Tanzania
Arusha National Park Overview
Mount Meru, walking safaris, and your first morning in Tanzania.
June to October (Animals are easier to spot)
July to March (The park can get busy)
552km² / 213mi²
1,700-4,562m / 5,577-14,967ft
Arusha National Park is the gem hiding in plain sight. Thirty minutes from the city, this compact park offers canoeing on the Momella Lakes, walking safaris among giraffes and buffalo, and views of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Most travellers drive straight through to the Serengeti. The smart ones stop here first.
Mount Meru
Africa's fifth-highest mountain rises 4,566 metres from the park's western boundary. A 3-4 day trek to the summit crosses volcanic landscapes, Afro-alpine moorland, and the dramatic Meru Crater. It is the perfect acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro - or a stunning trek in its own right.
Walking Safaris
Arusha is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can walk among large animals with an armed ranger. Giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and warthogs graze on the open grasslands. Walking changes everything - you hear the grass, smell the earth, feel the proximity of wild animals.
Momella Lakes
Seven alkaline lakes, each a different shade of blue and green, dot the park's eastern side. Canoeing on the lakes brings you close to hippos, flamingos, and waterbirds. On clear mornings, Kilimanjaro and Meru are both reflected in the water.
Experience Designer
Brighton Mboya
Regions of Speciality:
Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda
Trip Designer
Brighton has spent the last decade building safaris across the East African circuit, from the Serengeti's migration corridors to the misty volcanoes of Rwanda and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. He started out guiding walking safaris in Tarangire, then moved into gorilla and chimp trekking after years escorting researchers through the Albertine Rift. His itineraries turn on the small details most operators skip: the right camp on the right night of the migration, a permit window that lines up with the gorilla family closest to your lodge, a quiet bush airstrip that saves a full day on transfer.
Trip Inspiration
Snapshot of a Day
You step out of the vehicle and walk into the grassland with your ranger. A tower of giraffes watches from fifty metres away, their necks turning slowly. Behind them, Mount Meru fills the sky. You are walking in Africa.
Trip Inspiration
Arusha Day Trip
A perfect first or last day in Tanzania. Walk among giraffes in the morning, canoe on the Momella Lakes after lunch, and watch the sunset behind Mount Meru. All within 30 minutes of your hotel.
Recommended Duration: 1 day
Best Time To Go: Year-round
Things to See & Do: Walking safari, canoeing, birdwatching, Mount Meru views
Don't Miss Out On: Giraffe encounters on foot, Momella Lakes canoe, dual Meru-Kilimanjaro view
Featured stays
Hatari Lodge
Location: Momella, Arusha National Park
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Location: Arusha, coffee estate
Testimonials
“Walking among giraffes with Meru behind us - that was the moment I knew this trip was special.”
We almost didn't include Arusha NP in our itinerary. Our guide insisted on a morning stop before heading to Tarangire. The walking safari changed everything - being on foot, hearing the bush, watching a giraffe family from ground level with Mount Meru as the backdrop. It set the tone for the entire trip.
— Michael & Lisa W. - Vancouver, Canada
Process
Step 1
Let's connect
Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our specialists will kick off the planning.
Step 2
Detailed Brief
After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you will receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations.
Step 3
Customized Itinerary and Confirmation
Collaborate with your specialist to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip cost is presented once the itinerary is confirmed.
Step 4
Support, Start to Finish
From the moment you arrive until your trip ends, our team is with you. Experienced guides, porters, and a 24/7 support line ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Good to know
Proximity
Arusha NP is 30 minutes from Arusha city and 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport. It is the most accessible park in northern Tanzania - perfect for a half-day visit on arrival or departure day.
Mount Meru Trek
The 3-4 day Meru trek is excellent preparation for Kilimanjaro. The summit (4,566m) offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro on clear mornings. It is significantly less crowded than Kilimanjaro and costs a fraction of the price.
Activities
Unlike most Tanzania parks which are drive-only, Arusha offers walking safaris, canoeing, and mountain trekking - all in one small park. This makes it especially good for active travellers and families with older children.
Arusha safaris
Wildlife in Arusha
Frequently Asked Questions
Just 30 minutes. It is the most accessible park in northern Tanzania, perfect for a half-day visit on arrival or departure day.
Yes. The 3-4 day Meru trek reaches 4,566 metres and offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro on clear mornings. It is excellent preparation for Kilimanjaro and significantly less crowded.
Walking safaris (unique in northern Tanzania), canoeing on the Momella Lakes, game drives, and the Mount Meru trek. The variety makes it especially good for active travellers.
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