Arusha National Park

Located immediately north of the town of Arusha, this small national park contains a limited range of wildlife, but some really diverse and attractive scenery, plus activities including hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and the very serious three night trek to the summit of Mount Meru.

Arusha National Park

At just 360 square kilometres, Arusha National Park is a relatively small but surprisingly interesting conservation area, easily accessible from the nearby town of Arusha. The reserve is centered on Mount Meru, twin volcano to the larger Mount Kilimanjaro and which also offers some excellent trekking options. The park contains some diverse and very pretty, with dramatic volcanic peaks and craters, extensive forests, high altitude grasslands and a network of lakes. Perhaps the biggest single draw is the famed view over Mount Kilimanjaro. Although there is a good populations of animals around, only the large herbivores like giraffes, zebras and buffaloes tend to be seen with any regularity, the terrain is not well suited for convention wildlife viewing. As well as the serious trekking on the mountain, there are some excellent hiking trails in the park, as well as options for mountain-biking and canoeing. Game viewing is at its best during the dry season from June to October. The park is excellent year round for birding, and especially between November and April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present and the local birds have their breeding plumage on display.

Unique Activities in Arusha National Park

Mount Meru Climb

Africa’s fifth highest mountain cuts a striking figure at 4,566m (14,990 feet). While Kilimanjaro is often shy and hides behind clouds, Mt. Meru is generally visible throughout the year.

An active volcano, Mt. Meru is also a popular climbing destination for visitors to Tanzania and a good introductory mountain for those wishing to climb Kilimanjaro. Not only does the climb offer a spectacular view of Kilimanjaro from the summit, but the hike itself is also an incredibly rewarding walking safari that takes you through multiple habitats where you can encounter giraffes, elephants, antelopes, and more

For those interested in climbing Mt. Meru, Shadows of Africa can arrange climbing permits, armed ranger escorts, all camping equipment, and even stays at the Miriakamba or Saddle Huts if necessary.

Canoeing Safari

The Momella Lakes within Arusha National Park are a series of seven shallow lakes: Big Momella, Small Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, Tulusia, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito. Alkaline lakes with considerable algae growth, each of these lakes is a different shade of green or blue.

While the water is not suitable for drinking, it is possible to see a variety of birds (including flamingoes) and animals such as water bucks, giraffes, zebras, and dik-diks in the surrounding area.

Canoeing trips are available in the Arusha National Park and are a wonderful experience, drifting past herds of elephants, giraffes, hippos and buffalo as you cruise along the shores of the lake surrounded by countless flocks of birds.

the perfect place for a day trip or as the first or last stop on a longer

Dream with Us

In the Dry season, between June and October, large herds of animals are attracted to the Tarangire River. At this time, the elephant numbers are spectacular and the park should be part of any safari in northern Tanzania.

Tarangire National Park

Located just a 2-hours’ drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for people travelling through the northern safari circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife is allowed to move freely throughout. The park's dominant feature is the Tarangire River. Although it gets very dry, the park is relatively thickly vegetated with acacia shrubs and mixed woodland. Most memorable are the huge baobab trees dotted around in big numbers. The south and east of the park has a big seasonal swamp network, which is an important water catchment area.

Wildlife Highlights: Tarangire National Park is outstanding seasonally for wildlife. In the Dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for migratory animals such as wildebeest, zebra, common eland, hartebeest, gazelle, buffalo and elephant – of which there are more than you can imagine. Lion, Leopards, wilddog, Gerenuk, Oryx, Pythons, Gazelle, Buffalo and big herd of Elephants are quite easily spotted.

Birdlife Highlights: Tarangire National Park is a great bird-watching site with more than 500 species recorded. The park harbors several dry-country bird species at the extremity of their range, such as the northern pied babbler and vulturine guineafowl. Serious bird-lovers should also keep an eye open for flocks of the dazzlingly colorful yellow-collared lovebird, and the somewhat drabber rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling – all restricted to the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Best Time to Visit: The middle and end of the Dry season, from late June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park. Most of the animals migrate out of the park during the Wet season, and wildlife viewing is considerably less productive.

Walking Safari

Set off on foot towards one of the most secluded parts of the Tarangire National Park, accompanied by a trained and experienced field guide. Guides will expertly teach you how to recognise and follow various wildlife tracks.
Experience the excitement of encountering and tracking animals on foot. Awaken every sense, fully embracing a world where each sound, scent and bent blade of grass is significant.

Tours are operated in a manner that won’t disturb the natural field, as such animals remain unaware, and thus unthreatened to human presence. All parties remain safe and can enjoy the adventure among breathtaking scenery.

Tarangire Balloon Safari

Rise before the sun and prepare to take off on an exciting hot air balloon flight in the early light of dawn.
Ascend to the heavens as the sun rises, painting the dim sky with bright orange and blue hues, as you glide over the amazing landscape.

Delight in a scenic flight in the comfort of a massive, weaved basket, securely attached to a billowing, colour lined balloon. Float across the open African sky, past plump clouds and above green bushlands.

Pass over the Tarangire River, surrounded by granitic rock, dense swamps, and the deep river valley, all within Tarangire National Park. The Park stretches across a vast area of 2 850 square kilometres (1 100 square miles).

Arusha National Park