Arusha National Park, located in northern Tanzania near the town of Arusha, is a small but remarkably diverse park, covering approximately 137 square kilometers. Despite its size, the park offers a wide range of landscapes, including lush forests, open savannahs, swamps, and the beautiful Momella Lakes. One of its most striking features is Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, which dominates the park’s skyline and offers challenging trekking opportunities for hikers.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and warthogs, along with primates like the black-and-white colobus monkeys, which are often seen in the forested areas. Though large predators like lions are absent, leopards and hyenas can occasionally be spotted. The diverse habitats also support over 400 bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatching, with flamingos frequently seen around the Momella Lakes.

One of the unique aspects of Arusha National Park is that visitors can explore it on foot, with guided walking safaris that provide close encounters with nature. Canoeing on the lakes and game drives offer additional ways to explore the park’s scenic beauty. Due to its proximity to Arusha town and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park is an ideal destination for day trips or as part of a longer northern safari circuit.