Direct operator since 1978
★ 4.8/5 TripAdvisor · 149 reviews
Trusted by 4,000+ travelers since 1978
Private safaris from $1,400/person
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★★★★★4.8/5•149 TripAdvisor Reviews•Family-Owned Since 1978•No Brokers
Tanzania national park
Arusha National Park
CNN's top 3 Africa destination for 2026. Walking safaris, canoeing on the Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru — 45 minutes from Arusha.
From $1,400/person · Private safari, no brokers
Arusha National Park is the closest national park to Arusha town and Kilimanjari International Airport. At 552 square kilometres, it is compact — but it packs three distinct ecosystems into that area: the alkaline Momella Lakes, montane forest, and the Meru Crater. It is one of the few Tanzanian parks where walking safaris are standard rather than a special arrangement.
CNN Travel named Arusha NP one of Africa's top 3 destinations to visit in 2026 — praised for its walkable wildlife experiences, Mount Meru treks, and proximity to Kilimanjari International Airport.
What you will see: black-and-white colobus monkeys in the montane forest (one of the highest densities in Tanzania), giraffes on the Momella Lakes shoreline with flamingos behind them, greater and lesser flamingos on the alkaline lakes, buffalo, warthog, bushbuck and dik-dik throughout, and Mount Meru (4,566m) visible from throughout the park and climbable on a 3-4 day trek.
Canoe trips on the Momella Lakes offer a water-level view of hippos, flamingos and waterbirds. Walking safaris operate with an armed ranger in the forest zone and around the crater floor — suitable for all ages 5 and above.
Arusha NP fills a specific role in safari planning: it is the best option for a half-day or full-day activity on arrival or departure day. If your international flight lands in the morning and your main safari starts the next day, a half-day in Arusha NP is substantially more interesting than sitting in a hotel.
From the field
“Most travellers skip Arusha NP and that is their loss. The colobus monkeys in the forest are extraordinary — a species you simply will not see anywhere else on the northern circuit. And the Momella Lakes at sunrise, with the reflections of Meru and Kilimanjari behind the flamingos, is one of the most photographed scenes in Tanzania.”
Why Visit Arusha National Park
Highlights
Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
Arusha NP is a year-round park. The forest is green in every season and the Momella Lakes always have birdlife. Dry season (June–October) offers clearer views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjari. Wet season (November–May) brings higher flamingo numbers and lush vegetation — the forest section is particularly beautiful.
Insider Tip
Ask to do the canoe trip first thing in the morning — the Momella Lakes are flat calm before 8am, the hippos are less active, and the reflections of Mount Meru and Kilimanjari in the water are at their clearest. Bring a waterproof bag for your camera.
Getting to Arusha National Park
Logistics
Arusha National Park is 45 minutes from Arusha town and Kilimanjari International Airport on a paved road. No internal flights needed — simply drive from your hotel or the airport. Most Safaris Tanzania itineraries can incorporate Arusha NP on the first or last day without changing the overall structure.
Where to stay
Accommodation Near Arusha National Park
Comfortable lodge at the Momella gate with panoramic views of Mount Meru. All meals included. Good base for half-day or full-day park activities. Friendly staff and reliable vehicles.
The most highly rated hotel in Arusha town, 40 minutes from the park. Pool, spa, excellent restaurant. Best option if you want comfortable town accommodation and drive to the park each morning.
Simple but characterful lodge at the edge of Arusha National Park. Good location, basic but clean rooms, friendly local management. Canoe trips and walking safaris arranged on-site.
Safaris Tanzania uses comfortable and premium lodges and tented camps. Prices above are indicative — exact accommodation depends on availability and dates. WhatsApp Kassim for current options.
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Ready to Safari at Arusha National Park?
WhatsApp Kassim with your travel dates. He will include Arusha National Park in your itinerary and send exact pricing within 2 hours. No brokers, no markup — direct to the operator since 1978.
+255 749 087 101 · Available 7 days a week from Arusha · Direct operator since 1978