Arusha National Park covers 137 sq km on the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 m, making it one of the country’s most compact yet varied parks. Originally gazetted in 1960 as Ngurdoto Crater National Park, it took its current name and boundaries in 1967 after the Mount Meru area was added.
The park at a glance
- 137 sq km on the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 m
- Established in 1960, renamed and expanded to its current form in 1967
- Home to the shallow, alkaline Momella Lakes in the park’s northeast
- Located close to Arusha city, a common starting point for northern Tanzania safaris
The Momella Lakes and their birdlife
The Momella Lakes are known for striking algal colours across their shallow, alkaline waters and for attracting large numbers of wading birds, including flocks of flamingos. The lakes and surrounding grassland give the park a distinctly different character from the forested slopes of Mount Meru higher up, packing several ecosystems into a relatively small area.
Wildlife on Meru’s slopes
Giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, warthogs and elephants are commonly seen across the park’s grassland and forest zones, alongside black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys in the canopy. Leopards are present but rarely seen, and the park notably lacks lions, which allows walking safaris and canoeing on the Momella Lakes not permitted in Tanzania’s larger predator-rich parks.
Things to do
- Walking safaris, a rarity in Tanzania’s national parks
- Canoeing on the Momella Lakes
- Trekking Mount Meru for a shorter alternative to Kilimanjaro
Practical information
- Located close to Arusha city, a common gateway for northern Tanzania safaris
- Easily combined with a wider northern circuit itinerary given its proximity to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- The absence of lions allows activities not offered in Tanzania’s bigger parks
Arusha National Park delivers a compact, varied introduction to northern Tanzania. Offmap Safaris can build it into a northern circuit itinerary. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.