Arusha National Park

What makes Arusha National Park truly unique is the remarkable variety of landscapes within a relatively small area (around 137 km²). Here you will find:

• Dense montane forests, home to the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys

• The beautiful Momella Lakes area, inhabited by flamingos and other water birds

• Open savannah plains where giraffes, buffaloes and zebras graze

• The slopes and crater of Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania

Thanks to this diversity, a single day visit allows you to explore several distinct ecosystems in one unforgettable experience.

Although Arusha National Park is less well known for large predators such as lions, it offers a rich variety of other wildlife. You may encounter giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, zebras and various species of monkeys.

For bird enthusiasts, the park is a true paradise: more than 400 bird species have been recorded here, including kingfishers, flamingos and birds of prey.

A particular highlight is spotting the rare black-and-white colobus monkey, which is commonly found in the montane forests of Arusha National Park.

In the north-eastern part of Arusha National Park lie the picturesque Momella Lakes — a chain of shallow alkaline lakes, each with its own colour and character. Depending on the mineral content and the angle of the light, the lakes can range from green to turquoise or even pink.

The lakes attract large numbers of water birds, with flamingos being the most iconic. Especially during the dry season, thousands of flamingos gather here, colouring the shores in soft shades of pink. Pelicans, kingfishers and many other bird species are also commonly seen.

The area surrounding the lakes is equally rewarding for wildlife viewing. Giraffes, waterbucks and zebras often come down to drink at the water’s edge, while in the distance you may admire the silhouettes of Mount Meru and, on clear days, even Mount Kilimanjaro.