Wildebeest rest and chill after their long migration journey across the Serengeti.

Animals found in Arusha National Park

  • Giraffes

  • Waterbucks

  • Dik-dicks

  • Duikers

  • Zebras

  • Leopards

  • Lion

  • Spotted hyenas

  • Elephants

  • Bush pigs

  • Red duikers

  • Warthogs

  • Hippos

  • Black and white Colombus monkeys

  • Blue monkeys among others

A cheetah surveys the vast plains, scanning for food in the distance.

Tourists attraction in Arusha National park 

  • Ngurdoto Museum: Overlooking Ngurdoto Forest, home to black and white colobus monkeys, this museum features a collection of local animals, birds, and insects.

  • Lake Longil: The only freshwater lake in Arusha National Park, Lake Longil attracts buffaloes and waterbucks.

  • Tululusia Hill: Once a lookout during tribal wars, this hiking and camping area offers stunning views of Arusha National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru.

  • Ngurdoto Crater: A swampy crater teeming with wildlife, it's a prime spot for game drives, where visitors can see buffaloes, elephants, monkeys, and various antelope.

  • Mount Meru: Africa's fifth-highest mountain at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet), Mt. Meru stands prominently, often visible while Kilimanjaro remains clouded.

  • Momella Lakes: Comprising seven shallow alkaline lakes, the Momella Lakes showcase vibrant shades of green and blue due to their algae.

  • Wildlife Diversity: The park boasts rich wildlife diversity, including the largest giraffe population in Africa, alongside buffalo, elephants, monkeys, and the occasional lion or leopard.

  • Fig Tree: The fig tree arch is a stunning natural formation in Arusha National Park, showcasing intertwined roots and branches in a serene setting.

Buffalo roam through the tall grasses.

Tourism Activities

  • Game Drive: Explore open glades, grasslands, and forests for close-up wildlife viewing.

  • Walking Safari: Enjoy day hikes that offer a deeper connection with nature and great educational value.

  • Canoeing: Paddle across Small Momella Lake to reach serene areas inaccessible by vehicle or foot.

  • Horse Riding: Experience the park’s wildlife and scenery in an intimate, off-road setting.

  • Cycling: Discover the park’s diverse habitats and landscapes on an exciting bike tour.

  • Climb Mount Meru: Trek to 4,566 meters over 3–4 days, with wildlife sightings and overnight stays in mountain huts along the route.

Zebras are incredibly beautiful creatures, with their striking black-and-white stripes.

The Best Time to Visit the Arusha National Park 

Arusha National Park offers stunning safari experiences year-round, with the best times depending on your interests. For game viewing, visit during the dry season from June to October when shorter vegetation makes animals easier to spot. For bird watching, the ideal months are November to April, when migratory species from Europe and North Africa enhance the experience.

A fantastic lodge where you can enjoy nature in Tanzania's national parks.

Accommodation in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park offers a range of accommodations, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options, as well as various campsites. With numerous lodges and hotels, it provides a comfortable home away from home for safari visitors.

Top Your Bucket List with Arusha National Park

The wonderful tree with a hall at Arusha National Park creates a unique and picturesque scene, blending nature’s beauty with the park's serene environment.

1-Day Arusha National Park Safaris 

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Lions rest for most of the day, often lying in the shade to conserve energy for hunting at night or early morning.

4-Day Arusha National Park Safaris 

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Lions don't typically sleep in trees, but tree-climbing lions are rare in places like Lake Manyara National Park, where they climb to avoid heat, insects, or spot prey.

2-Day Arusha National Park Safaris 

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Monkeys carry their infants on their backs or bellies for safety while foraging or moving, common in species like baboons and squirrel monkeys, until the young are more independent.

5-Day Arusha National Park Safaris 

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Buffaloes wallow in mud to cool off and protect from pests, common in Tanzania's Serengeti and Tarangire. It helps regulate temperature and acts as sunscreen.

3-Day Arusha National Park Safaris 

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Herds of monkeys are commonly seen along the road in Lake Manyara National Park, often crossing or foraging near the pathways.

6-Day Arusha National Park Safaris 

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