Arusha National Park

Nature's Playground Near Serene Peaks

Arusha National Park, located 25 kilometres east of Arusha city, spans 552 square kilometres. It is marked by the world's largest population of giraffes and hosts diverse landscapes from lush rainforests and open savannah to alpine vegetation.

The park is segmented into three major zones: the fertile Meru Crater, the wildlife-abundant Ngurdoto Crater, and the colourful Momella Lakes. Each area provides a window into the varied ecological systems of Northern Tanzania. Visitors to the park can expect to encounter a range of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and unique bird species, all within proximity to Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak.

Top Experiences

Things To Do & Highlights

Arusha National Park

Conquer the Little Brother of Kilimanjaro

Scale Mount Meru, an active volcano, and enjoy an adventurous climb that serves as an acclimatization before tackling Kilimanjaro, with fewer crowds.

Arusha National Park

Canoeing on Tranquil Momella Lakes

Paddle through the serene waters of the Momella Lakes, spotting hippos and diverse birdlife amidst peaceful scenery.

Arusha National Park

Walking Safari Among Gentle Giants

Stroll safely close to wildlife such as giraffes and zebras, guided by a ranger, in this predator-low park.

Arusha National Park

Discover the Secretive Ngurdoto Crater

Hike around or descend into Ngurdoto Crater, surrounded by lush rainforests and offering stunning views, accessible via guided tours.

Arusha National Park

Encounter Primates on Foot

Engage in a walking safari to see playful Colobus and Blue monkeys up close, enhancing your understanding of Arusha's primate life.

Navigate To Know

Arusha National Park Map

Enriching encounters

Iconic Wildlife

Arusha National Park, a sanctuary close to the city, is teeming with wildlife from majestic elephants to the elusive Colobus monkeys, set against the backdrop of Mount Meru.

Giraffes
Giraffes
Elephants
Elephants
Zebras
Zebras
Buffaloes
Buffaloes
Colobus Monkeys
Colobus Monkeys
Wildebeests
Wildebeests
Blue Monkeys
Blue Monkeys
Hippos
Hippos

Best Month To Visit In Tanzania

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October for superior wildlife viewing and to witness the wildebeest migration.

This season also aligns with the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, presenting stunning wildlife displays. The Southern and Western circuit parks are ideal to visit during these months, unlike the Northern circuit parks, which you can visit any time of the year. In the wet season from November to May, the parks turn lush and green, providing beautiful landscapes and great birdwatching, although spotting wildlife can be more challenging.

Choose a month to learn more
DRY SEASON
SHOULDER SEASON
RAINY SEASON

This season also aligns with the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, presenting stunning wildlife displays. The Southern and Western circuit parks are ideal to visit during these months, unlike the Northern circuit parks, which you can visit any time of the year. In the wet season from November to May, the parks turn lush and green, providing beautiful landscapes and great birdwatching, although spotting wildlife can be more challenging.

The calving season reaches its peak in February, filling the Serengeti with newborn wildebeest, which in turn attracts predators, heightening the thrill of safaris. The weather remains hot and dry, perfect for trekking Kilimanjaro or enjoying the less crowded beaches of Zanzibar.
March typically starts dry, but the long rains can begin by the month's end, refreshing the parched landscape. This period is excellent for bird watching as migratory birds are present, and the scenery of the Ngorongoro Highlands is particularly stunning after the rain.
April experiences the heaviest rainfall, making safari trails challenging and some lodges may close due to impassable roads. However, the dramatic thundershowers make for lower prices and less crowded experiences, offering great value for those willing to endure the wet conditions.
As the rains start to recede, the landscape begins to dry, making late May a better time for wildlife viewing. The migration begins moving toward the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, setting the stage for dramatic river crossings in the coming months.
June marks the beginning of the dry season, improving conditions for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. The vegetation starts to recede, enhancing visibility. It's also an excellent month for walking safaris in cooler conditions.
June marks the beginning of the dry season, improving conditions for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. The vegetation starts to recede, enhancing visibility. It's also an excellent month for walking safaris in cooler conditions.
Still peak season, August offers excellent wildlife viewing as dry conditions prevail and the Great Migration herds often attempt to cross the treacherous Mara River. The weather is cool and dry, ideal for extended game drives and witnessing intense predator-prey interactions.
Tourist numbers start to decrease, yet the weather remains dry, making September ideal for those seeking quieter safaris. Wildlife viewing continues to be excellent, with animals easily spotted around shrinking water sources. It's also a prime time for hiking adventures like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
With the onset of short rains, October brings a renewal of the landscape, yet game viewing remains high-quality as water remains scarce and animals frequent known water sources. The weather is generally warm, and the parks are less crowded.
The short rains continue, but wildlife viewing is still rewarding, especially in the Northern parks which offer year-round game viewing opportunities. The landscape is lush, and the migratory birds begin to arrive, enhancing the birdwatching experience.
December marks the onset of heavier rains, but early in the month, the conditions are still good for safaris. The southern Serengeti starts to fill up with the migration herds returning for calving season, offering a prelude to the spectacular wildlife encounters that January will bring.

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