Northern Tanzania Safari

Arusha National Park Safari

Discover a beautiful and accessible safari park near Arusha, famous for Mount Meru views, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, giraffes, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, walking safaris, canoeing, and peaceful game drives.

Location
Arusha
Best for
Day Trips
Experience
Game Drives
Landscape
Mountain & Lakes
About the park

A peaceful safari park at the foot of Mount Meru

Lake Arusha National Park is one of Northern Tanzania’s most beautiful and diverse parks. It combines groundwater forest, open grassland, lake shoreline, hot springs, and dramatic Momella Lakes views within a relatively compact area.

The park is famous for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, flamingos, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and beautiful landscapes. It is a perfect choice for a relaxed day safari, walking safari, canoeing experience, or pre-safari introduction near Arusha.

Why visit Lake Arusha?

A scenic park close to Arusha town

Mount Meru Scenery

Lake Arusha is widely known for its tree-climbing lions, one of the park’s most famous wildlife attractions and a special sight for lucky safari guests.

Birdwatching

The Momella Lakes attract waterbirds and flamingos depending on the season, creating a beautiful and peaceful safari setting inside the park.

Walking Safari

Arusha National Park is one of the best places near Arusha for guided walking safaris, allowing travelers to experience nature from a closer and more personal perspective.

Safari experience

What to expect on safari

A Lake Arusha safari can include forest game drives, lake viewpoints, birdwatching, elephant sightings, baboon troops, and beautiful scenery along the Rift Valley wall.

  • ?Private game drives with professional guide
  • ?Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs and monkeys
  • ?Birdwatching around Momella Lakes and forest areas
  • ?Easy day trip from Arusha town or nearby lodges
Best time to visit

A rewarding day trip throughout the year

Dry Season

The dry season offers comfortable game drives, easier walking safari conditions, and clear views of Mount Meru and the park’s open landscapes.

Green Season

The green season brings lush forest, dramatic mountain scenery, fresh landscapes, and excellent birdwatching around the lakes and forest zones.

Best First Safari

Lake Arusha is a great choice for a day trip, a first safari experience, or a stop between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.

Park gallery

Lake Arusha safari moments

Plan your Lake Arusha safari

Experience peaceful game drives, Mount Meru views, Momella Lakes, wildlife, walking safaris, canoeing, and beautiful landscapes with Njiro Legacy Safaris.

Chat With Safari Expert

Safari FAQ

Tanzania Safari Questions & Answers

Quick answers for travelers planning a private, group, family, luxury, midrange, or Zanzibar-connected safari with Njiro Legacy Safaris.

How much does a Tanzania safari cost?

The cost of a Tanzania safari depends on the number of days, parks visited, accommodation level, season, and whether the safari is private or group joining. Njiro Legacy Safaris can prepare budget, midrange, and luxury safari options based on your travel dates and group size.

Can I customize my safari?

Yes. All private safaris can be customized. You can choose the number of days, parks, accommodation style, airport transfers, Zanzibar extension, Kilimanjaro add-on, or special activities such as a balloon safari or cultural visit.

Is the safari private or shared?

We offer both private safaris and group joining safaris. Private safaris give you your own vehicle and driver-guide, while group joining safaris are shared with other travelers and can be more budget-friendly.

Can I start my safari from Zanzibar?

Yes. We can arrange safari packages starting from Zanzibar with domestic flights to Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Serengeti, depending on the itinerary. We can also arrange a safari first and Zanzibar beach holiday afterward.

What is the best month for the Serengeti migration?

The Serengeti migration can be seen in different areas depending on the month. January to March is best for the Ndutu calving season. June to October is best for the dry season and river crossing areas, especially Northern Serengeti and Kogatende.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. We strongly recommend travel insurance for all travelers. It should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, flight delays, and safari-related travel interruptions.

What type of vehicle do you use?

We use 4x4 safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game viewing. The vehicles are designed for safari roads and provide good visibility for photography and wildlife viewing.

Are airport transfers included?

Airport transfers can be included depending on the safari package or quote. We can arrange pickup and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport, or your hotel in Arusha.

Can children join the safari?

Yes. Children can join Tanzania safaris. We can prepare family-friendly itineraries with comfortable driving distances, suitable lodges, flexible timing, and activities that work well for families.

How much should I tip the safari guide?

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated. A common guideline is USD 10-20 per person per day for the safari guide, depending on group size and satisfaction with the service.