Northern Circuit
Walking Safaris in the Shadow of Meru
Small, beautiful and often overlooked, Arusha National Park packs an astonishing variety of scenery into roughly 552 km² — all in the shadow of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak. In a single visit you can move from the montane forest of the Ngurdoto Crater to the string of alkaline Momella Lakes shimmering with flamingos.
Because dangerous predators are scarce here, Arusha is one of the few northern parks where you can safely explore on foot or by canoe — a refreshing change from the classic 4×4 game drive, and only about 40 minutes from the city.
- Guided walking safaris and canoeing on the Momella Lakes
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys in the forest canopy
- The "little Ngorongoro" — the lush Ngurdoto Crater
- Gateway to trekking Mount Meru (4,566 m)
Good to Know
Arusha National Park at a Glance
Wildlife You May Spot
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. The dry season (June–October) brings the clearest views of Meru and Kilimanjaro beyond.
Size
About 552 km², spanning forest, crater, lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru.
Famous For
Walking safaris, canoeing, colobus monkeys and superb scenery close to the city.
Getting There
Only about 40 minutes from Arusha — the perfect first day or a relaxed add-on.
- Giraffe
- Buffalo
- Zebra
- Colobus monkey
- Blue monkey
- Bushbuck
- Warthog
- Flamingo
- Hippo
Things to Do
How You'll Explore
Arusha’s compact size and gentle terrain make it wonderfully flexible — pair a morning game drive with an afternoon walk or a paddle on the lakes, all easily done in a day.
- Game-drive safaris through forest, crater and lakeshore
- Ranger-guided walking safaris
- Canoeing on the Momella Lakes
- Start point for the multi-day Mount Meru trek
Stretch Your Legs on Safari
Add a walking-and-canoeing day in Arusha National Park to the start of your adventure.