DESTINATION GUIDE // TANZANIA
Arusha National Park
Mount Meru, crater lakes and giraffe on foot. The one northern park where you can safely walk.
552 km2
PARK AREA
4,566m
MOUNT MERU
25 km
FROM ARUSHA
Walking
SAFARIS ALLOWED
No lions
SAFE ON FOOT
Quick answer: Arusha National Park covers 552 square kilometres just 25 km from Arusha town, making it the most accessible park on the northern circuit. It contains Mount Meru at 4,566 metres, the Momella crater lakes and Ngurdoto Crater. Because there are no lions, walking safaris and canoeing are permitted.
OVERVIEW AND LOCATION
Arusha National Park At A Glance
Arusha is the park most visitors drive past on their way somewhere else, which is a shame given how varied it is. In a single day you can move from montane forest to open crater floor to alkaline lakes. The absence of lion means you can leave the vehicle, and a guided walk among giraffe and buffalo is a completely different experience from a game drive. Mount Meru is also the best acclimatisation climb before Kilimanjaro.
| Detail | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | Arusha Region, northern Tanzania |
| Distance from Arusha town | Approximately 25 km, 45 minutes |
| Size | 552 km2 |
| Highest point | Mount Meru, 4,566 metres |
| Established | 1960 |
| Known for | Walking safaris, canoeing, Ngurdoto Crater, black and white colobus |
WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES
What You Will See and Do
Walking Safaris
With no lion in the park, armed guided walks are permitted. Approaching giraffe and buffalo on foot is a very different experience from a vehicle.
Mount Meru
A three to four day trek and the best acclimatisation before Kilimanjaro, with a dramatic ridge walk to the summit.
Momella Lakes
Seven alkaline crater lakes, each a slightly different colour, with flamingo and canoeing available on some of them.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
When To Go
| Months | What to expect | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Jun to Oct | Dry, clearest views of Meru and Kilimanjaro | High |
| Dec to Feb | Warm and dry, good walking conditions | Medium |
| Mar to May | Long rains, lush, trails muddy | Low |
| Nov | Short rains, quiet and green | Low |
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