Arusha National Park is located 25kms northeast from Arusha Town to the main gate making it ideally located if you you have limited time and want to get a taste of a safari. It's perfect to explore for a few hours. Most people start the northern circuit safaris and/or Kilimanjaro climbs in Arusha and safaris in Arusha National Park are often dismissed by safari-goers, who prefer the more popular Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
The national park covers an area of 552 sq.km and includes Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566m, which forms stunning backdrop views from the park to the east. On a clear day Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen. The park has three spectacular features; Momella lakes, Meru Crater, and the Ngurdoto Crater.
Wildlife seen includes antelope of all sorts; buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, baboon, colobus monkey, giraffe, rhino, elephant (rarely seen), hippopotamus, Burchell’s Zebra, as well as over 600 species of birds. There are no lions in the park.
Because it is a small park with few dangerous predators a walking safari has become a popular tourism activity. Walking safaris offer the chance to experience the African bush on foot safe in the knowledge of an experienced guide. You can observe the wildlife at very close range undisturbed by vehicles and away from roads. This the most natural way to go on safari.
You can also participate in a canoe safari following the shorelines of the small Momella Lake offering the chance to get close to buffalo without being charged and get close up views of giraffes, bushbucks and waterbucks. By the waters edge you can witness the prolific birdlife.
With good road links the park can be visited all year round.