Arusha National Park

Overview

Arusha National Park lies approximately 35 kilometers from Arusha city, covering an area of 552 square kilometers. The park includes the northern slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak at 4,566 meters, as well as the grassy plains of the Momela Lakes and the Ngurdoto Crater.

Mount Meru dominates the landscape with its volcanic slopes and forested flanks, providing habitat for the rare black and white colobus monkey. The Momela Lakes are shallow alkaline bodies of water that attract flamingos and other waterbirds, while the Ngurdoto Crater contains dense forest and swampy grasslands. Arusha National Park combines highland forest, crater floor, and open plains, creating a compact but ecologically diverse area that allows visitors to experience a range of landscapes and wildlife within a short drive from the city.

Wildlife

The park supports elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and various antelope species across its plains and crater floor. Primates are abundant, with black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons frequently observed in forested sections.

Birdlife exceeds 400 species, including flamingos at Momela Lakes, storks, pelicans, and raptors. Predators such as leopards and hyenas inhabit forested and open areas, though sightings are less predictable. Hippos are present in rivers and swamps, while smaller mammals like serval, bushbucks, and mongoose add to the park’s biodiversity.

Suitable Activities

  • Walking safaris – Allowing you to explore the forest and crater sections of the park.
  • Game drives – Cover plains and lakeside areas.
  • Birdwatching – Focuses on Momela Lakes and forests.
  • Mount Meru trekking.

Park Attractions