Arusha National Park

Description: Often over-looked by visitors, Arusha National Park has incredible volcanic scenery, wonderful views of Mt Kilimanjaro (on clear days), a beautiful rain forest and plenty of wildlife. The main features are Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes. The Momella Lakes attract a wide variety of birds, particularly flamingos. Guests sometimes enjoy this park just as much as the Serengeti. Its close proximity to Arusha usually means that it gets put first on a Northern Parks itinerary.

Location: Northern circuit, 40 minutes outside Arusha on the way to Moshi

Things 2 Do: Game-Drives, Forest Walks, Canoeing, Mt. Meru Climb

Time: Usually 1 full day but 2 days if hiking and canoeing. Day trip from Arusha is possible.

Animals: Abundant: Zebras, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Reedbucks, Klipspringers, Hippos, Buffaloes, Hyenas, Mongooses, Dik Diks, Warthogs, Baboons and Vervet and Colobus Monkeys. Perhaps Elephants and Leopards, but no Lions or Rhinos.

Accommodations

For accommodations in the Kilimanjaro/Moshi area click here.

$
A2T Camping (public campsites)
Forest Hill Carnival Hotel
Outpost Lodge
Pamoja Expeditions Lodge
Tumaini Cottage
Venus Premier Hotel

$$
Ahadi Lodge
Ilboru Safari Lodge
Karama Lodge
Kibo Palace
Mount Meru Game Lodge and Sanctuary
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Planet Lodge – Arusha
Planet Lodge – Airport Location
Zawadi House

$$$
African Tulip
Arumeru River Lodge
Dik Dik Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton – The Arusha Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha
Moivaro KIA Lodge
Kigongoni Lodge
Makoa Farm
Mount Meru Hotel
Ngurdoto Lodge
Kahawa House 
Rivertrees Country Inn

$$$$
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Safari Lodge
Arusha Serena Hotel
Hamerkop House by Lemala
Hatari Lodge
Kambi ya Tembo (West Kilimanjaro)
Lake Duluti Lodge
Ndarakwai Ranch (West Kilimanjaro)
Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
Onsea House

Top photo credit: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Cathleen F. (USA)

July 10, 2024

“My trip to Tanzania was the first time I went on a trip that I didn’t plan myself. It was daunting trying to decide on a trip operator solely by using the internet because I don’t personally know anyone who had been to TZ. Emails with Karen were answered promptly and our first phone call really put me at ease. The A2T website was easy to navigate and between that and my own internet research I rarely felt the need to reach out to ask questions. It was great to get an itinerary from Karen, who knew TZ so well. I liked that A2T had a small focus so I know that they had a deep understanding of the options. This was also the most expensive trip I had ever taken and I didn’t want to make any big mistakes that would diminish our experience. Lastly, this trip was particularly special because I was bringing my 2 adult children and I have no idea when we will be able to travel together again. It was important for me to plan a memorable and enjoyable trip.”