Arusha National Park is often one of the first destinations on the Northern Tanzania safari circuit due to its proximity to Arusha and JRO International Airport. The ease of access also makes it an ideal day trip option for those looking to get a taste of the safari experience without heading deeper into the countryside.
The park is 53sq miles – making it one of the smallest in the country. Despite its size, Arusha National Park is stunningly beautiful with lush greenery and dramatic views of nearby Mt. Meru. Giraffe, Cape Buffalo, Zebra, Colobus monkeys, and Flamingos highlight some of the most common animals you might find here.
The Montana Forest
Explore the shadowy Montana Forest which is home to inquisitive blue monkeys, colourful turaco and trogon birds and is home to the black and white Colobus Monkey who will dazzle you with his incredible acrobatics! There are also sleek leopards striding across the forest. The animals are always excited when new visitors appear!
The Ngurdoto Crater
Right in the middle of the forest, you’ll enjoy views of the fabulous extinct volcanic Ngurdoto Crater (sometimes called the mini Ngorongoro) which is an astounding natural area consisting of steep, rocky cliffs and wide marshland which is home to herds of buffalo and warthog. The crater is 3km wide and 400 metres deep.
Momela Lakes
A little further north lays rolling, grassy hills, home to the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes. These lakes are known for their sparkling colours, each one a different shade of emerald green or sapphire blue. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see thousands of pink flamingos; their bright shade adds another colourful dimension to the lakes! As well as flamingos, the lakes are also home to waterfowl and shaggy waterbucks showing off their large lyre-shaped horns while they stand on the edges of the water. Giraffes also elegantly saunter across the hills and zebra herds gather close by, along with wide-eyed dik-dik who dart into the bushes, racing on their spindly legs as quick as they can!
Other activities available in Arusha National Park that may not be possible elsewhere are canoe safaris, armed guard-led walking safaris, and several waterfalls to explore.
This guide seeks to give a quick breakdown of need-to-know information about Arusha National Park.
Where is Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park is only a roughly 45 minute drive from nearby Arusha City and therefore the most easily accessible National Park in the Northern Tanzania circuit. It is often the first stop on Tanzanian safari itineraries as it is also the closest major park to Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – the largest airport in the region and where most international flights will arrive.
How Far is Arusha National Park From Other Destinations in Tanzania?
- JRO Airport: 45 minutes
- Arusha City: 45 minutes
- Mt. Kilimanjaro basecamp (Moshi): 1-1.5 hours\
- Tarangire National Park: 2.5-3 hours
- Lake Manyara National Park: 3 hours
- Ngorongoro Crater: 3.5-4 hours
- Seronera (Central Serengeti): 6-6.5 hours
What Kind of Wildlife Can Be Found In Arusha National Park?
Though the size of the park is relatively small, the wildlife diversity is wide. Though we never like to promise wildlife encounters, visitors are (ALMOST) guaranteed to see giraffes due to their abundant population. In addition to the friendly giants, the park is home to large numbers of colobus monkeys, cape buffalo, and several antelope species. Though less common, it is also possible to see lion, elephant, or leopards.
Common Highlights: Giraffe, Flamingo, Cape Buffalo, Colobus Monkeys, Waterbuck
Is Arusha National Park Good For a Day Trip?
Due to the stunning views and diverse wildlife as well as the proximity to Arusha town, Arusha National Park is one of the BEST parks in Tanzania for a single day safari trip. Though the wildlife viewing is certainly inferior to places like Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater, the convenient location makes it a great candidate. It is also a favorite due to its relatively low entry fees.
What is the Best Time Of Year to Visit Arusha National Park?
NOTE: What constitutes the best time to visit is always subjective depending on what you prioritize. In general, the things to consider with seasonality are:
How busy will it be?
Arusha National Park is generally not too busy throughout the entire year, so while you’ll encounter fewer other tourists during the wet season (November – May), we don’t don’t feel that it is significant factor worth worrying about for this park.
What is the weather like? Will the weather limit the accessibility of the park?
During dry season (June – October) typical temperatures during the day are in the mid-70s and the high 50’s in the early mornings and evenings. Rain is extremely rare. All areas of the park will be accessible.
During wet season temperatures are generally slightly hotter than dry season (high of low-mid 80s). Regarding precipitation, the wet season is further split in two sub-seasons known as the “long rains” and “short rains.”
The “short rains” are generally in November-December and consist of sporadic afternoon showers that will seldom effect your trip.
The “long rains” are usually between March and Mid-May and are characterized by more consistent rains. It usually won’t rain all day, but many days will be overcast and wet. Arusha National Park is less susceptible to poor road conditions than other parks in the region, so despite the rains you should still be able to visit anywhere in the park. If activities like the waterfall hike, horseback riding, or a canoe trip are part of what you want to do they may be difficult or unenjoyable in heavy rains.
Between the short & long rains (January-February) are an unpredictable dry period. It is not possible to predict when exactly it will arrive in advance.
How easily can you spot the animals?
In general, wildlife is always more difficult to find during the wet season for two reasons. First, wet season produces more vegetation. The greenery, while beautiful, gives the animals many more places to hide. Second, the animals have more access to water sources so they do not need to concentrate around fewer areas as they do during dry season.
Arusha’s wildlife is not migratory so the animals will remain in the park year round.
What are the cost differences?
Because Arusha National Park is already quite inexpensive, the cost savings for going during wet season are not significant. Expect anywhere between $10-30 per person/day in savings depending on the level of accommodation you choose to stay at.
An overview:
Dry Season (June – October)
- The weather is more pleasant. Daytime temperatures are typically in the mid 70’s and evenings/mornings get a bit cool.
- Animals are easier to find. Less vegetation means they have fewer places to hide and less water means they will be concentrated around available water sources.
- Less rain means less mosquitoes
- Slightly more people and slightly more expensive but neither is a major factor
- There should be no issues with any activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, or hiking.
Wet Season (November – May)
- The weather is a bit hotter and more humid. Temperatures are in the 80’s during the day.
- Animals are still present in the park, but may be more difficult to spot due to heavy vegetation and more water sources available to them.
- More mosquitoes
- Less people and slightly less expensive
- No transportation issues, but may have problems with activities during the “long rain” season of March – Mid May.
What Is The Bottom Line?
Arusha National Park is a small, yet beautifully lush green park set near Mt. Meru and Arusha town. Wildlife – especially giraffe – is abundant, though there are very few predators.
Its proximity to Arusha – the most common starting point for the Northern Tanzania safari circuit – makes it a great spot for a day trip or the first day of any wildlife safari itinerary.
Entry fees and nearby accommodation costs are lower than other parks in Tanzania
It isn’t too busy at any time of the year and the seasonal rains generally don’t cause a large disturbance for your visit.
Several activities are available here that may not be available in other parks such as guided waterfall hikes, canoeing, and horseback riding.
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