Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a compact Tanzanian national park located near the city of Arusha that encompasses diverse landscapes from high volcanic slopes to plains. The park includes the striking volcanic cone of Mount Meru, forested craters and alkaline lakes within a relatively small protected area.

Mountain trekking on Mount Meru, crater scenery at Ngurdoto Crater and birdwatching around the Momela Lakes, where flamingos and other waterbirds gather. The park supports a mix of species in forest, woodland and grassland habitats and offers short game drives and guided walks aimed at day visitors.

The park was designated to protect the mountain and surrounding ecosystems and has been managed for both conservation and tourism, with trail infrastructure and park headquarters near the main entrance. It serves as an accessible natural area close to northern Tanzania’s safari circuit.

Arusha National Park lies northeast of Arusha city and is reached by a short drive from that urban center; the park sits on the slopes and foothills of Mount Meru within the Arusha Region and forms part of the highland landscape that transitions toward the northern plains.

• Scale & access: The park covers both high volcanic terrain and lowland plains, enabling short game drives and day hikes within a compact area relatively close to Arusha city.
• Birdwatching: Momela Lakes are noted for waterbirds and flamingos when seasonal conditions concentrate food resources in the shallow basins.

What to See #

• Mount Meru: Mount Meru - a volcanic cone rising above the park with alpine vegetation and routes for climbers; the peak exceeds 4,500 meters and dominates the park's western sector.
• Ngurdoto Crater: Ngurdoto Crater - a forested volcanic crater with a swampy floor and viewpoints close to the park road used for wildlife viewing.
• Momela Lakes: Momela Lakes - a group of shallow, alkaline lakes used for birdwatching, consisting of several small lakes at low elevation on the park's flat eastern plains.