Arusha National Park is a small charming park, located in the northeast of Tanzania. It is near the city of Arusha and provides great views of the Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is a scenic and diverse park which offers a wide range of animal and plant species.  And it also has a rich diversity of landscapes. From lakes, waterfalls and swamps to volcanos, mountains and tropical rainforest – the ideal reserve for all kind of animals. The swamps, rainforest and lakes attract many beautiful birds including silvery-cheeked hornbill and thousands of pink-hued flamingos. This park is also the only place in northern Tanzania where you can easily spot the black-and-white colobus monkey. It covers an area of 137 km² and was established in 1960.

Ngurdoto Crater

Arusha Park even features a tiny version of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, called the Ngurdoto. The crater is just 3.6 km (2.2mi) in diameter and 100m (328 ft.) deep. But in this lush rainforest environment you’ll find a great variety of wildlife like cape buffalo, elephant, baboon and antelope.

Arusha, the Town

Arusha National Park is just a few kilometers northeast of the town of Arusha, a main hub for safaris in northern Tanzania. The town offers a respite from the road and your various safari adventures.  Here, you’ll find an active nightlife, sophisticated global cuisine and even a natural history museum.

About Arusha National Park

Arusha Park is small at only 552 sq. km (213sq. mi), but it presents an array of diverse habitats along with dramatic Mt. Meru.

Location:

The park is 51km (31m) from the northern Tanzania city of Arusha.

Climate:

The park’s mild climate offers average daytime temperatures of 21oC/70oF. It can cool off a bit after sunset and early morning game drives tend to be chilly.

Best time to visit:

The wildlife watching is best during the dry months of June to October. But bundle up at night as it can get quite cold. Bird lovers may prefer the wet season, March to May, when migrating flocks arrive at the park.

Operating Hours:

The park is open from 06:00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs.

Getting there:

You can book a tour with African Savannah Holidays from Arusha, about an hour and ½ drive.

By air: The park is 35 km (21mi) from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Some great activities at Arusha National Park include game driving, canoeing, hiking Mount Meru, and walking safaris.

It is one of the few national parks in Tanzania where you can go on walking safaris. 

Walking safaris are a great alternative to the traditional safari experience, and over the last year national park authorities have allowed walking safaris to take place in other parks on the northern safari circuit such as Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and some fringe concessions on the edge of the Serengeti National