Why Visit Arusha National Park?

A Rich Variety of Wildlife, Landscapes, and Adventure

• Mount Meru: The park is dominated by Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania. This dormant volcano offers spectacular hiking opportunities, including a multi-day trek to its summit, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Diverse Wildlife: Arusha National Park is home to a wide range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs. While the park doesn’t have the Big Five, it offers excellent sightings of primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys.
• Ngurdoto Crater: Often referred to as the “Little Ngorongoro,” Ngurdoto Crater is a beautiful volcanic caldera that is home to a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, and baboons. The crater’s steep walls and dense vegetation make it a picturesque location.
• Momella Lakes: A series of shallow alkaline lakes, Momella Lakes are a haven for birdlife, particularly flamingos. The lakes are also frequented by waterbucks, giraffes, and hippos, making them a great spot for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Canoeing Safaris: Unique to Arusha National Park, canoeing on the Momella Lakes offers a tranquil way to view wildlife and enjoy the park’s serene landscapes from the water.

Top Attractions in Arusha National Park

1. Mount Meru

• Standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), Mount Meru is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa and offers a challenging yet rewarding trek. The ascent takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes, with the chance to see wildlife along the way.

2. Ngurdoto Crater

• This volcanic caldera, with its steep walls and dense vegetation, is a key attraction in the park. Although descending into the crater is not allowed, the rim offers stunning viewpoints from which you can observe the crater’s wildlife and lush scenery.

3. Momella Lakes

• These seven shallow lakes are fed by underground streams and are rich in minerals, giving them varying shades of green and blue. The lakes attract a variety of birds, including flamingos, as well as mammals such as giraffes and waterbucks.

4. Fig Tree Arch

• A unique natural feature, the Fig Tree Arch is a massive fig tree that has grown into an arch large enough for a vehicle to pass through. It’s a popular spot for photographs and a testament to the park’s rich flora.

5. Tululusia Hill

• Tululusia Hill offers a rewarding hike with panoramic views of the park and beyond. The hill is also an excellent spot for birdwatching and is home to a variety of forest birds.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

Enjoy the Park Year-Round

• Dry Season (June to October): The dry season is the best time for game viewing in Arusha National Park. The weather is clear and dry, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. The lack of rain also ensures that trails are less muddy and more accessible.
• Wet Season (November to May): During the wet season, the park’s landscapes are lush and green, making it a beautiful time to visit. The rainy season is also the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive in large numbers. The period from November to February offers excellent visibility for mountain climbing.
• Climbing Mount Meru (June to February): The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the dry season, but the months following the short rains (December to February) also offer good conditions and less crowded trails.