Mount Meru backdrop
The mountain gives Arusha National Park its distinctive highland setting.
Forest & lakes · Tanzania
Arusha National Park
Mountain slopes, crater scenery and forest habitats offer a different introduction to northern Tanzania.
- Location
- Northern Tanzania
- Landscape
- Mountain slopes, lakes & crater
- Travel interests
- Scenery, forest & Meru interests
Get to know the place
A northern park with a mountain character
Arusha National Park lies in northern Tanzania and includes Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes. The variety of elevation and habitats gives it a different character from the great open plains farther west.
Forest, open ground and mountain scenery make this a destination for travellers interested in the landscape as well as wildlife. A park visit and a summit trek are different journeys; the existing Meru programmes set out the climbing routes.
The character of the destination
What makes Arusha distinctive
Ngurdoto Crater
Explore the landscape interest of a wooded volcanic crater.
Momella Lakes
Lake habitats introduce another perspective on the park's birdlife and scenery.
Wildlife & nature
A meeting of northern habitats
Giraffes, buffalo and primates are among the park's wildlife interests. Forest and lakes support different birds, rewarding visitors who look at habitat changes as well as individual animals.
- Giraffes and grazing wildlife on open ground
- Monkeys and forest birdlife
- Lakeside habitats beneath the mountain
Place & season
Best time to visit Arusha
Arusha's mountain setting can bring changing cloud and rainfall, even within broadly drier periods.
Seasonal patterns are guidance. Weather, wildlife movements and local conditions can change.
Explore the Safari seasonal guideJune–September
Generally drier exploration
Often a useful window for park scenery and outdoor exploration. Mountain views depend on cloud cover.
December–early March
Another planning window
Conditions can suit a visit, with local showers still possible. Match any mountain plans to the actual trek guidance.
March–May; October–November
Rainier periods
Forest scenery can be lush and trails wet. Consider footwear and the route conditions for walking interests.
Ways to explore this place
Experiences in Arusha
Park wildlife observation
Explore the differences between forest, lake and open-ground habitats.
Explore this interest: Park wildlife observationBirdwatching interests
The lake and forest environments reward a focused look at birdlife.
Explore this interest: Birdwatching interestsMount Meru routes
Read the separate existing three- and four-day programmes for mountain trekking.
Explore this interest: Mount Meru routesThese are destination interests. The itinerary or proposal confirms the activities and arrangements for your journey.
From a place to a journey
Routes through Arusha
6-Day Budget Tanzania Tour
Arusha National Park · Tarangire · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro
Explore Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro on this 6-day itinerary.
View itinerary: 6-Day Budget Tanzania TourA closer look
Portraits of Arusha
Is Arusha National Park the same as Arusha city?
No. The city and the protected park are different places. The park is defined by its mountain, forest, crater and lake landscapes.
Is Mount Meru part of Arusha National Park?
Yes. Meru is a defining feature of the park; a summit journey follows a separate mountain programme.
What is Ngurdoto Crater?
It is a volcanic crater within Arusha National Park and one of the park's notable landscape features.
What makes the Momella Lakes interesting?
They add lakeside scenery and bird habitats to a park that also includes forest, open ground and mountain slopes.
Can I assume a park visit includes a Meru climb?
No. Read the published Meru trekking programmes separately and discuss the preparation and duration of the journey you want.
How should I prepare for Arusha's changing conditions?
Bring a layer and rain protection for a mountain-influenced setting. Choose suitable footwear if your confirmed programme includes walking.
Another perspective on Tanzania
Continue exploring
Begin with the place that inspires you
Let's talk about Arusha
Share your interest in Arusha, your travel dates and who will be joining you. Tell us what you would like to explore and begin a conversation about your Tanzania journey.