Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania's easiest and greenest safari starts — a compact park where rainforest, lakes, Mount Meru, walking safaris and open wildlife areas create a softer introduction to the bush.

Compact, green and varied, Arusha National Park brings together rainforest, lake landscapes, open grassland and Mount Meru views in a short distance. It is especially useful for travellers who want a gentle safari start, a walking safari or a scenic day close to Arusha.

Arusha National Park can be visited year-round. The best season depends on whether you want clearer mountain views, easier wildlife viewing, birdlife, walking safaris or Mount Meru trekking.

Arusha National Park usually works best as a first safari day, a short nature-focused add-on or a gentle start after arrival before continuing into Tanzania's larger safari areas.

Many travellers use Arusha National Park as their first safari experience because it is close to Arusha town and Kilimanjaro Airport. The shorter transfer, green scenery and walking safari options make it easier to ease into the rhythm of safari.

It is not usually a replacement for Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire, but it adds variety. It works especially well for travellers with an extra day before the main route, families who want shorter drives or hikers considering Mount Meru before Kilimanjaro.

Arusha National Park is compact, green and activity-rich, with rainforest, lakes, open grassland, walking safaris and Mount Meru views. A few simple preparations will help you make the most of a short but varied safari day.