ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Discover and explore the diversity of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park
The exclusive safari jewel
among the giants
World’s largest giraffe population, 7 Momella lakes, canoe trip, and Mount Meru – 30 minutes from Arusha
The most important facts in brief
Topic | Details |
Location | 25 km east of Arusha; 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport; 58 kilometer(s) from Moshi |
Arrival from Arusha | Approx. 30-45 minutes drive; Entrance Ngongongare Gate (Main Gate) |
Area | 137 km² – the smallest national park in northern Tanzania; Founded in 1960 as Ngurdoto Crater NP, renamed in 1967 |
Mount Meru | 4,566 m – second-highest mountain in Tanzania, fifth-highest in Africa; Heart of the park |
Giraffes | World’s largest giraffe population in a national park; Maasai giraffes in exceptional density |
Bird species | Over 400 species; one of the most bird-rich parks in the northern district, for its area |
Ngurdoto Crater | 3 km in diameter; Crater floor, core reserve closed since 1967 – no vehicle access; only edge accessible |
Momella Lakes | 7 alkaline lakes with different hues (blue to green); fed underground; Flamingos, waterfowl |
Canoeing | On the Momella Lakes, one of Tanzania’s few off-vehicle parking options, approx. 2 hours |
Hatari Lodge | Historical: Film “Hatari!” (1962, directed by Howard Hawks, John Wayne, Hardy Krüger); Krüger then bought the farm; today family-owned; 9 suites |
Day trip | Possible from Arusha; 1 night recommended for Early Morning Game Drive + Canopy Walk + Momella Canoe |
Combination | Directly on the Arusha–Ngorongoro route; 25 min. from KIA; Tarangire approx. 1.5 hours |
Geographical location and character
Arusha National Park is located 25 kilometers east of Arusha and 35 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport – making it the fastest accessible national park in the entire northern district. Founded in 1960 as Ngurdoto Crater National Park, it was expanded and renamed Mount Meru in 1967.
At 137 square kilometres, it is the smallest national park in northern Tanzania – and ecologically one of the most versatile: three completely different landscapes (crater area, lake landscape, mountain forest, and Meru massif) on an area that can be reached in 30 minutes from Arusha. It is precisely this density that makes it the strongest day trip destination and the ideal start or end of a northern circuit round trip.
What makes Arusha National Park unique
- World’s largest giraffe population: Arusha National Park is home to the densest Maasai giraffe population in any national park in the world. The combination of acacia savannah and open grassy plain offers an ideal habitat – herds of 20–40 individuals are not uncommon in the dry season.
- Ngurdoto Crater – closed core reserve: The 3 km wide volcanic crater has been designated as an undisturbed reserve since 1967. The crater floor is closed to vehicles and hikers – herds of buffalo, elephants, and baboons move there without human disturbance. Visitors watch from elevated vantage points on the edge.
- 7 Momella lakes with different shades: The seven alkaline lakes are fed underground; depending on the mineral content, each lake glows in a different shade of blue to green. Flamingos, marabou storks, and pelicans populate the shores; Hippos stay in the shallow water.
- Canoe trip – unique experience in the Northern District: The guided canoe trip on the Momella Lakes is one of the few experiences in the entire northern Tanzanian safari system where visitors leave the vehicle and observe wildlife from the water. Hippos, flamingos and giraffes up close on the shore.
- Walking safari with wildlife: In Arusha National Park, armed ranger walks are possible, where giraffes can be observed on foot at a distance of 20-30 meters. In most other national parks in northern Tanzania, such encounters on foot are not allowed.
- Mount Meru – second highest mountain in Tanzania: 4,566 m; starting point Momella Gate; ideal as an independent ascent (4–5 days) or as an acclimatization preparation for Kilimanjaro.
- Hatari Lodge – unique film history in the northern district: The grounds of the lodge were the filming location of Howard Hawks’ film “Hatari!” with John Wayne and Hardy Krüger in 1962. Krüger bought the farm after the shoot. 9 suites, direct line of sight to Momella glade with buffalo and waterbucks.
- Over 400 bird species: One of the most bird-rich parks in the northern district relative to its area. In particular, the Momella lakes and the groundwater forest at the entrance to the park are bird habitats of exceptional density. Silver-cheeked squirrels, fish owls, small bee-eaters.
Best Kilimanjaro view from the vehicle: On a clear morning (6:30–7:30 a.m. in the dry season), Kilimanjaro is visible from inside the park in a composition that other parks do not offer: giraffes in the foreground, Mount Meru massif to the side, Kilimanjaro on the eastern horizon.
Activities at a glance
Activity | Logistics | Special feature |
Game Drive | All year round; early in the morning, 6–9 a.m., and at 3–6 p.m. | giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, colobus monkeys, warthogs, and rarely leopards |
Canoe trip Momella | Approx. 2 hours; max. 8 people/group; booking recommended; separate ticket approx. 20 USD | Only boat experience in the North Tanzanian safari system; Flamingos and hippos from a water perspective |
Walking Safari | With armed ranger, 2–4 hours; Sections near Ngurdoto and Momella | giraffes at 20–30 meters on foot; unique perspective on wildlife without a vehicle |
Mount Meru Climb | 4–5 days; separate permits; Starting point: Momella Gate; Armed Ranger Duty | Second-highest mountain in Tanzania; summit view of Kilimanjaro; Wildlife on the ascent path |
Shira Plateau Day Trip | Transfer from Arusha/Moshi approx. 2.5–3 hours; Hike 4–5 hours at 3,500 m; ranger accompanies | Acclimatization preparation for Kilimanjaro or Meru; Panorama of Kibo and Amboseli Plains (Kenya) |
Ngurdoto Crater Rim | Drive along the crater rim; several viewpoints; no descent allowed | herds of buffalo and elephants on the crater floor – from a safe distance; Undisturbed core reserve since 1967 |
Ngurdoto Crater – The Undisturbed Reserve
The Ngurdoto Crater has been completely closed to visitors since 1967 – no vehicle, no pedestrian enters the crater floor. This decision makes it one of the few truly undisturbed wildlife areas in northern Tanzania. Buffalo herds of 100–200 individuals, elephant families, and baboon packs with several hundred animals move on the crater floor without sighting pressure.
The viewpoints on the crater rim allow views from above into the swampy crater basin – a perspective reminiscent of Ngorongoro, but without crowds of vehicles and reachable in 30 minutes from Arusha. The common term “mini-Ngorongoro” does not go far enough: the Ngurdoto is smaller, but ecologically in a rarer equilibrium due to the complete closure.
If you look to the east, the “roof of Africa” is revealed on a clear day: Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) towers majestically on the horizon. This location between two of the world’s tallest free-standing mountains not only makes for spectacular photo opportunities, but also creates a microclimate that produces lush, almost magical vegetation. Our safari guides know exactly what time the sun bathes both mountain peaks in golden light at the same time – a moment you will certainly never forget.
The Momella Lakes – canoe trip and flamingos
The seven Momella Lakes were created by underground springs – each lake has a different mineral content and therefore a different color, from deep turquoise to light lime green. The lakes do not carry runoff water; the concentration of soda and minerals increases over time, which makes the alkaline conditions ideal for flamingos.
The canoe trip on the Momella Lakes takes about 2 hours and leads through the calm water surfaces. From the water perspective, giraffes on the shore look even more imposing; Flamingos can be observed at a distance of a few meters without engine noise disturbing the scene.
Logistics canoe trip: separate ticket, approx. 20 USD per person; max. 8 people per group; Duration approx. 2 hours; booking especially recommended July–October. Start: Momella jetty, approx. 15 min. from the main gate.
Hatari Lodge – Film History as a Travel Experience
In 1962, Howard Hawks shot the adventure film “Hatari!” on the Momella farm in the foothills of Arusha National Park – with John Wayne in the lead role and the German actor Hardy Krüger. After filming was completed, Krüger bought the Momella farm. His daughter Christiane Krüger and her husband later built the Hatari Lodge on the farm grounds – today 9 suites, family-owned, with a direct view of the Momella clearing.
From the terrace of the lodge, you can see buffalo and waterbucks in the clearing in the evening, in the background, the silhouette of Mount Meru. The lodge combines the retro character of the 1960s safari with modern comforts – making it the only accommodation in the entire northern circuit with documented film history.
Accommodation
Lodge | Location & Category | Special feature |
Hatari Lodge | Parking boundary Momella, luxury; 9 suites | Film History (“Hatari!”, 1962); Hardy Kruger Farm; family-owned; terrace overlooking Momella glade; Buffalo and waterbuck in front of the lodge |
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge | Outside Park, Arusha Side; Mid-range luxury | Historic coffee farm; garden with natural pond; personal atmosphere; good basis for early morning entrance |
Momella Wildlife Lodge | near the park entrance Momella; Mid-range | Direct access to the east entrance; simple, functional; good value for money; Pool |
Arusha Coffee Lodge | Arusha city, coffee plantation; Luxury | Elegant base outside the park; 30 min. to the gate; ideal for combination with city and park |
* Hatari Lodge: approx. 400–600 USD/person/night; Full board. Ngare Sero: about $200-350. Momella Wildlife Lodge: approx. 100-180 USD.
Travel times: concrete assessment
Period | Conditions | Recommendation |
June – October | main dry season; short grass; wide views; Kilimanjaro panorama clear in the morning; ideal canoeing and hiking conditions; Temperatures 18–25°C | Best time for all-around experience |
Jan. – Feb. | Short drying time; Vegetation still green; few visitors; good animal sightings; warmer temperatures; Kilimanjaro view often very clear | Insider tip – quietest time with green landscape |
Nov. – Dec. | Short rainy season; Park greens up; Migratory birds from Europe arrive; Momella lakes at maximum; fewer tourists | Very good for birdwatchers and photographers |
March – May | main rainy season; Slopes sometimes difficult; Park remains open; Canoeing mostly possible | For birdwatchers only; Plan for restrictions |
Principle: Arusha National Park doesn’t have a bad time to travel – canoeing is possible all year round, giraffes are always present, and the park is too close to Arusha to ever feel empty. The dry season (June–October) is optimal for Kilimanjaro sightings; January/February for quiet visits with green scenery.
Logistics and travel planning
- How to get there: 25 km / 30–45 minutes from Arusha city centre. Ngongongare Gate (southwest entrance, main gate for game drives and groundwater forest). Momella Gate (northeast entrance, starting point canoe trip, Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru ascent).
- Day trip: Easily doable from Arusha; useful for game drive and canoe trip. For Walking Safari, Mount Meru or Full Crater Drive: 1 night in or near the park.
- Minimum stay: 1 night for early morning game drive (6 am park entrance) + canoe ride + Ngurdoto crater rim. 2 nights for full program incl. walking safari and Momella lakes.
- Combination Northern Circle: Directly on the Arusha → Ngorongoro route (via Lake Manyara); ideal as the opening or closing stop of a safari round trip. Tarangire about 1.5 hours away.
- Combination Kilimanjaro International Airport: 35 km from KIA – ideal for travelers who want to include the park on the day of arrival or departure without driving into the city.
- Mount Meru ascent: starting point Momella Gate; Permit and ranger duty; 4–5 days; separate booking. Ideal as an acclimatization preparation for Kilimanjaro.
Conclusion
Arusha National Park is an often underestimated local destination of the northern Tanzanian safari system. The combination of the world’s largest giraffe population, the undisturbed Ngurdoto Crater, seven Momella lakes with canoeing, film-historical Hatari Lodge, and Mount Meru as a backdrop makes it a park that offers far more than its reputation as a “day trip destination” suggests.
30 minutes from Arusha, 35 minutes from KIA – and still one of the densest nature experiences in northern Tanzania. Anyone who stays one night and is in the park at 6 a.m., when Kilimanjaro appears in the first light over Meru and a herd of giraffes slowly moves through the dawn, understands why this small park is so often described as an emotional highlight.
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