Arusha National Park Safaris, Guide & Things To Do

Arusha National Park

The transition between unappealing urban chaos and pristine mountain hiking trails is rarely as abrupt as it is in Arusha National Park. One of Tanzania’s most beautiful and topographically varied protected areas, the park is dominated by Mt Meru, an almost perfect volcanic cone with a spectacular crater. It also shelters Ngurdoto Crater (often dubbed Little Ngorongoro) with its swamp-filled floor and lost-world feel. At 552 sq km, it's a small park, and while there is wildlife here, it's nothing compared to that of other northern-circuit parks. But these minor details can be quickly forgotten when you're walking amid the soul-stirring scenery and exploring the meaningful trekking possibilities. Throughout the park, you can spot giraffes, African buffalo, warthogs, monkeys, antelope, and flamingo. Zebra are common throughout the year on the grass plains of Serengeti Ndogo. It is less common to see lions, leopards, and elephants here but not totally unheard of.

1960

137 km

Tanzania

66,808

A short drive from Arusha town, Arusha National Park is the smallest of the parks in the northern circuit but not to be underrated. A wide variety of wildlife can be seen in the park in just a day. The park is situated at the base of Mount Meru, an active volcano, and Tanzania’s second-largest mountain after Kilimanjaro. The landscape of the park is influenced by its volcanic past and can be divided into three distinct areas: the Ngurdoto forest, where Black and White Colobus monkeys are found in the treetops; the swampy Ngurdoto crater (sometimes called little Ngorongoro), where you may spot waterbucks and some of the 400 bird species recorded here; and the Momella lakes, 7 lakes famous for their variety of striking blue-green colors caused by varying algae and mineral content.

Testimonials

People Talk About Us

Thank you so much for the amazing trips and for the interesting guides! We loved the vacation that we took last month. It was exactly as we imagined it, and even better! Again their attention to us and the ability to adjust, was remarkable! We highly recommend using Kilimanjaro Dreamers and will use them again on future adventures!!

Susan J.

29 years

Kilimanjaro Dreamers is a local safari tour operator based in Arusha, Tanzania. My wife and I went on our first Safari in July 2019, they are super-dependable and trustworthy. It feels really good to be putting money directly into the hands of local companies and not have fat margins skimmed off by middlemen. For me, this is really important.

Palo Alto

32 years

It's our dream to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and submit on the top of Africa 5895m uhuru peak. We took 7 Days Machame route and it was the best route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro though most of us were never serious trekkers but yes, we had a common thing: Love for nature and trained for 3 months prior to this trip. It's the adventure of a lifetime. Kilimanjaro Dreamers really put their attention to details I can recommend them highly enough!

Carla j

35 years

Thank you once again all at Kilimanjaro Expedition for the unforgettable days! Thomas Jonas for all info, fast responding and arranging. A save feeling to be picked up en brought back at the airport. Thomas, I’ve learned a lot about the country, Kilimanjaro, vegetation and the culture. You’re a great guide and person! Hillary, it was pleasure in the parcs driving around with you and to spot a diversity of beautiful animals so near.

Nathalie

29 years

We did the 7-day Lemosho trek and a 4-day safari. It was an absolutely amazing trip. Kilimanjaro Dreamers out did themselves with the best guides, chef and porters. Our guides, Jonas and Hillary, were extremely knowledgeable, professional, personable and capable. We really enjoyed getting to know them throughout the trip.

Arusha National Park