Arusha National Park
A perfect first day out.
Best Time
Year-round
Region
Mount Meru
Area
552 km²
Altitude
1,500–4,566m (summit of Meru)
Overview
About Arusha NP
Often overlooked but excellent, Mount Meru rising behind, Momela Lakes shining in front, and walking safaris allowed. A graceful introduction to the parks ahead.
Mount Meru's quiet little sibling park
Arusha National Park is dominated by Mount Meru (4,566m), Tanzania's second-highest peak. The park is small but unusually varied - rainforest with black-and-white colobus, the Momela Lakes ringed by flamingos, and open glades that host giraffe, buffalo, warthog and bushbuck.
Walking and canoeing safaris
Because there are no lions in the lower park, walking safaris and canoe trips on the Momela Lakes are allowed - rare in Tanzania. It is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a long flight before heading to the Serengeti, or to acclimatise before climbing Kilimanjaro.
A serious mountain in its own right
Mount Meru is a stunning three- or four-day climb in its own right. Many travellers use it as an acclimatisation hike before Kilimanjaro - the summit success rate on Kili is noticeably higher for climbers who have first done Meru.
Wildlife you'll see
- Giraffe
- Buffalo
- Colobus monkey
- Flamingo
Highlights
- ✦Walking safaris
- ✦Canoe on Momela Lakes
- ✦Mount Meru views
Things to do
When to go
An excellent acclimatisation day before Kilimanjaro.
Getting there
30-minute drive from Arusha town.
On the map
Arusha National Park
- 1Arusha National Park
Insider tips
- ★Use Arusha NP as a soft-landing day if you arrived on a long-haul flight the night before.
- ★Bring binoculars - the bird life around Momela Lakes is exceptional.
- ★Combine a half-day walking safari with a half-day game drive for the most variety.
Frequently asked questions
Can I climb Mount Meru as part of my safari?+
Yes - we offer four- and five-day Meru climbs that combine beautifully with a Kilimanjaro attempt.
Are walking safaris safe?+
Yes - they are guided by an armed park ranger and a senior guide. The park has no lion or rhino in the walking zones.
How far is it from Arusha town?+
Around 30 minutes by road - the easiest national park to reach in Tanzania.
From the journal
Read about Arusha NP
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