National parks Tanzania

Arusha

At the foot of Mount Meru you walk among giraffes and rare colobus monkeys: a small park that is often overlooked, but surprises you with mountains, forests and lakes.

serengeti

tarangire

ngorongoro

lake manyara

arusha

lake eyasi

lake natron

Jambo - Hello
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Karibu - Welcome
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Hakuna Matata - No worries
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Rafiki - Friend
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Asante - Thank you
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Arusha National Park

The underrated jewel

Arusha National Park is often overlooked by visitors heading for the better-known parks, and that is exactly what makes it so special.

This picturesque park offers a distinctive mix of mountains, forests, lakes and savannah, with imposing Mount Meru as its backdrop: the second-highest mountain in Tanzania.

Because the park lies close to the town of Arusha, it makes the perfect first or last stop on your safari: a gentle introduction to Africa, walking among the giraffes and canoeing on Momella Lake.

Walking safari with a ranger

Black-and-white colobus monkeys

Mount Meru

Canoeing on Momella Lake

Black-and-white colobus monkey in Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Arusha facts ✦

Mount Meru

Tanzania’s second-highest mountain forms the backdrop to the park.

Colobus monkey

Home to the rare black-and-white colobus monkey.

On foot

Walking safaris possible, accompanied by an experienced ranger.

By canoe

Explore the park from serene Momella Lake.

Travel with meaning

What makes Arusha so special

From the flanks of Mount Meru to serene Momella Lake: Arusha is the park where you step out of the vehicle and experience nature up close.

Mount Meru as a backdrop

Mountains, forests and lakes

Varied ecosystems

The park is home to imposing Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The lower areas are covered in dense forest: a refuge for giraffes, zebras and various species of antelope.

On the other side you find open savannah full of wildlife and serene Momella Lake, known for its colourful birds and beautiful reflections.

See our sample itineraries

Mount Meru as a backdrop

Mountains, forests and lakes

Varied ecosystems

The park is home to imposing Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The lower areas are covered in dense forest: a refuge for giraffes, zebras and various species of antelope.

On the other side you find open savannah full of wildlife and serene Momella Lake, known for its colourful birds and beautiful reflections.

See our sample itineraries

rare colobus monkeys

From flamingo to colobus monkey

Abundant wildlife

Visitors spot elephants, flamingos and various primates here, including the rare black and white colobus monkeys that live high in the treetops.

The park is also a refuge for many bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. The combination of unusual species and breathtaking landscapes makes for a wonderful safari experience.

rare colobus monkeys

From flamingo to colobus monkey

Abundant wildlife

Visitors spot elephants, flamingos and various primates here, including the rare black and white colobus monkeys that live high in the treetops.

The park is also a refuge for many bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. The combination of unusual species and breathtaking landscapes makes for a wonderful safari experience.

on foot, on horseback or by canoe

Adventure your way

Things to do in the park

Besides a game drive you can choose a walking safari here accompanied by an experienced ranger: the way to experience the flora and fauna up close. Adventurous riders explore the park on horseback, and from Momella Lake you step into a canoe.

With the town of Arusha close by, nature and culture combine effortlessly: meet local communities and learn about their traditions and customs.

Plan your safari with Kembe

on foot, on horseback or by canoe

Adventure your way

Things to do in the park

With the town of Arusha close by, nature and culture combine effortlessly: meet local communities and learn about their traditions and customs.

Plan your safari with Kembe

Through our lens

Arusha in pictures

A selection of what our travellers and guides caught on camera at the foot of Mount Meru, from colobus monkeys to grazing giraffes.

The rare black-and-white colobus monkey of Arusha National Park

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Karibu - welcome

“Will you soon be walking at the foot of Mount Meru?”

Ready to discover the north’s underrated jewel? Take the first step towards your dream trip. We’d love to talk through what you have in mind.

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