Arusha National Park Voyage Tips and guide

Arusha National Park is in Northeast Tanzania, near the city of Arusha.

The area that now forms Arusha National Park has long been inhabited by local communities, including the Meru people and pastoralist groups such as the Maasai, who used the surrounding lands for farming and grazing.

During the colonial period, the region attracted attention for its forests and scenic volcanic landscape. In 1940, the Ngurdoto Crater area was designated as a forest reserve to protect the mountain forests and water sources flowing from Mount Meru.

In 1960, shortly before Tanzania gained independence, the area was officially established as Arusha National Park, combining the Ngurdoto Crater region, the Momella Lakes, and the slopes of Mount Meru into a single protected area. Over time the park became an important conservation area for wildlife, water catchments, and forest ecosystems.

Today it is one of Tanzania’s most accessible national parks and plays a key role in protecting the Mount Meru ecosystem, which supplies water to surrounding communities and agricultural areas.

Arusha National Park contains three main landscape zones, each very different from the others.

Mount Meru dominates the park’s western side. This massive dormant volcano rises steeply from surrounding plains and supports dense montane forests, alpine meadows, and rocky summit ridges. The mountain is a popular destination for multi-day trekking.

To the east lies the Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro.” This volcanic caldera contains grassy marshlands and forested slopes that support buffalo, warthogs, and various antelope species.

Further north are the Momella Lakes, a series of shallow alkaline lakes that attract large numbers of waterbirds, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons. The lakes vary in color from green to pink depending on algae and mineral levels.

The park also includes lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, and acacia woodlands. These varied habitats create a striking landscape where volcanic peaks, lakes, and forests exist within a relatively compact area.

Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife, but don't expect the same game-viewing experience you'd find in other national parks of Tanzania's northern circuit. Despite being a small park, common animals include giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, and lion. Leopards are present, but rarely seen. Birdlife in the forest is prolific, with many forest species more easily seen here than elsewhere on the tourist route - Narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon are both highlights for visiting birders, whilst the range of starling species provide somewhat less gaudy interest.

Arusha National Park has a mild mountain climate influenced by elevation and the nearby slopes of Mount Meru. Temperatures are generally cooler than many other Tanzanian parks.

Average daytime temperatures range from 20–27 °C (68–81 °F), while nights and early mornings can be cool, particularly at higher elevations.

There are two rainy seasons:

• Long rains (March–May) – the wettest period, when trails can become muddy and cloud cover is frequent.
• Short rains (November–December) – lighter showers that quickly green the landscape.

The dry seasons (June–October and January–February) are the best times for wildlife viewing and trekking Mount Meru. Clear skies during these months also provide excellent views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which can sometimes be seen from the park on clear mornings.

Weather conditions vary greatly with altitude—higher slopes of Mount Meru can be cold, windy, and misty, while the lower plains remain warm and sunny.

Arusha National Park is one of the most accessible parks in northern Tanzania, located about 25 km northeast of Arusha city. It can easily be visited as a day trip or included at the beginning or end of a longer northern safari circuit.

Most visitors reach the park by road from Arusha, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic and the entrance gate used.

The main access points are:

• Ngongongare Gate – the most commonly used entrance, located on the Arusha–Moshi road.
• Momella Gate – used for visitors heading toward the Momella Lakes or Mount Meru trekking routes.

The roads leading to the park are generally paved until the final approach, where they become gravel tracks.

Many travelers enter the park as part of a guided safari arranged through tour companies in Arusha. These tours typically include transport, park fees, and a professional guide.

Visitors staying in Arusha can hire a taxi, private driver, or rental vehicle to reach the park. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for driving inside the park itself.

The nearest airports are:

• Arusha Airport (ARK) – about 40 minutes away by road.
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – about 50 km from the park and the main international gateway for northern Tanzania safaris.

From either airport, visitors typically travel by car to Arusha before continuing to the park.

Climbers attempting Mount Meru must enter the park through Momella Gate, where trekking permits and ranger guides are arranged through the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).

Park fees:

• Entrance/Conservation fees: US$45 per person per day (foreigners)
• Hut fees: US$30 per person per night (foreigners)
• Guide fees: US$15-20 per person (possibly per day, foreigners)
• Rescue fee: US$20 per person (foreigners)

Thus a three-day, two-night climb will cost a minimum of US$260 for foreigners. However, because of the new/more strictly enforced regulations, other fees may also be added depending on the tour operator you organise through and may include porter, cook, and meals. These additions will likely add at least another US$100, and probably more. As always, be prepared to negotiate and shop around.

Arusha National Park can be explored by safari vehicle, on foot with a ranger, by canoe, or while trekking Mount Meru. Because the park is relatively small compared to other Tanzanian parks, travel distances are shorter and a variety of activities are possible.

Most visitors explore the park on 4×4 game drives along a network of dirt roads that pass through forest, open plains, and around the Momella Lakes. Self-driving is permitted, though many visitors choose to hire a guide through a safari operator in Arusha.

Roads are generally well maintained but can become muddy during the rainy season.

Arusha National Park is one of the few parks in northern Tanzania where guided walking safaris are common. Walks are conducted with an armed park ranger, allowing visitors to safely approach wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and antelope while learning about tracks, plants, and smaller animals.

Canoe safaris are offered on Momella Lakes when water levels permit. These guided trips provide close views of waterbirds, hippos, and animals along the shoreline.

For visitors climbing Mount Meru, travel is done entirely on foot along established trekking routes. Climbers must be accompanied by a ranger and typically spend 3–4 days ascending and descending the mountain.

The park is compact, so most major sites can be reached within 30–60 minutes of the main gate. Key areas include:

• Momella Lakes
• Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints
• Mount Meru trekking routes
• Forest and grassland wildlife areas

Because wildlife such as buffalo and giraffes roam freely, always follow ranger instructions and only leave your vehicle in designated areas or during guided walks.

There is a small village, called Kirua, that is not very far from Arusha.

Climb Mount Meru - 4566m
Best done in 4 days;
Day 1 : 4-5 hours to Miriakamba hut
Day 2 : 3-4 hours to Saddle hut
Day 3 : summit by sunrise and back to Saddle or Miriakamba hut (8 - 11 hours)
Day 4 : final descent (2-5 hours)
Cost - about US$200-300 with a compulsory ranger. Porters can be hired for about US$20 per day to carry luggage if needed. All trips up Mount Meru must be arranged through a tour group and thus it is no longer possible to climb independently. However, it is sometimes possible -and likely cheaper- to talk to the rangers at the station and see if it is possible to join an existing group.

In Kirua, there is a shop called co-op which is like budgens.

There are no public restaurants inside Arusha National Park. Most visitors either bring packed meals for day trips or eat at lodges located within or just outside the park.

Picnic lunches can be enjoyed at designated picnic areas inside the park, often with scenic views of the Momella Lakes, Mount Meru, or surrounding plains. Safari operators frequently provide packed lunches when the park is visited as part of a guided tour.

Nearby accommodations and lodges typically serve:

• International and East African dishes
• Fresh tropical fruit and vegetables
• Local specialties such as ugali, nyama choma, chapati, and vegetable stews

For a wider range of dining options, visitors can return to Arusha, which has numerous restaurants, cafés, and hotels serving both local Tanzanian and international cuisine.

Most drinks inside the park are available only at lodges or through safari operators.

Common options include:

• Bottled water
• Soft drinks and fruit juices
• Tanzanian coffee and tea
• Local beers such as Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Safari

Tap water should not be consumed unless it has been boiled or filtered. Visitors are advised to bring bottled water or refillable containers with purified water when exploring the park.

Because of the park’s elevation near Mount Meru, mornings and evenings can be cool, making hot tea or coffee especially popular during early game drives or after trekking.

There are options within and outside of the park.

• Camping inside the park starts at US$30 per person per night (foreigners).
• There is also a hostel for US$10 per person per night (foreigners).
• Colobus Mountain Lodge: located about 300 m (980 ft) from the Arusha National Park entrance arch, it is a fairly pleasant -and probably cheaper- alternative to staying in the park. The property underwent a change in management and thus the facilities were still undergoing renovations in August 2015. Manager is friendly and things are generally functional nonetheless. Camping US$10 per person per night. Rooms also available.