Arusha National Park

About Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a place of mixed landscapes (towering Mount Meru, dense rainforests and sparkling lakes) in northern Tanzania. Ideal for a day trip before tackling nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, it is home to the world’s highest concentration of giraffes and an excellent variety of other mammals and birds. The park is approximately 30 km (18.6 mi) from the town of Arusha, which is considered the gateway to the famed Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. Kilimanjaro International Airport is 35 km (22 mi) away. The park covers 552 sq. km (213 sq. mi). Mount Meru forms the highest point of the park, at 4 562m (14 967ft). This small national park boasts great biodiversity thanks to its varied habitats. These include rainforests that are home to colobus monkeys, open savannah and mixed woodlands where zebra and giraffe roam, the alpine desert slopes of Mount Meru with peculiar flora and the Momella Lakes, whose alkali waters attract a technicolored array of water birds. Arusha National Park was originally designated in 1960, to protect Mount Meru. Later, the management mandate was expanded to preserve the diverse habitats and the unique wildlife found therein. The park is well-managed, with active anti-poaching and habitat restoration initiatives in place. To ensure its future, there are numerous collaborative projects with neighboring communities which emphasize sustainable tourism, environmental education and poverty alleviation. There are regular international and domestic flights from various destinations to nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, it is approximately a one-hour drive to the park’s main gate. Day trips by road from Arusha are readily available with various tour operators. At 4 562 m (14 967 ft), Tanzania's second-highest mountain offers a stiff challenge for trekking enthusiasts. Despite its small size, the park is well-stocked with wildlife, including three of the Big 5. Accessible only on foot, the crater floor is partially covered in a rainforest teeming with life. Visit a traditional village with a local Chagga guide to learn more about this colorful culture Well over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the area - paradise for bird enthusiasts A bustling frontier town with a selection of hotels, restaurants, museums and galleries. Showcases various hominid and fossil relics found in the nearby crater of the same name.