Arusha National Park Travel Guide 2025/2026

Embark on a mesmerising journey to Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s captivating haven of magnificent wildlife, diverse landscapes, and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Scale Mount Meru, the land’s second-highest peak, and witness breathtaking beauty at every turn.
Let our comprehensive 2025/2026 travel guide lead you to the park’s hidden wonders. Consider reading our guide until the end and plan your dream Tanzanian safari experience today — with the expert help of Asante Travel Group.

Overview of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, although relatively small compared to other Tanzanian parks, spans a surprisingly vast area of 137 square kilometres and presents an array of diverse landscapes. The park is only a short drive from the bustling city of Arusha.

Its terrain is a mix that’s rich and multifaceted, featuring unique natural features like the Meru Crater funnels and the Momela Lakes, which add an element of charm to its beauty. Another prominent highlight is the lush highland montane forest that sprawls across a significant part of the park.
It boasts a variety of flora and fauna, offering many exploration opportunities for visitors. However, the imposing Mount Meru is the park’s crowning jewel, which stands majestically over the park and contributes significantly to its allure.

Arusha National Park
Size: 552 km²/213 mi²
Altitude: 1,280-4,217m / 4,199-13,835ft
Best time to visit: June to October
Best attractions: Momella Lakes, Arusha Waterfall, Mount Meru

Best time to go to Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a year-round destination. But as many places in Tanzania, the best time to spot wildlife is during the dry season from June to October. Vegetation is more scarce allowing you to spot wildlife more easily. This is also the best time to go on a walking safari. During the green season the park is literally very green – tall grass and foliage make it trickier to spot wildlife. That being said, the rainy green season does turn the park into a beautiful and lush jewel making for a very scenic visit. It is also a great time to see Tanzania’s birdlife.
Day Season
Dry Season
June to October
Ideal for wildlife sightings and walking safaris
Rainy Season
Green Season
November & March to May
Best for birdlife and beautifully lush landscapes
Experience the Arusha National

Wildlife Experiences
Arusha National Park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife experiences, making it an exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts. Its varied landscapes, including lush forests, serene lakes, and open grasslands, create the perfect habitat for a wide range of animal species. Here are some of the most remarkable wildlife encounters the park offers.

Giraffe Viewing: Highest Population in Tanzania
Arusha National Park is home to one of the highest densities of giraffes in Tanzania, offering visitors incredible opportunities to observe these graceful animals in their natural habitat. They can watch giraffes elegantly browsing on acacia trees in the open savannah areas, often at close range. The park’s relatively small size, compared to larger national parks, allows for more intimate wildlife encounters, making giraffe viewing a highlight of any safari in Arusha.
Wildlife viewing in Arusha National park
Arusha National park is a home to Arusha largest giraffe population, but other wild animals exist here too and available for watching when you visit this park. These include: water bucks, cape buffaloes, elephants, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, turacos, trogons, and on some occasions, other big 5 members like lion or leopard can be seen if the conditions are so favorable for them.
The park is also a home for birds for the bird watching enthusiasts which makes Arusha national park packed with a lot of incredible diverse bird’s species, giving it a rank in the birding list in Africa. Birders your favorites place is here. There is a lot to see here as far as birding is concerned.

Arusha Holidays with Asante Travel Group
Planning Arusha holidays has never been easier, thanks to the experts at Asante Travel Group. As a trusted local tour operator, they specialize in personalized Arusha NP safari holidays, Mount Meru treks, cultural tours, and lodge bookings. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a full Tanzania Arusha National Park and Serengeti itinerary, Asante Travel Group ensures a seamless and memorable adventure.

Conclusion
Arusha National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes that offer something truly special for every traveler. From the majestic slopes of Mount Meru to the serene Momela Lakes and rich montane forests, this compact yet vibrant park encapsulates the essence of Tanzania’s untamed wilderness. Its accessibility from Arusha city makes it the perfect starting point or standalone destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers.
Whether you’re drawn by the chance to spot the highest concentration of giraffes in Tanzania, observe playful monkeys in the treetops, or marvel at the park’s birding paradise, Arusha promises a deeply enriching wildlife experience. The variation in climate between the dry and green seasons ensures that each visit offers a unique perspective — from crisp, clear views ideal for walking safaris to lush, rain-soaked terrain that comes alive with vibrant birdlife and greenery.
Arusha National Park is more than just a gateway to the northern safari circuit; it’s a destination worthy of exploration in its own right. Its relatively small size allows for more intimate encounters with nature, making each sighting and every trail more personal and impactful. And for those seeking adventure beyond game drives, Mount Meru offers one of East Africa’s most rewarding treks, complete with panoramic views and thrilling climbs.
Let Asante Travel Group help you make the most of your Arusha adventure. With their deep local knowledge and tailor-made experiences, planning your dream holiday becomes effortless. From cultural experiences to lodge bookings and expertly guided safaris, they offer everything you need for a seamless journey.
In every sense, Arusha National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. So whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a traveler looking for natural serenity, Arusha delivers unforgettable memories at every turn. Let your journey begin here — and allow the wonders of Arusha to inspire your love for Tanzania’s wild heart.