• 14,508 square miles (Arusha Region)
•Starting point for most Tanzania safaris
• Proximity to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Shopping & souvenirs
• Cultural interactions, hiking & sightseeing
With an area of 137 km², Arusha National Park is one of the smallest national park in Tanzania. Located just 37km northeast of Arusha town. Is a perfect way to begin and warming up your Tanzania safaris. The area inhabited with species which are not seen elsewhere in the northern Tanzania. Its landscape is very unique with different kinds of vegetation.
It is located on the slopes of Mount Meru , this is a Tanzania’s second highest mountain after Kilimanjaro. This dormant volcano is 4565 meters (14980 feet) above sea level, is about 1½ million years old. One side of exploded out 8000 years ago as Meru’s caldera lake was transformed into super-heated steam by an inner eruption. One of the largest landslides of mud and rock ever measured worldwide took place, forming hillocks, valleys and small lakes. The geologists estimate that before Mount Meru blew its top it was a tall, symmetrical volcanic spire almost as high as Mount Kilimanjaro. Its fertile lower slopes, covered in dense forest support a diverse fauna and flora. Mount Meru has a great and spectacular view of its big neighbor mount Kilimanjaro and the rift valley as well.
Experience Arusha national park:
A visit to this park can be a day excursion part of Mount Meru day hike or a broader safari itinerary encompassing visits to other northern national parks. Contact our experts how you can include Arusha National Park in your itinerary.
The Vegetation of the park is correlated to the altitude and geology of the area. Mount Meru is a mixture of lush forests and bare rocks. The Ngurdoto crater which lies in the south east is swampy grassland with dense lush forests. The Momella lakes in the north east which are mostly alkaline have varying algal colors are frequently visited by wading birds, flamingos being the main highlight.
acrobatic black and white colubus monkey, baboon, bushbuck, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, hippo, zebra and leopard,
The birdlife is spectacular with over 400 species recorded.
acrobatic black and white colubus monkey, baboon, bushbuck, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, hippo, zebra and leopard,
The birdlife is spectacular with over 400 species recorded.
Year around except during the long rain season [April and May]. Due to the nature of soil and vegetation becomes difficult to enjoy game drive.
Year around except during the long rain season [April and May]. Due to the nature of soil and vegetation becomes difficult to enjoy game drive.
Accommodations Located inside the Arusha National Park
- Momella Lodge
- Hatari Lodge.
Accommodations outside Arusha National Park
- Rivertrees Country Inn
- Mount Meru Game Sanctuary
- Arusha Serena Hotel
- Lake Duluti Resort
- Ngaresero Mountain Lodge