Wondering what to do in Arusha National Park? Located in northern Tanzania just a short drive from Arusha town, this park is a hidden gem often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Yet, it packs an incredible variety of landscapes and activities into a compact area, making it a perfect destination for a diverse safari experience.
Unlike any other park in Tanzania, Arusha allows you to experience the wilderness on foot, on water, and by vehicle, often all with your pace. Here’s your complete guide to the unforgettable activities that await.
What to Do in Arusha National Park. Unforgettable Activities & Wildlife
One of the best ways to explore the diverse habitats of Arusha National Park is through a game drive. The park is home to animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and various antelope species. Although it doesn’t have the “Big Five,” it compensates with stunning views and rare species like the black-and-white colobus monkey. Game drives take you through open savannah, forested areas, and the picturesque Ngurdoto Crater—sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro.”
Go Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Few parks in Tanzania offer canoeing safaris, and Arusha National Park is one of them. Canoeing on the calm waters of the Momella Lakes provides a peaceful and intimate experience with nature. From the canoe, you can spot hippos, water birds like flamingos, and possibly giraffes drinking from the shore. It’s a tranquil alternative to the typical safari and offers unique photographic opportunities.
Hike to Tululusia Waterfall
For a refreshing and moderately challenging activity, hike through the forested trails to Tululusia Waterfall. This hidden gem is surrounded by lush rainforest and mossy trees, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Along the way, keep your eyes open for colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various bird species. The hike is usually guided by a park ranger and offers great insight into the park’s flora and fauna.
Climb Mount Meru
Arusha National Park is home to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters. Climbing Mount Meru is a rewarding experience for hikers and mountaineers. It is often used as a warm-up for Kilimanjaro, but it is a stunning trek in its own right. The multi-day climb takes you through several ecosystems—from savannah to rainforest to alpine desert—and provides spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Take a Walking Safari
Unlike most Tanzanian parks, Arusha National Park allows walking safaris, giving visitors the chance to explore on foot with an armed ranger. This is one of the most thrilling and intimate ways to experience wildlife. Walking through the open plains or forest paths, you can get surprisingly close to giraffes, zebras, and other animals while learning about tracks, plants, and animal behavior.
Visit the Ngurdoto Crater
Nicknamed the “Little Ngorongoro,” the Ngurdoto Crater is a steep-sided volcanic caldera located in the southern part of the park. Although you can’t descend into the crater, the rim offers spectacular views of the swampy floor below, which is often dotted with buffalo, warthogs, and monkeys. The surrounding forest is dense and rich in birdlife.
Bird Watching Paradise
With over 400 bird species, Arusha National Park is a paradise for bird watchers. The varying habitats—from forest to lakes to grassland—support a wide diversity of birds, including flamingos, hornbills, turacos, and various birds of prey. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just enjoy spotting colorful birds, you’ll find plenty to admire here.
Conclusion
Arusha National Park offers an exciting mix of activities in a compact area, making it perfect for day trips or short stays. Whether you want to go on a traditional game drive, hike through lush forests, paddle a canoe across peaceful lakes, or climb a mountain, this park has something for every kind of traveler. It’s a place where scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and adventure come together in one of Tanzania’s most accessible parks.
