NATIONAL PARKS

NORTH TANZANIA

Mount Meru (Tanzania – Arusha National Park)

Located in northern Tanzania, Arusha National Park is a small but incredibly diverse park, home to Mount Meru (4,566m/14,980ft), Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and rich wildlife. Often overshadowed by Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, this park offers scenic landscapes, wildlife safaris, and one of Africa’s best trekking experiences on Mount Meru.

📍 Location: Northern Tanzania (near Arusha City)
📏 Size: 552 sq. km (213 sq. miles)
🗻 Famous For: Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, Wildlife
🐘 Wildlife: Giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, flamingos, leopards, colobus monkeys
🚶 Activities: Wildlife safaris, hiking, canoeing, cultural tours

Key Attractions in Arusha National Park

1. Mount Meru (4,566m) – Tanzania’s Second-Highest Mountain

Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and a great alternative to Kilimanjaro.
Offers a 3 to 4-day trekking experience with diverse landscapes and fewer crowds.
Perfect acclimatization trek for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Summit views of Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and the Great Rift Valley.

2. Ngurdoto Crater – “The Little Ngorongoro”

A 3.6km wide volcanic crater, similar to Ngorongoro Crater.
Rich in marshes, forests, and wildlife, including buffaloes and warthogs.
Stunning panoramic views and secluded game drives.

3. Momella Lakes – Birdwatcher’s Paradise

A series of seven alkaline lakes with thousands of flamingos.
Great for canoeing, birdwatching, and photography.
Home to hippos, waterbucks, and unique bird species.

4. Wildlife & Game Viewing

More than 400 bird species – flamingos, African fish eagles, hornbills.
Abundant wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards.
Unique animal encounters like black-and-white colobus monkeys.

5. Canoeing in Small Momella Lake

One of the few places in Tanzania where canoeing safaris are allowed.
Paddle alongside hippos, waterbucks, and flamingos.
Peaceful, scenic experience compared to a traditional game drive.

6. Cultural Visits & Walking Safaris

Visit local Maasai and Meru villages to experience their traditions.
Take guided walking safaris with an armed ranger to see wildlife up close.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

☀ Best Time: June – October (Dry Season) – Great for wildlife viewing & hiking.
🌧 Wet Season: November – May – Lush scenery, better for birdwatching.

✔ January – February – Best for Mount Meru climbing (clear skies).
✔ June – October – Best for wildlife & game drives (dry season).

Activities in Arusha National Park

1. Wildlife Safari & Game Drive

🦒 See giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards.
🐒 Spot black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging in the trees.
🚗 Game drives to Ngurdoto Crater & Momella Lakes.

2. Climbing Mount Meru (3 or 4-Day Trek)

🚶 Trek through rainforests, moorlands, and rocky peaks.
🗻 Reach Socialist Peak (4,566m) with views of Kilimanjaro.
🌿 Enjoy rich wildlife & scenery along the trails.

3. Canoeing on Momella Lakes

🚣 Peaceful canoe safari with hippos & flamingos.
🌅 Scenic landscapes, ideal for photography.

4. Walking Safaris with Armed Rangers

👣 Get closer to wildlife on foot (buffaloes, giraffes, zebras).
🔎 Track animals in the savannah & forests.

5. Cultural & Village Tours

🛖 Visit local Maasai & Meru tribes for an authentic cultural experience.
🎭 Learn about traditional dances, crafts, and way of life.

How to Get to Arusha National Park

✈ By Air: Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – 60 km from the park.
🚗 By Road: 45-minute drive from Arusha town (35 km).
🚌 Public Transport: Local buses available, but private tours are recommended.

Accommodation in Arusha National Park

Luxury Lodges & Hotels

🏕 Hatari Lodge – Located near Momella Lakes, offers high-end safari experience.
🏕 Arusha Coffee Lodge – Perfect for relaxation before/after your safari.
🏕 Mount Meru Game Lodge – Stunning views of Mount Meru & wildlife.

Mid-Range & Budget Lodges

🏕 Meru View Lodge – Affordable lodge with comfortable rooms.
🏕 Twiga Lodge – Cozy guesthouse near the park entrance.

Mountain Huts (For Mount Meru Climbers)

🏕 Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) – First night on Mount Meru trek.
🏕 Saddle Hut (3,570m) – Base camp before summiting.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

✔ Perfect for a short safari or day trip from Arusha or Moshi.
✔ Ideal for trekking Mount Meru before climbing Kilimanjaro.
✔ Diverse landscapes – forests, lakes, craters, and open savannah.
✔ Less crowded than Serengeti & Ngorongoro – more peaceful experience.
✔ Unique activities – walking safaris, canoeing, cultural tours.

Mount Arusha National Park

Mount Meru National Park

Popular Tours

Our Mount Meru Tour Packages are designed for both seasoned hikers and enthusiastic first-timers. As you ascend through lush montane forests, open heathlands, and alpine deserts, you’ll encounter spectacular landscapes, unique vegetation zones, and diverse wildlife including giraffes, colobus monkeys, buffaloes, and even elephants.