Arusha National Park at a glance
Arusha National Park covers 552 km² at the foot of Mount Meru, close to the city of Arusha. It started in 1960 as Ngurdoto National Park and was renamed when Meru joined it. Today the park has three landscapes: the volcano Mount Meru, the alkaline Momella Lakes and the forested Ngurdoto Crater. That mix makes it one of the easiest parks to reach from Arusha.
The park is open all year and the gates close at 18:00. The main entrance is Ngongongare Gate near Usa River, and Momella Gate is the starting point for the Mount Meru climb. The drive from Arusha takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You can drive through on a game drive, walk with an armed ranger, paddle a canoe on Small Momella Lake or climb the volcano.
Our picks: Arusha tours
A park day trip, an overnight safari with Tarangire, a Mount Meru trek and gentler days around the city.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
4-day Mount Meru hiking tour
- Mountain guide and park ranger
- Porters and a cook
- Mountain huts
Four days on the volcano with huts, porters and a cook. Ask whether park fees and meals are included before you book.
Check availability →
2-day safari: Arusha National Park and Tarangire
- Night in mid-range lodging
- Game drives in both parks
- Dinner and picnic lunch
Arusha National Park on day one, with a walk led by an armed ranger, and Tarangire on day two. Ask whether park fees are included before you book.
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Arusha National Park day trip: Momella lakes and Ngurdoto Crater
- Park and conservation fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle
- Lunch and water
A drive to the Momella lakes and the Ngurdoto Crater with the fees covered. A walk with an armed ranger costs extra.
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Lake Duluti by kayak with a forest walk
- Kayak hire and entry fees
- English-speaking guide
- Lunch and water
A paddle on the crater lake and a walk through the forest around it. A calm day when you want a break from long drives.
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Coffee farm and Mangalia waterfall
- Entry fees
- Local snacks and water
- Local guide
A visit to a coffee farm on the slopes of Mount Meru and a walk to the Mangalia waterfall. A village cooking class or a lake boat trip can be added.
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Guided walk through Arusha with museum and markets
- Tanzanite Experience museum
- Cultural Heritage and art gallery
- Food and Maasai markets
A walk with a local guide through a museum, a gallery and two markets. Entry to the Natural History Museum is not included.
Check availability →Arusha National Park tours and day trips
Safari day trips, walks and Mount Meru trips with live prices and availability.
What this guide covers
The park, the volcano and the city that serves as the base.
This guide explains what you can do in the park, what the entry fees are made of, how a Mount Meru climb works and how the park fits into a longer trip through northern Tanzania. Prices are shown in US dollars where the park charges visitors in dollars, and in Tanzanian shillings for local rates. They change, so confirm the current amount before you pay.
Arusha is the usual starting point for the bigger parks. If you are planning the long loop, see the guides to the Serengeti and the Kilimanjaro climb. Many travelers use Arusha National Park as a short first stop or as acclimatization before the big mountain.
Plan your Arusha National Park visit
Start with what you want to do, then open the pages you need.
Arusha safari
Game drives and guided walks in the national park.
Day trips and tours
A day in the park, a canoe trip and the city.
Park fees
Entry, walks, canoe and Meru costs and how to read them.
Mount Meru
Height, crater and what the volcano is.
Mount Meru climb
Route, huts, days needed and costs.
Momella Lakes
Flamingos, canoeing and viewpoints.
Ngurdoto Crater
Rim viewpoints, wildlife and Little Serengeti.
Colobus monkeys and wildlife
Which animals live in the park and where to look.
The city and the practical side
Arusha town, places nearby and how to reach the park.
Arusha city guide
The Clock Tower, markets and staying safe.
Things to do in Arusha
Museums, coffee, waterfalls and safaris.
Lake Duluti
A crater lake near town for a walk or a canoe.
Museums in Arusha
The Arusha Declaration Museum and the Cultural Heritage Centre.
Arusha history
The German Boma, the Arusha Declaration and the safari hub.
Weather and best time
Rainy seasons, temperatures and when to go.
Hotels and lodges
Where to stay in town or near the park.
Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports
Two airports and the transfer to town.
Getting to Arusha
Flights, buses and the road from Dar es Salaam, Moshi and Nairobi.
A few things to know before you go
Points that save you a wrong plan.
Check the fee for your date
International adults pay $50 (2023/24 tariff) or $70, depending on the rate TANAPA applies; check the current amount before you book. Ask whether 18 % VAT is included.
Park fees →Two gates, two jobs
Ngongongare Gate near Usa River is the main entrance. Momella Gate is where Mount Meru climbs are arranged. Pick the gate that matches your plan.
Mount Meru climb →Meru is a little over 4,500 m
Mount Meru reaches about 4,565 m. Use "about 4,565 m" rather than a figure to the metre.
Mount Meru →Ngurdoto is not Ngorongoro
The Ngurdoto Crater is a forested crater inside Arusha National Park, visited from its rim. The big Ngorongoro Crater is another place, far to the west.
Ngurdoto Crater →Travel advice for Arusha
The US advisory for Tanzania is at level 2. Germany's foreign office asks visitors to avoid walking or driving between towns after dark in Arusha. Check the current advice before you go.
Arusha city guide →Insurance for the mainland
Since October 2026, a compulsory insurance (NIC) applies on the mainland: 44 USD for stays up to 92 days, with exceptions. Check the current rules before you go.
Getting there →More independent guides to Tanzania
Separate guides from the same team.
Ngorongoro
The crater, fees, crater tours and the highlands.
Serengeti
Safaris, the Great Migration, park fees and the best season.
Kilimanjaro
Climbing routes, day hikes, park fees and trips from Moshi.
Tarangire
Elephants, baobabs, day trips from Arusha and park fees.
Lake Manyara
Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, Mto wa Mbu and park fees.
Lake Natron
Flamingos, Ol Doinyo Lengai and the Engare Sero waterfall.
Ruaha
Lions, walking safaris and the southern circuit.
Nyerere
Boat safaris on the Rufiji, wild dogs, park fees and trips from Zanzibar.
Selous
The Selous name, Frederick Selous, the World Heritage Site and Selous safaris.
Mikumi
Safaris from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, the SGR train and the Udzungwa Mountains.
Stone Town
Walking tours, Prison Island, spice tours and the ferry from Dar es Salaam.
Zanzibar
Beaches, Mnemba snorkeling, Jozani Forest, the best time to visit and entry rules.
Arusha National Park: frequently asked questions
How big is Arusha National Park?
The park covers 552 km². Within it you find Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes and the Ngurdoto Crater.
How far is the park from Arusha?
Expect about 30 to 45 minutes by road from Arusha city. Traffic and the gate you choose change the time, so do not plan a tight schedule around one number.
Can I visit in one day?
Yes. The park is a day-trip destination. A game drive, a short walk and a view of the Momella Lakes fit into one day. The Mount Meru climb takes several days. See the day trips page and the Mount Meru climb.
What can I do in the park?
You can take a game drive, join a guided walk, paddle a canoe on Small Momella Lake by prior arrangement and climb Mount Meru. Read more on the safari page.
When does the park close?
The park is open all year and the gates close at 18:00.
Is this the official website of the park?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no connection to Tanzania National Parks, the City of Arusha or any tour operator, lodge or museum. The fee pages explain what to ask when you pay.