Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru and a short drive from the safari capital of Arusha, Arusha National Park is a compact yet ecologically diverse sanctuary. Often overshadowed by its grander neighbors like Ngorongoro or Serengeti, Arusha is a paradise for lovers of landscapes, birding, and soft adventure.
Arusha National Park packs an astonishing range of ecosystems into a small area: montane forest, alpine moorland, lakes, and savannah. Explore the lush Ngurdoto Crater — often referred to as "Little Ngorongoro" — then drift through the Momella Lakes in a canoe, spotting flamingos and waterbuck. Walking safaris, a trek up Mount Meru, and peaceful landscapes make this park uniquely accessible.
While you won’t find lions here, Arusha teems with wildlife: buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, colobus monkeys, and bushbucks. It’s also a birding hotspot with over 400 species including trogons, turacos, and flamingos — a peaceful contrast to the big game drama of Ruaha.
Arusha is ideal for travelers with limited time or families seeking gentle experiences. Its proximity to Arusha town makes it perfect for a short safari. No predators means walking and canoeing are safe, and Family Safari Packages thrive here.
Choose from forest cabins, eco-lodges, or convenient hotels near Usa River. Most lodges are nestled on Mount Meru’s slopes with easy park access.
Whether as a warm-up to the Serengeti, a gentle family adventure, or a peaceful escape — Arusha offers something unique and unforgettable.