National Park in Tanzania
Mount Meru, giraffes and a crater
Arusha National Park is a small gem near the city of Arusha. In one day you can see a crater lake, a forest with black-and-white colobus monkeys, an open plain with giraffe and buffalo, and a view of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. It is a good first or last stop, or an easy day out for travellers who want to walk.
The Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes with their flamingos and the rainforest of Mount Meru give the park an unusual variety. There are no lions or elephants, so walking safaris and canoe trips are allowed, and the park is a good choice for families and anyone who wants to stretch their legs.
Mount Meru, at 4,566 metres, is a popular climb for acclimatising before Kilimanjaro.
The park is known for black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, Maasai giraffe, buffalo, warthog, waterbuck, bushbuck and olive baboon. Leopards and spotted hyena are present but rarely seen. Flamingos feed on the Momella Lakes, and hippos live in the Small Momella Lake.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The park has varied landscapes: a forested crater, green lakes, open grassland and the dramatic cone of Mount Meru. On a clear morning, Kilimanjaro can be seen to the east.
Activities here
The park lies on the slopes of Mount Meru, so the weather is cool and fresh. Daytime temperatures are around 18°C to 25°C, with cold nights at altitude. The long rains fall from March to May.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24 | 13 | 60 |
| Feb | 25 | 14 | 70 |
| Mar | 24 | 14 | 150 |
| Apr | 22 | 15 | 330 |
| May | 20 | 14 | 180 |
| Jun | 19 | 12 | 25 |
| Jul | 18 | 11 | 10 |
| Aug | 19 | 11 | 10 |
| Sep | 21 | 12 | 15 |
| Oct | 23 | 13 | 35 |
| Nov | 23 | 14 | 100 |
| Dec | 23 | 14 | 100 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October and January to February are the driest months, with clear views of Kilimanjaro and Meru in the early morning.
The rains from March to May bring mist and heavy showers, and the paths in the forest become slippery. The park is green and quiet.
The park can be visited at any time of year. The dry months have the best views of the mountains, and the wet months have the best colours and birdlife.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jul to Sep
The park is about 32 kilometres from Arusha, a drive of around 45 minutes, and about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport. It makes an easy half-day or full-day trip on arrival or departure.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online before travel or bought on arrival, and a passport valid for at least six months.
The park is at moderate altitude and the weather is cool, so bring a jacket. Meru climbs need fitness and acclimatisation. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
National ParkSerengeti National ParkThe Great Migration
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryNgorongoro Conservation AreaA day on the crater floorOur take
“Our take”
Arusha National Park is the best first or last night of a safari: easy to reach, beautiful, and a different kind of day from the plains.
Safaris from
US$1,222 per person
Plan your time in Arusha
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
