Northern Tanzania
Arusha National Park — Canoeing & Walking Safaris
Arusha National Park is Tanzania's most accessible park, offering canoe safaris on Momella Lakes, guided walking tours, and stunning views of Mount Meru. Perfect for a day trip or gentle start to your safari.
Why visit
- Canoe safaris on Momella Lakes among flamingos and waterfowl.
- Guided walking safaris with armed rangers — rare in Tanzania.
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys in montane forests.
Best time
Year-round destination. June to February offers drier conditions for walking. November to April brings migratory birds. Morning canoe trips are magical in calm weather.
Getting there
Only 45 minutes from Arusha town. Perfect day trip before or after a longer safari. Can be combined with Arusha town visits or coffee plantation tours.
What to Expect
Arusha National Park covers 552 km² of diverse terrain — from the forested slopes of Mount Meru to the alkaline Momella Lakes and the grassy Ngurdoto Crater. Unlike the larger northern circuit parks, Arusha offers intimate experiences: gliding past hippos in a canoe, tracking giraffes on foot, and spotting rare colobus monkeys in ancient fig trees.
The park is home to over 400 bird species, making it a birder's paradise. You will also find buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and the occasional leopard. While it does not have the Big Five density of Serengeti or Ngorongoro, its variety of activities and proximity to Arusha make it uniquely appealing.
Activities Available
- • Canoe safaris on Small Momella Lake
- • Guided walking safaris (3-4 hours)
- • Game drives in 4x4 vehicles
- • Mount Meru trekking (3-4 days)
- • Birdwatching expeditions
Explore Further
Read our Arusha park guide,best time to visit Tanzania, or safari cost guide.
Explore all destinations,Serengeti,Ngorongoro Crater,Tarangire, or Tanzania safaris.
Read our packing list,planning guide, or browse our journal.
