Arusha National Park, Tanzania | A Complete Guide

Arusha National Park (ANAPA) is a treasure of different habitats and beautiful vistas of Mt. Meru, the crater which gives the region its name

It is a popular stop-off for day-trippers prepared to depart from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris. The small national park covers the slopes, summit and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater and the beautiful highland forests that cover the lower slopes. Viewing the game surrounding the Momela Lakes is tranquil and laid-back and many visitors pause to look at troupes of uncommon colubus monkeys playing in the canopy as they move through the jungle.

For those looking for a day excursion, Arusha National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Tanzania, located only a short drive from Arusha and Moshi. It’s a terrific place to start or finish an itinerary in Tanzania.

Arusha National Park boasts a wide range of habitats from huge savanna and rainforest through to acacia forests and up to alpine vegetation on the higher levels of Mount Meru.

Arusha National Park is slightly over 200 square miles but boasts very high wildlife densities including the highest population of giraffe in the world. Black and white colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, red forest duikers, hippos, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, bushbuck. Leopards are scarce. It is home to more than 400 numbers of bird species and is a fantastic pick for the bird lovers.

Arusha National Park is usually done in a day, and is an excellent stand alone adventure due to its small size and close proximity to Arusha and Moshi. It’s also an ideal addition to longer journeys on the northern safari circuit, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.