Arusha National Park is often one of the first destinations on the Northern Tanzania safari circuit due to its proximity to Arusha and JRO international airport. The ease of access also makes it an ideal day trip option for those looking to get a taste of the safari experience without heading deeper in to the countryside.
The park is 53sq miles - making it one of the smallest in the country. Despite its size, Arusha National Park is stunningly beautiful with lush greenery and dramatic views of nearby Mt. Meru. Giraffe, Cape Buffalo, Zebra, Colobus Monkey, and Flamingos highlight some of the most common animals you might find here.
Other activities available in Arusha National Park that may not be possible elsewhere are canoe safaris, armed guard led walking safaris, and several waterfalls to explore.
This guide seeks to give a quick breakdown of need-to-know information about Arusha National Park.
Arusha National Park is only a roughly 45 minute drive from nearby Arusha City and therefore the most easily accessible National Park in the Northern Tanzania circuit. It is often the first stop on Tanzanian safari itineraries as it is also the closest major park to Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) - the largest airport in the region and where most international flights will arrive.
Tanzanian park entry fees vary by age, season, and whether or not you are a citizen of East Africa. Fees also are often charged both per person as well as per group. If you sleep in the park, you will also be assessed a concession fee. All park fees are INCLUDED in every Tohe Wildlife Safari itinerary.
The below fees are for NON-East African Adults over 16 years of age. To see the detailed tariff list, click here.
Concession (entry) Fees:
Camp Site Fees (Only assessed if using public Camp sites):
Hotel Concession Fees (Assessed if you stay at a lodge within the park boundaries):
Vehicle Entry Fees:
Though the size of the park is relatively small, the wildlife diversity is wide. Though we never like to promise wildlife encounters, visitors are (ALMOST) guaranteed to see giraffes due to their abundant population. In addition to the friendly giants, the park is home to large numbers of colobus monkeys, cape buffalo, and several antelope species. Though less common, it is also possible to see lion, elephant, or leopards.
Because of the size of the park and proximity to town, visitors will typically not stay within the park boundaries. Below are links to some of the options we recommend in the area.
See here for mid-range options
Due to the stunning views and diverse wildlife as well as the proximity to Arusha town, Arusha National Park is one of the BEST parks in Tanzania for a single day safari trip. Though the wildlife viewing is certainly inferior to places like Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater, the convenient location makes it a great candidate. It is also a favorite due to its relatively low entry fees.
Set in the shadow of Mt. Meru, Arusha National Park is lush, green, and dramatically beautiful. There are shallow lakes, waterfalls, plains and tons of green trees.
What constitutes the best time to visit is always subjective depending on what you prioritize. In general, the things to consider with seasonality are:
Arusha National Park is generally not too busy throughout the entire year, so while you'll encounter fewer other tourists during the wet season (November - May), we don't don't feel that it is significant factor worth worrying about for this park.
During dry season (June - October) typical temperatures during the day are in the mid-70s and the high 50's in the early mornings and evenings. Rain is extremely rare. All areas of the park will be accessible.
During wet season temperatures are generally slightly hotter than dry season (high of low-mid 80s). Regarding precipitation, the wet season is further split in two sub-seasons known as the "long rains" and "short rains."
In general, wildlife is always more difficult to find during the wet season for two reasons. First, wet season produces more vegetation. The greenery, while beautiful, gives the animals many more places to hide. Second, the animals have more access to water sources so they do not need to concentrate around fewer areas as they do during dry season.
Arusha's wildlife is not migratory so the animals will remain in the park year round.
Because Arusha National Park is already quite inexpensive, the cost savings for going during wet season are not significant. Expect anywhere between $10-30 per person/day in savings depending on the level of accommodation you choose to stay at.
