Arusha National Park

Northern Tanzania


The transition between unappealing urban chaos and pristine mountain hiking trails is rarely so abrupt as it is in Arusha National Park. One of Tanzania’s most beautiful and topographically varied protected areas, the park is dominated by Mt Meru, an almost perfect volcanic cone with a spectacular crater. It also shelters Ngurdoto Crater (often dubbed Little Ngorongoro) with its swamp-filled floor and lost-world feel.

At 552 sq km, it's a small park, and while there is wildlife here, it's nothing compared to that of other northern-circuit parks. But these minor details can be quickly forgotten when you're walking amid the soul-stirring scenery and exploring the meaningful trekking possibilities.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Tanzania attractions

1. Ngurdoto Museum

3.08 MILES

This dusty and poorly curated collection of butterflies, birds and insects wouldn't be worth visiting were it not for the poachers' snares on display – a…

2. Natural History Museum

14.88 MILES

This museum inside the old German boma (fortified compound), completed in 1900, has three parts. The best is the wing dedicated to human evolution, since…

3. Arusha Declaration Museum

15.34 MILES

Despite the promising subject matter – the museum celebrates the groundbreaking 1967 declaration by then-president Julius Nyerere calling for African self…

4. Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village

20.31 MILES

Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village is a good stop for anyone wanting to spend a night in an authentically constructed Maasai boma (a fortified living…

5. Mt Kilimanjaro National Park

27.37 MILES

Since its official opening in 1977, Mt Kilimanjaro National Park has become one of Tanzania’s most visited parks. Unlike the other northern parks, this…

6. Meserani Snake Park

29.13 MILES

The collection of snakes and other reptiles here is the main draw, but there’s also a corny yet informative Maasai cultural museum with mock-ups of home…

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