Arusha National Park, conveniently located near Arusha and Moshi, is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience a one-day safari. The park’s distinctive features include a diverse terrain that shifts from expansive savannah to lush tropical rainforest, providing a range of experiences in a single location. Additionally, the majestic Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania, enhances the park’s appeal by casting its imposing shadow and offering a stunning vantage point for viewing Mount Kilimanjaro from its summit.

Arusha National Park, spanning 552 sq km, is a gem in the Arusha Region, a renowned city for tours and travel in northeastern Tanzania. The park’s centerpiece is the imposing Mount Meru, a 4566-m-high volcanic mountain. Despite its relatively small size, the park’s exceptional landscape, including the Meru Crater and the Jekukumia River, makes it a haven for safari adventures. The peak of Mount Meru, perched on the edge of the crater, offers a view that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Arusha National Park is adjacent to Ngurdoto Crater in the southeast and features a peaceful grassland plain. Towards the park’s northeast are the shallow alkaline lakes known as Momella, which offer a stunning vista of diverse algal hues and numerous wading birds.

The lakes within Arusha National Park provide an ideal habitat for blue-green algae, essential for the renowned pink flamingos to thrive. Other lakes within the park support a diverse range of bird species, contributing to the park’s rich birdlife. With an impressive count of over 400 recorded bird species, visitors will be treated to a symphony of bird sounds and the serenity offered by these natural wonders.

Arusha National Park, a mere 45 minutes from Arusha city or an hour’s drive from Moshi, is a testament to Tanzania’s easy-to-access National Parks. This proximity ensures that you can easily include a visit to the park in your travel plans. Beyond its accessibility, the park offers unique safari experiences, such as walking and canoeing safaris, allowing you to get up close and personal with the wildlife and nature—a feature unmatched by any other park in the country!

While Arusha National Park may not be teeming with wildlife predators, it boasts an impressive array of fauna. It is home to Africa’s largest giraffe population, a diverse range of primate species, and numerous large herbivores, showcasing the park’s rich biodiversity. It offers a perfect day out for friends, family, co-workers, or those wanting something different from the typical game drive experience.