Arusha National Park
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🌿 Tanzania’s Most Scenic Day Safari

Arusha National Park

A hidden gem just outside Arusha — explore lush forests, crater lakes, Mount Meru views, and unique walking safaris in one compact park.

552 km² Park
Year-round Best Season
Giraffes, Colobus Monkeys Key Wildlife
35km from Arusha Distance

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most underrated safari destinations, offering diverse landscapes including lush rainforest, open savannah, volcanic craters, and the scenic Momella Lakes.

Unlike other parks on the Northern Circuit, Arusha National Park is perfect for walking safaris, canoeing, and close wildlife encounters, with giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys.

With Mount Meru rising dramatically in the background, this park is ideal for day trips, pre-safari experiences, or travelers looking for a quieter, more intimate safari.

  • Closest national park to Arusha — perfect for day trips
  • Unique walking safari experience with armed ranger
  • Canoe safari on Momella Lakes (seasonal)
  • Stunning views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro (on clear days)
  • High population of giraffes and colobus monkeys
  • Beautiful landscapes: forest, lakes, and craters
  • Less crowded compared to Serengeti and Ngorongoro
  • Ideal for first-day or last-day safari
Arusha National Park

Top Experiences & Wildlife

🦒

Walking Safari Experience

Explore the park on foot with a ranger — a rare chance to experience wildlife up close.

🛶

Canoe Safari

Paddle along Momella Lakes surrounded by giraffes, buffalo, and waterbirds.

🐒

Colobus Monkeys

Spot rare black-and-white colobus monkeys jumping through the forest canopy.

🌄

Mount Meru Views

Enjoy stunning views of Tanzania’s second-highest mountain rising above the park.

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Giraffes & Plains Wildlife

Large herds of giraffes, zebras, and antelope roam the open savannah.

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Good
Feb
Good
Mar
Good
Apr
Low
May
Low
Jun
Good
Jul
Peak
Aug
Peak
Sep
Peak
Oct
Good
Nov
Good
Dec
Good

Dry Season

Jun–Oct

Best for walking safaris and clear views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. Wildlife easier to spot.

Green Season

Nov–May

Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and fewer visitors. Canoe safaris are often available.

Year-Round

All year

Arusha National Park is accessible year-round due to its small size and consistent wildlife presence.

Safari Packages Including Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park
1 Day Days Budget

1-Day Arusha National Park Safari

From $$250/pp

Perfect day trip with game drive, walking safari, and optional canoe experience

★★★★ (0 reviews)
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Arusha National Park
3 Days Days Classic

3-Day Arusha, Tarangire & Ngorongoro

From $$950/pp

Short northern circuit safari combining three diverse parks

★★★★ (0 reviews)
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Arusha National Park
7 Days Days Classic

7-Day Northern Circuit Safari

From $$2,450/pp

Includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Arusha National Park

★★★★ (0 reviews)
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Essential Information

🚗

Getting There

45-minute drive from Arusha city. Accessible via paved road. Ideal for same-day return trips.

💰

Park Fees

$59.40/person/day · $14.85 child. Canoe safari and walking safari have additional fees.

🏕️

Accommodation

Hatari Lodge (luxury) · Arusha Serena Hotel (outside park) · Budget lodges in Arusha town. No major lodges inside park.

🎯

Activities

Game drives · Walking safaris · Canoe safaris · Birdwatching · Mount Meru trekking (multi-day)

👤

Best For

Day trips, first-time safari experience, walking safaris, birdwatchers, photographers, travelers with limited time.

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Pangani Street, Arusha
Tanzania – East Africa

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