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Arusha National Park
Forest, lakes and Mount Meru, 45 minutes from town
- From Arusha
- 35 km · 45 min
- From JRO airport
- 60 km
- Highest point
- Mount Meru, 4,566 m
- Best for
- Day trips, walking, canoeing
- Known for
- Black-and-white colobus, Ngurdoto Crater
- Habitats
- Montane forest, lakes, crater
About Arusha NP
Arusha National Park sits on the lower slopes of Mount Meru, only 45 minutes from Arusha city. It is compact and very varied, with montane forest, the alkaline Momella Lakes and the swampy Ngurdoto Crater all in one park.
Look for giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs and the elegant black-and-white colobus monkey in the treetops. On clear mornings, Kilimanjaro appears on the horizon.
Things to do
Walking safaris
One of the few northern parks where you can walk with an armed ranger among giraffe and buffalo.
Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Paddle quietly past hippos, flamingos and waterbirds with Meru rising behind.
Horseback safari
Ride across open glades among giraffes and zebras, a peaceful way to get close to wildlife.
Ngurdoto Crater
Look down into the “Little Ngorongoro”, home to buffalo and warthogs, from forested viewpoints.
Mount Meru climb
Tanzania's second-highest peak, a 3–4 day trek and an excellent warm-up for Kilimanjaro.
Gallery
Getting there
35 km from Arusha (about 45 minutes), 60 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and around 1.5 hours from Moshi. It is perfect for an arrival or departure day.
When to go
Open all year. June to October gives clear mountain views and dry trails. November to May is green and full of migratory birds.
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