/destinations/tanzania/arusha-national-park/
Arusha National Park at a Glance
Sitting in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to Arusha town, this is the most accessible park on the Northern Circuit — often used as a same-day arrival or departure safari for travellers with a short layover between international flights and the rest of their Tanzania itinerary.
Wildlife of Arusha National Park
The park holds giraffe, buffalo, and one of Tanzania's more reliable populations of black-and-white colobus monkey in its forested zones, alongside flamingo-lined crater lakes at Ngurdoto and the Momella Lakes. It does not hold lion, which allows walking safaris on foot with an armed ranger in parts of the park not permitted elsewhere on the circuit.
Signature Experiences
Guided walking safaris and canoeing on the Momella Lakes are Arusha National Park's defining activities, alongside optional Mount Meru trekking for travellers with additional time. Internal link: Experiences
Best Time to Visit
Workable year-round given its modest size and proximity to Arusha; clearer mountain views are more likely in the dry season.
How to Get There
Roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Arusha town, making it the most practical half-day or full-day safari for travellers arriving via Kilimanjaro International Airport before continuing to the rest of the Northern Circuit.
Sample Itinerary Featuring Arusha National Park
Often used as an arrival-day activity ahead of a longer Northern Circuit safari, rather than as a standalone multi-night stay.