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Arusha National Park

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Just a short hop from the towns of Arusha and Moshi, Arusha National Park is the perfect spot for a day trip or to start or finish your Safari in Tanzania. It's easy to get to and packed with beautiful sights and wildlife. The national park has wide-open savannahs, deep rainforests, and tall acacia trees that lead up to the chilly heights of Mount Meru.

Though it's only a bit over 200 square miles, Arusha National Park is teeming with animals. It's famous for having the largest number of giraffes in the world. You'll also see lots of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and zebras. If you're lucky, you might catch a sight of a lion or leopard during your visit.

But what makes Arusha National Park Safaris special is that you can explore on foot. Walking safaris let you step right into the animals' world, walking the same paths they do. It’s a fun, up-close way to see the park that’s different from riding in a safari vehicle.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park is easily accessible from Arusha City and is known for providing a unique mix of experiences. Explore the diverse terrains of Mount Meru, enjoy the calm waters of Lake Momella, and meet the world’s largest giraffe population during your visit.

Craig Kaufman

Travel Specialist

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I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

All You Need to Know for Arusha Safari Travel

Reaching Arusha National Park is easy and quick, making it a great first stop for your Tanzania Safari. It's only about 45 minutes by car from the town of Arusha, which is the main hub for safaris in northern Tanzania.

Flying In

The simplest way to get here is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 31 miles away from Arusha. The drive from this airport to Arusha takes around an hour and a half. You can also fly into Dar es Salaam and take a short flight to Arusha Airport (ARK) or back to Kilimanjaro.

By Road

From Arusha town, you can drive or take a tour bus to the park. The roads are in good condition, so the trip is smooth.

Usually, our team will pick you up from the airport and handle all your travel needs to the park.

Here’s what you need to know about the entry fees, which help keep the park beautiful and well-maintained for everyone. These Tanzania National Park Entry Fees vary based on age, where you're from, and whether it's high or low tourist season.

Adult Non-residents: $50 in high season, $45 in low season

Children Non-residents (ages 5-15): $15 all year

Adult Residents: $25 in high season, $22.5 in low season

Resident Children (ages 5-15): $7.5 all year

East African/Tanzanian Adults: 10,000 Tanzanian shillings

East African/Tanzanian Children (ages 5-15): 2,000 Tanzanian shillings

Children under 5: Free

Remember, these prices don’t include an 18% tax. There might be extra costs for things like camping or staying in huts. The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) handles all these fees. You can pay them with a credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or a TANAPA park fees card.

Arusha National Park is great for a quick safari. It's very close to the towns of Arusha and Moshi, making it easy to visit for just one day. Even though it's smaller than some other Tanzania National Parks, it's full of different animals and beautiful sights.

Getting to the park is quick, and you can see a lot in a short amount of time. You'll find many animals, including giraffes, zebras, and unique colobus monkeys. It's an excellent way for visitors to experience a safari without travelling far.

Arusha National Park Day Trips are also perfect alongside longer trips to places like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or Serengeti National Park. If you're coming down from Mount Meru, this park offers a relaxing way to enjoy wildlife.

Starting or ending your Tanzania Safari Tour with a day at Arusha National Park allows you to quickly dive into Tanzania's natural beauty.

Arusha National Park enjoys a mild and generally pleasant climate, making it an inviting destination year-round. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, and it cools down significantly at night and in the early mornings, especially during game drives. Packing warm clothes is essential for evening chills and morning safaris.

Dry Season (June to October)

This period sees afternoon temperatures around 19°C (66°F), with clear skies and sunny days typical. Nights can get quite cold, often dropping to around 9°C (48°F). Occasionally, cold fronts may bring temperatures close to freezing, so warm layers are crucial for early morning Arusha National Park Safaris.

Wet Season (November to May)

The temperatures remain mild, similar to the dry season, with afternoons around 22°C (72°F) and nights around 12°C (54°F). The season includes:

  • November & December: Short rains bring unpredictable showers, typically in the afternoon, but it’s rare for it to rain all day, affecting your Tanzania safari
  • January & February: There's often a dry spell, though it’s hard to predict.
  • March to May: Long rains occur, with frequent showers most days but seldom all-day rains. Clouds are more common during this time.

With Mount Meru within its borders, Arusha National Park experiences a unique microclimate, often resulting in more rainfall and cloudier skies than surrounding areas. This diverse climate adds to the park’s lush scenery, making any time a good time for an Arusha Safari.

Arusha National Park Safaris are very safe, making them a great choice for travellers who want to explore without worries. Here’s what keeps you safe during your visit:

Expert Guides

When you go on a walking safari, you’ll have an armed ranger with you. This helps keep you safe while you walk and look at plants and animals.

Safe from Wildlife

Arusha Park has fewer big predators, but you might see buffaloes. Don’t worry, the guides know how to avoid any problems. They only use their rifles to scare the buffaloes away if they get too close.

No Big Storms

You don’t have to worry about big storms or floods in Arusha Park. If you prefer to avoid rain, it’s best to visit between mid-March and mid-May when it’s drier.

Watching Out for Thieves

There’s not much serious crime in the park, but it’s always good to watch your stuff, especially in crowded places outside the park. Keep your things like phones and wallets hidden and safe.

Going on an Arusha Safari with us means you’ll have a fun time and stay safe. The guides know what they’re doing, so you can relax and enjoy seeing the animals and beautiful places.

When planning a Trip to Arusha National Park, you have plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.

  • If you're looking for luxury, several high-end lodges offer top-notch amenities and service.
  • For those seeking value, numerous mid-range hotels provide comfortable and clean environments at reasonable prices.
  • Budget-conscious travellers can find affordable guesthouses that are cozy and welcoming.
  • Additionally, for a true outdoor experience, you can opt to stay at one of the park’s campsites, immersing yourself fully in nature.

No matter your choice, you’ll find a suitable base to relax and recharge after a day of exploring the park.

Here are some Arusha National Park Facts that make it a special destination on your Safari in Tanzania.

  • This park has the largest number of giraffes in the world, so you can see lots of them up close.
  • The park is home to both an old volcano that doesn’t erupt anymore and one that's still active, which makes the scenery really dramatic.
  • This is the second tallest mountain in Tanzania and offers great climbing for those who love a challenge.
  • There are seven shallow lakes in the park, created by volcanic eruptions long ago. These lakes attract many different birds.

Arusha National Park is a fantastic spot for a quick adventure. It’s easy to get to and packed with beautiful sights and wildlife. Doesn’t matter if you’re coming to hike or watch animals, it’s a great part of any Trip to Tanzania.

When planning a Safari to Arusha National Park, taking care of your health and safety is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Some simple steps to keep you protected and healthy on Arusha Safaris:

Get the Right Insurance

Always have travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation. This is really important because it helps you handle unexpected situations during your safari.

Protect Against Malaria

Malaria is common in Tanzania, so remember to take malaria prevention pills and use mosquito repellent to keep mosquitoes away.

Keep Vaccinations Updated

Make sure you’re up to date with your routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and polio before you travel.

Consider Extra Vaccinations

It’s a good idea to get vaccinated for Typhoid and Hepatitis A since these diseases can be spread through contaminated food or water.

By following these simple health and safety tips, you can make your Arusha Safaris experience more secure and fun. With these precautions, you'll be ready to enjoy all the amazing sights and wildlife that Arusha has to offer, worry-free.

Wildlife in Arusha

Elephant
Occasional
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Common
Buffalo
Common
Lion
None
Cheetah
None
Hyena
Rare
Zebra
Common
Wildebeest
Occasional
Black Rhino
None

Arusha National Park is a great spot to check out Tanzania Wildlife. It’s famous for having more giraffes than anywhere else in Tanzania, making it perfect for visitors who love these tall animals.

Lots of Different Animals

Not only giraffes, but you can also see buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and elephants here. Sometimes, you might even spot a shy leopard or find hippos and various monkeys wandering around.

Bird Watching

If you like watching birds, this park is a treat. You can spot flamingos, cranes, and eagles, especially around Momella Lakes. The best time to go bird-watching is from June to October when it’s dry.

Rare Animals

While you might see elephants more often in other parts of Tanzania, they are rare in this park. Leopards and red duikers are also in the park but they are hard to spot because they are very shy.

Arusha National Park is easy to get to and offers a great chance to see a wide variety of animals and beautiful scenes, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in wildlife.

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When to go to Arusha

  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Mixed

January

January is a fantastic time to visit Arusha National Park, with warm and dry weather providing excellent conditions for game viewing.

Animals frequently gather around water sources, making them easier to observe.

It’s an ideal month for those who appreciate vibrant Tanzania Safari Tours, offering great opportunities for wildlife photography.

February

Continuing with great safari conditions, February in Arusha National Park sees less rainfall and abundant wildlife.

The greenery from the short rains enriches the landscape, providing stunning backdrops for safaris.

This month is perfect for observing a wide range of animals in their natural habitats, enhancing any Tanzania Safari Experience.

March

As the long rains start, March transforms the park into a lush paradise, though rain showers can be frequent.

This period attracts fewer visitors, offering a more peaceful experience.

The rain rejuvenates the flora and fauna, making it a unique time for those who enjoy nature’s freshness on their Best Tanzania Safari Tours.

April

Heavy rains in April create lush, dramatic landscapes but can make some areas less accessible.

This month is less about wildlife viewing and more about enjoying the verdant beauty and solitude of the park.

Bird watchers will find April rewarding as many species are active and visible, thriving in the wet conditions.

May

Rains begin to subside in May, yet the park remains beautifully green and full of life.

This is an excellent time for those looking to explore without the crowds, as the park's trails and paths are less traversed.

Wildlife begins to become more visible as the vegetation starts thinning.

June

With the onset of the dry season, June offers cooler temperatures and reduced greenery, improving visibility for wildlife spotting.

The park is quieter this month, making it ideal for those seeking more intimate wildlife encounters.

It's a great time to take advantage of Tanzania Safari Packages before the peak season starts.

July

The dry season is well underway by July, providing excellent conditions for game viewing across the park.

Animals are easier to spot as they frequent watering holes, and the weather is ideal for long safaris.

This month is particularly good for those aiming to see large mammals and predators.

August

August continues to offer excellent safari conditions with clear skies and dry weather.

This is peak viewing time for major wildlife, and the stable conditions allow for adventures deep into the park.

It’s one of the best months for visitors looking to fully experience Luxury Tanzania Safaris.

September

The dry conditions persist into September, providing continued excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The cooler mornings and evenings are particularly pleasant for game drives.

As the dry season draws to a close, animals make the most of the remaining water sources, creating spectacular wildlife gatherings.

October

October sees the end of the dry season with occasional early rains refreshing the landscape.

Wildlife remains abundant, and the changing environment offers a new palette for photographers.

It’s a transitional period that captures the essence of Arusha's natural cycles, perfect for those documenting Tanzania Safari Holidays.

November

The short rains begin in November, bringing fresh life to the park and initiating a beautiful if occasionally wet, green season.

This month offers a quieter safari experience with fewer tourists and a landscape transforming back to lush green, ideal for those who enjoy peaceful, scenic safaris.

December

Warm and mildly wet, December is a lively time in the park with both flora and fauna flourishing.

It’s a festive time to visit, with the park's full rejuvenation offering vibrant scenes for the end-of-year holidays.

This month combines great wildlife viewing with beautiful, lush scenery, perfect for closing out the year with memorable Arusha safaris.

Things To Do In Arusha

Mountain Meru Climbing

Mountain Meru Climbing

Walking Safari Adventure

Walking Safari Adventure

Game Drive Excitement

Game Drive Excitement

Canoe Safari Exploration

Canoe Safari Exploration

 Horse Riding Fun

Horse Riding Fun

Waterfalls Visiting Experience

Waterfalls Visiting Experience

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