ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Discover and explore the diversity of Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park

The exclusive safari jewel
among the giants

Welcome to Arusha, the vibrant starting point for your adventures in Tanzania. Often, the greatest treasures are right on the doorstep. Arusha National Park is one such gem. With an area of about 137 square kilometers, it is the smallest national park in the country, but its ecological diversity and dramatic location make it one of the most impressive protected areas in East Africa.

The spectacular location: Between Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
What makes this park so unique is its geographical position. It is nestled in a huge natural corridor between the two most imposing mountains in Tanzania. To the west, Mount Meru (4,566 m) dominates the picture – the second-highest mountain in the country and the heart of the park. Its distinctive ash cone and steep crater walls are constant companions on every game drive.

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.

Three worlds in one park

Within the park boundaries, we will explore three completely different landscapes with you:

The Ngurdoto Crater: This three-kilometer-wide, extinct volcano is often referred to as the “mini-Ngorongoro.” Since the crater floor is a protected reserve, a paradisiacal wilderness for buffalo and elephants has been preserved there.
The Momella Lakes: These seven shallow, alkaline lakes are fed underground and are a magnet for thousands of flamingos. Depending on the mineral content, each lake glows in a different shade of blue or green.
The mountain forests and savannahs: Between the lakes and craters stretch dense rainforests that merge into the “Little Serengeti” – an open grassland where Tanzania’s largest population of giraffes, zebras and warthogs coexist peacefully.

Unique experiences: canoe trip on the Momella Lakes

Something our guests love is canoeing on the Momella Lakes. While in Tanzania’s large parks you are usually tied to the vehicle, here we let you feel the adventure up close.

They glide almost silently over the water in stable two-person canoes. The silence is broken only by the snorting of hippos or the cry of an osprey. From the water, the giraffes on the shore look even more imposing, and you get closer to the flamingos than anywhere else. It is a deeply relaxing and at the same time highly exciting experience to see the wilderness from a frog’s eye view while the summit of Mount Meru is reflected in the still water.

Overnight stay with legend status: The Hatari Lodge

For guests who value style, history, and exclusivity, Hatari Lodge is the first choice. This lodge is an institution in Tanzania. Its name is reminiscent of the Hollywood classic “Hatari!” from the 60s, which was also filmed in Arusha National Park. John Wayne and Hardy Krüger played leading roles. After filming was completed, Hardy Krüger bought the farm, and the lodge was built on the site. Today, she combines “retro chic” with modern luxury.

Located right on the border of the National Park, Hatari Lodge offers a terrace with unparalleled views of the Momella clearing, where buffalo and waterbucks often graze. An overnight stay here is a journey back in time to the era of the great safaris, complemented by excellent cuisine and a warm, personal atmosphere. We’ll seamlessly integrate this historic place into your itinerary.

Wildlife and the best time to visit

Arusha National Park is home to the rare black and white colobus monkey, whose acrobatic jumps we will watch together. The park is also known for its more than 400 species of birds.

Dry season (June to October): Perfect for hiking and classic wildlife viewing.
Rainy season (November to May): The best time for bird lovers and photographers, when nature shines in an incredible green, and the view of Kilimanjaro is often at its clearest.

Arusha National Park offers a luxurious and versatile safari experience that perfectly combines nature, adventure (canoeing), and culture (Hatari Lodge).

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True Wilderness with

TANGER SAFARIS

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