Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park
Nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru, Arusha National Park features Afro-montane forests, alkaline lakes, and dramatic volcanic landforms rich in wildlife.
▶ WATCH VIDEO- • Black-and-White Colobus Monkey
- • Masai Giraffe
- • Cape Buffalo
- • Flamingo
GENERAL OVERVIEW
First gazetted in 1960 as Ngurdoto Crater National Park and expanded in 1967 to encompass Mount Meru, Arusha National Park protects 137 square kilometers of remarkably diverse landscapes just outside Arusha city. Despite its compact footprint, the park encompasses three distinct ecological zones: Mount Meru (Tanzania's second-highest mountain at 4,566 meters), the seven alkaline Momella Lakes, and the volcanic Ngurdoto Crater, often nicknamed "Little Ngorongoro." Named after the indigenous Waarusha people who historically inhabited the surrounding highlands, the park serves as an essential sanctuary for black-and-white colobus monkeys, high concentrations of Masai giraffes, flamingos, and over 400 species of resident and migratory birds.
SIZE
Arusha National Park is 137 square kilometers (km²) in size.
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), Tanzania Tourist Visa or East Africa Tourist Visa, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if traveling from or through endemic zones), TANAPA electronic park entry permit/smartcard.
- Park gates operate strictly between 06:30 AM and 06:30 PM; night driving is prohibited without official authorization.
- Maintain a maximum speed limit of 40 km/h on main park roads and 25 km/h near walking and picnic areas.
- Off-track driving is strictly forbidden to protect fragile montane vegetation and lake shores.
- Always give wildlife the absolute right of way.
- Do not alight from your vehicle except at designated picnic sites, lakeshores, or guided walking trails.
- All walking safaris and Mount Meru climbs must be accompanied by an official armed TANAPA ranger guide.
- Feeding, teasing, or disturbing wild animals is strictly forbidden.
- Single-use plastic carrier bags and littering are strictly prohibited; retain all waste in vehicles.
- Domestic pets are strictly forbidden inside national park boundaries.
- Drone operation is illegal without written permission from TANAPA and civil aviation authorities.
HOW TO GET THERE
-
By Air: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is located approximately 35 km (45 to 60 minutes) away; Arusha Airport (ARK) is also roughly 35 km away.
-
By Road: A short 40-to-45-minute drive (approx. 32 km) northeast from Arusha city center along a fully paved tarmac road.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Best time to visit Arusha National Park: June to October (Dry Season for game viewing and Mount Meru trekking) & November to April (Wet Season for bird watching)
WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK GALLERY
POINTS OF INTEREST
FAQS
TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS
Contact Esteemed Africa Safaris to book your dream Arusha National Park safari holiday. Start your tour from major cities or coastal beaches and explore our premium national parks, game reserves, and private wildlife conservancies across East Africa.
Speak to our safari experts to tailor the perfect Arusha National Park experience for you.
ENQUIRE NOW ›
Ready to Experience
The Magic of Arusha National Park?
Let us craft a safari journey you'll never forget.
