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Geir Kiste CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Arusha National Park

Park

Arusha National Park sits under Mount Meru and offers short safaris, walking routes and crater lakes. Tourists come for close wildlife sightings, views of the volcano's slopes, flamingo‑tinted Momella Lakes and day trips from Arusha town.

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In this guide

Arusha National Park essentials

Address: Arusha National Park, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Website: tanzaniaparks.go.tz
Hours: Daily 6:30am-6:30pm (approx.; visitor centre seasonal)
Admission: Park entrance included in most national park fees; vehicle and activity fees vary
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About 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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

June-October is best for game viewing and dry trails; shoulder seasons offer greener scenery but potential travel disruptions.

Dry season
June-October · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Best for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources.
Short rains
November-December · 16-26°C (61-79°F)
Lush landscapes and newborn animals, but some tracks can become slippery.
Long rains
March-May · 15-24°C (59-75°F)
Fewer visitors and a green park, but heavier rain can disrupt game drives.

Weather & Climate near Arusha National Park

Climate

Arusha National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1381 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 63 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJuneOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 1° - 11° 5° 137 mm partly cloudy 64% 1.7 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
February Acceptable 1° - 12° 6° 126 mm partly cloudy 63% 1.6 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.1h
March Poor 2° - 11° 7° 205 mm partly cloudy 69% 1.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
April Poor 2° - 9° 6° 241 mm overcast 77% 1.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
May Poor 2° - 8° 5° 62 mm overcast 79% 0.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.8h
June Acceptable 1° - 7° 2° 14 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.8h
July Acceptable -1° - 6° 1° 12 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.2 m/s 1.7 very high 11.8h
August Acceptable 0° - 7° 4° 17 mm partly cloudy 65% 1.3 m/s 2.0 very high 11.9h
September Good 0° - 9° 3° 35 mm partly cloudy 60% 1.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
October Acceptable 1° - 10° 6° 109 mm partly cloudy 62% 1.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
November Poor 2° - 10° 4° 219 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
December Poor 3° - 10° 5° 204 mm partly cloudy 69% 1.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park lies about 35 km from Arusha town. Most visitors travel by car from Arusha (30-60 minutes). Local tour operators run day trips and game drives; the nearest major airport with international flights is Kilimanjaro International (JRO), about 45-60 minutes away by road.

Tips for Visiting Arusha National Park

  • Arrive early to see wildlife congregating at waterholes in the morning.
  • Combine a visit with a drive up to the Ngurdoto Crater rim for a compact set of landscapes near the park entrance.
  • Hire a local guide for short game-viewing drives - they have the best knowledge of recent animal movements.