DISCOVER

Arusha National Park

Country

Tanzania

Size

552 km²

Location

-3.250000, 36.750000

Where Mount Meru rises

From the dramatic slopes of Mount Meru and peaceful Momella Lakes to giraffes, zebras, buffalo, elephants, and the park’s famous black-and-white colobus monkeys, Arusha National Park offers remarkable diversity within a compact wilderness. Its landscapes shift from montane forests and open grasslands to crater valleys and sparkling lakes, creating a beautiful setting for game drives, walking safaris, and mountain adventures. Just a short journey from Arusha, the park is an ideal introduction to Tanzania’s wild landscapes and a memorable addition to a northern Tanzania journey with Back to Eden Adventure.

Overview

Set just outside the city of Arusha, Arusha National Park is a beautifully diverse wilderness shaped by the presence of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain. Established in 1960, the park combines forests, open savannah, volcanic landscapes, and tranquil lakes within a relatively small area. Mount Meru dominates the horizon, while the forested slopes provide habitat for monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. For travelers looking for a destination that combines wildlife, scenery, and outdoor adventure, Arusha National Park offers an experience that feels wonderfully varied from the moment you enter.

Under the shadow of Mount Meru

Mount Meru provides a dramatic backdrop to the park and creates a striking landscape of forests, valleys, and open plains. Giraffes move gracefully across the grasslands, while zebras and buffalo gather in open areas. Elephants can also be encountered, while the forest is home to the distinctive black-and-white colobus monkey and other primates. The park’s birdlife is equally impressive, with colorful forest and water species found throughout its different habitats. Every game drive reveals a changing landscape, from misty mountain forests to wide views across the savannah.

Lakes, forests, and wild landscapes

The Momella Lakes add another beautiful dimension to Arusha National Park. These shallow alkaline lakes attract a variety of waterbirds, including flamingos, creating striking scenes against the surrounding mountains and forests. Beyond traditional game drives, the park is one of the best places in northern Tanzania for walking safaris, allowing travelers to experience the landscape at a slower and more intimate pace. Canoeing on the Momella Lakes can also offer a peaceful perspective of the park, with wildlife and Mount Meru forming a spectacular backdrop. With Back to Eden Adventure, Arusha National Park can be enjoyed as a day safari, a walking experience, or the beginning of a longer northern Tanzania adventure.

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When to Go

Best time to Visit Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a year-round destination, with different seasons offering their own special experiences. The dry months generally provide comfortable conditions for wildlife viewing and walking, while the green seasons bring lush forests, fresh landscapes, and excellent birdwatching. Because of its proximity to Arusha and its diverse activities, the park can be easily included in a wider safari or mountain itinerary at almost any time of year.

The beginning of the year brings fresh vegetation and beautiful green scenery to Arusha National Park. Wildlife can be encountered across the grasslands and forest, while the slopes of Mount Meru create a dramatic backdrop. The Momella Lakes attract waterbirds, and the combination of wildlife, lush scenery, and mountain landscapes makes this an excellent period for walking, photography, and relaxed game drives.

The long rains bring new life to the park, transforming its forests and grasslands into a vibrant green landscape. Rain can occur during the day, but the scenery is particularly beautiful, with fresh vegetation, dramatic clouds, and mist often surrounding Mount Meru. Birdlife is abundant during this period, making it a rewarding season for travelers who appreciate nature, photography, and peaceful exploration.

The dry season offers some of the most comfortable conditions for exploring Arusha National Park. Wildlife becomes easier to observe in the open grasslands, while dry weather creates excellent conditions for walking safaris and game drives. Clearer skies can also provide spectacular views of Mount Meru, especially in the early morning. The combination of wildlife, mountain scenery, and pleasant weather makes these months particularly popular.

The short rains bring fresh color back to the park after the dry season. The grasslands begin to turn green, while the forests become lush and vibrant. Migratory birds add to the park’s already rich birdlife, and the Momella Lakes can provide beautiful scenes beneath changing skies. With fewer visitors than during the peak dry season, this period offers a peaceful way to experience the diverse landscapes around Mount Meru.

FROM OUR EXPERT

Top Experience

At Back to Eden Adventures, we believe the best journeys are about the moments you remember. Experience the beauty of Tanzania, from its wild landscapes and incredible wildlife to its rich culture and warm people. Discover, explore, and create memories that stay with you long after your journey ends.

Mount Meru Hiking

Rising to 4,566 metres above sea level, Mount Meru offers one of Tanzania’s most rewarding mountain experiences. Located within Arusha National Park, the mountain takes you from lush montane forests and open moorlands to dramatic volcanic landscapes, with changing scenery at every stage of the climb. The journey begins through the forested lower slopes, where you may encounter wildlife and hear the calls of birds before continuing towards the higher reaches of the mountain. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and open, revealing spectacular views of the surrounding plains and, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The final ascent towards Socialist Peak brings a true sense of achievement as you stand above the clouds on Mount Meru's summit. Mount Meru is ideal for travellers looking for a challenging but deeply rewarding adventure before or after a safari, or as preparation for Mount Kilimanjaro. With its dramatic landscapes, volcanic character, wildlife, and quieter trails, the mountain offers an experience that feels both adventurous and personal.

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Canoeing Safari Experience

Discover a quieter side of Tanzania as you glide across calm waters surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the sounds of nature. A canoeing safari offers a completely different perspective of the wilderness, taking you away from the usual safari roads and onto lakes, rivers, and waterways where wildlife and birdlife can be observed from the water. With every gentle paddle, the landscape unfolds at a slower pace, creating an intimate and peaceful way to experience Africa. With Back to Eden Adventure, your canoeing experience is guided by experienced professionals who understand the waterways and the surrounding environment. As you paddle, you may encounter colourful birds along the shoreline, hippos resting in the water, wildlife coming to drink, or animals moving quietly through the surrounding vegetation, depending on the destination. Your guide helps you understand the ecosystem while ensuring you enjoy the experience safely and comfortably. There is something special about experiencing Tanzania from the water. The gentle rhythm of paddling, reflections across the surface, distant calls of birds, and changing light create a sense of calm that is difficult to find elsewhere. Whether you are exploring a lake at sunrise, enjoying a peaceful afternoon on the water, or sharing the experience with family and friends, a canoeing safari adds a refreshing and memorable dimension to your African journey.

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Photographic Safari Experience

Tanzania offers endless moments worth capturing, from lions resting beneath acacia trees and elephants crossing open plains to colourful birds, dramatic landscapes, and golden sunsets over the wilderness. A photographic safari gives you the time and space to observe these moments closely and capture them through your own perspective. Across Tanzania's national parks, conservation areas, and diverse landscapes, every journey brings new opportunities to create images that tell the story of your adventure. With Back to Eden Adventure, your safari journey is guided by professional photographic safari guides who understand both wildlife and the art of capturing it. You also travel in specially designed safari vehicles suited for photography, giving you better opportunities to position yourself for wildlife sightings, enjoy clear viewing angles, and photograph comfortably throughout the day. Whether you are using professional camera equipment, a compact camera, or a smartphone, your guide helps you make the most of every opportunity while giving you time to observe without rushing. The most meaningful photographs are often created in moments that cannot be planned—the golden light of sunrise, a herd moving across the savannah, a bird taking flight, or a quiet wildlife encounter that lasts only a few seconds. A photographic safari allows you to slow down, watch carefully, and become part of the moment before capturing it. Whether photography is your passion or simply a way to preserve the memories of your safari, Tanzania provides an extraordinary setting for creating photographs you will treasure long after your journey.

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Bird Watching Safari

Africa is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife, from colourful kingfishers and bee-eaters to majestic eagles, vultures, storks, flamingos, and countless smaller species hidden among the trees and grasslands. A bird watching safari invites you to slow down and look beyond the larger wildlife, discovering the sounds, colours, movements, and behaviours that bring every landscape to life. From wetlands and forests to open savannah, each habitat offers something different to discover. With Back to Eden Adventure, bird watching can become part of your wider safari or a dedicated experience for those who want to explore Africa's remarkable birdlife more closely. An experienced safari guide helps you identify different species, understand their behaviour, recognise their calls, and discover where to look for them. You can enjoy bird watching from a safari vehicle, on foot where permitted, or around your lodge and camp, giving you opportunities to discover birds throughout the day. There is something deeply rewarding about spotting a bird you have never seen before and learning the story behind it. Early mornings can bring a chorus of calls across the wilderness, while changing light can reveal striking colours and beautiful moments for photography. Whether you are an enthusiastic birder, a wildlife lover, a photographer, or simply curious about the natural world, bird watching adds another fascinating layer to your African safari.

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Private Game Drive Safari

Set out into the African wilderness in a specially designed 4x4 safari vehicle, with a pop-up roof giving you an open view of the landscapes and wildlife around you. A game drive is an invitation to slow down and experience nature as it unfolds—elephants moving through the grasslands, giraffes appearing between the trees, herds gathering across the plains, and predators quietly moving through their surroundings. Every drive brings something different, shaped by the season, the landscape, and the unpredictable rhythm of wildlife. With Back to Eden Adventure, every game drive is led by an experienced safari guide with a deep understanding of the places you visit. Your guide helps you recognise wildlife, understand animal behaviour, identify tracks, and discover the smaller details that make each landscape unique. From stopping to watch a herd of elephants to spending a quiet moment observing predators or capturing the perfect photograph, the experience unfolds naturally, giving you time to appreciate every encounter. Some of Africa's most beautiful memories happen when nothing is planned—the sudden appearance of a lion, elephants crossing the road, a herd of zebra moving across the golden savannah, or the warm evening light settling over the wilderness. A game drive safari gives you the freedom to experience these moments as they happen, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Africa. With Back to Eden Adventure, every journey is thoughtfully planned to bring together exceptional wildlife, beautiful landscapes, knowledgeable guiding, comfort, and the simple joy of being present in the wild.

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Guided Walking Safari

Leave the safari vehicle behind and experience Africa from a completely different perspective. A guided bush walking safari takes you into the wilderness on foot, where the smallest details become part of the adventure. Follow animal tracks across the earth, discover plants and trees, listen to birds calling through the bush, and learn how the landscape changes with every step. Away from the roads, you experience the wild at a slower, more intimate pace. With Back to Eden Adventure, every bush walking safari is led by an experienced walking guide and accompanied by trained National Park rangers where required. Your guide helps you understand animal tracks, wildlife signs, plants, birds, insects, and the many details that bring the landscape to life, while the trained rangers provide additional wildlife awareness and safety throughout the walk. Together, they allow you to explore the wilderness on foot with confidence while gaining a deeper understanding of the environment around you. There is a special feeling that comes from standing quietly in the wilderness with nothing between you and the landscape. You may pause beside an ancient tree, follow fresh tracks, watch birds moving through the branches, or simply listen to the sounds of Africa around you. A guided bush walking safari is not about covering distance or searching for a checklist of animals—it is about slowing down, becoming more aware of your surroundings, and discovering the wild in a deeply personal way.

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Let the Journey Become Your Story

Tanzania is more than a destination—it’s a collection of moments waiting to be lived. From wild landscapes to unforgettable days beneath the African sky, let Back to Eden Adventures create a journey shaped around you. Your story begins here.

Let the Journey Become Your Story

Tanzania is more than a destination—it’s a collection of moments waiting to be lived. From wild landscapes to unforgettable days beneath the African sky, let Back to Eden Adventures create a journey shaped around you. Your story begins here.

From Our Experience to Your Journey.

Where to Stay When Visiting Arusha National Park

Rest in comfort and style with carefully selected lodges and luxury camps that bring you closer to the beauty of Tanzania. From peaceful retreats in the wilderness to elegant stays surrounded by nature, Back to Eden Adventures offers exceptional places to stay and make every night part of your journey.

Arusha

Arusha Villa

Set within the peaceful surroundings of the Karamu Coffee Estate, Arusha Villa is an intimate retreat where coffee plantations, towering trees and tropical gardens create a beautiful sense of escape just outside the city. The villa offers a refreshing contrast to the energy of Arusha, giving guests a place to slow down, breathe deeply and experience the softer side of northern Tanzania. Mount Meru and, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro provide a spectacular backdrop to the surrounding landscape.

The accommodation is spread across the main Villa and a charming Farmhouse, creating a private and homely atmosphere rather than the feeling of a conventional hotel. Spacious rooms feature large bathrooms, private balconies or verandas and views across the lush surroundings, while family rooms provide additional space for those travelling together. The Farmhouse sits quietly among mature trees, offering an especially peaceful setting with its own verandas and interconnected rooms.

Food is an important part of the Arusha Villa experience. Breakfast is prepared with fresh fruit, eggs and freshly baked bread, while lunch and dinner can feature vegetables grown from the property’s own garden alongside carefully prepared local and international dishes. Guests can relax around the swimming pool, enjoy the garden, or spend an evening on the terrace beneath the stars, surrounded by the sounds of birds and the occasional movement of monkeys through the trees.

The experience extends naturally into the surrounding community and countryside. Guests can walk through the coffee plantation, discover nearby villages, meet local people and explore the landscapes around Arusha. For families, couples and small groups, the villa also provides a wonderfully relaxed base before a safari, after a mountain adventure or simply for a few days of peaceful discovery. For Back to Eden Adventure guests, Arusha Villa offers something beautifully personal — the feeling of staying in a private country home where nature, warm hospitality and the character of Arusha come together.

Moshi

La-Mama Luxury Hotel

La-Mama Luxury Hotel brings a sense of refined comfort and warm hospitality to the heart of the city. Designed as a sophisticated retreat where modern elegance meets traditional Tanzanian welcome, the hotel offers an inviting place to pause between adventures. Its atmosphere is polished yet personal, creating the feeling of a place where guests are genuinely cared for rather than simply accommodated.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are designed around comfort, with elegant interiors, premium bedding, smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi and the thoughtful conveniences expected from a modern luxury stay. Whether returning from a day of exploration or preparing for the next stage of a safari journey, guests can retreat into a calm and comfortable private space.

Dining is an important part of the La-Mama experience. The hotel’s restaurant combines local and international flavours, with seasonal menus created around fresh ingredients, while the elegant bar provides a relaxed setting for premium drinks and handcrafted cocktails. A rooftop dining experience adds another memorable dimension, bringing together fine cuisine, evening atmosphere and views across the city.

Guests can also enjoy swimming pools, attentive concierge service, 24-hour room service and convenient airport transfers. For Back to Eden Adventure guests, La-Mama Luxury Hotel offers a graceful transition between the energy of the city and the freedom of the African wilderness — a place to rest, dine well and feel completely refreshed before continuing the journey.

Arusha

Hamerkop House by Lemala

Set within the private Kiligolf wildlife and golf estate between Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, Hamerkop House by Lemala offers an intimate and beautifully secluded beginning or ending to a Tanzanian safari. Surrounded by open landscapes and peaceful gardens, with views towards Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, the house feels less like a hotel and more like an elegant private home created for slowing down and enjoying the journey.

The house features just four spacious en-suite rooms, each with its own private verandah and comfortable lounge area. Guests can reserve the entire house exclusively, making it particularly special for families, couples travelling together or small groups seeking complete privacy. Thoughtful interiors, generous spaces and personalised service create an atmosphere that feels warm, relaxed and effortlessly refined.

A private chef prepares everything from leisurely breakfasts and fresh lunches to afternoon teas and beautifully presented dinners, with meals tailored around each guest’s preferences and dietary needs. Between adventures, guests can retreat to the swimming pool, enjoy a spa treatment or simply settle into the peaceful gardens with a drink as the light changes across the surrounding landscape. Sundowners at the nearby No. 16 offer a spectacular setting, with Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro rising beyond the horizon.

There is also a wonderful variety of experiences close to the house. Guests can ride horses through the estate, play a round on the 18-hole championship golf course, visit the Polo Club, explore a nearby coffee plantation, or venture out for hiking and canoeing around Kilimanjaro and Lake Duluti. For Back to Eden Adventure guests, Hamerkop House offers something wonderfully personal — a private sanctuary where the pace is gentle, the service is tailored and the anticipation of safari begins the moment you arrive.

Arusha

Mount Meru Hotel

Set beneath the slopes of Mount Meru, Mount Meru Hotel offers a peaceful and elegant retreat in the heart of Arusha. Spread across 15 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel creates a welcome sense of space and tranquillity while remaining close to the energy of the city. From the gardens and many of the rooms, Mount Meru rises dramatically into the horizon, providing a beautiful backdrop to the beginning or end of a safari journey.

The hotel offers 178 rooms and suites designed around understated African elegance, with open spaces, natural light and comfortable contemporary furnishings. Guests can choose from well-appointed rooms through to spacious junior, executive and presidential suites, with views towards Mount Meru or the neighbouring golf course. Modern comforts include complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, electronic safes, mini-refrigerators and 24-hour room service.

Beyond the rooms, Mount Meru Hotel offers a complete place to unwind. Guests can relax around the outdoor swimming pool, retreat to the Tulia Spa and Salon, enjoy the landscaped gardens or explore the hotel’s restaurants and bars, where African and international flavours come together. The nine-hole golf course adds another leisurely dimension, while the spacious grounds provide a calm contrast to the bustle of Arusha.

Its central position makes the hotel particularly convenient for travellers beginning or ending a Northern Tanzania adventure. Arusha’s major landmarks, including the Clock Tower, German Boma, Maasai Market and Arusha International Conference Centre, are close by, while the city’s safari connections place the wider northern circuit within easy reach. For Back to Eden Adventure guests, Mount Meru Hotel offers a comfortable and polished introduction to Arusha — a place to rest, recharge and look towards the mountain before the journey into the wild begins.

Real Journeys. Real Stories.

Read Our Reviews

Our guests leave with more than memories—they leave with stories to share and moments they will never forget. With 5-star reviews from travellers around the world, we are proud to create journeys filled with genuine care, unforgettable experiences, and the beauty of Tanzania.

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Guide63644279770
July 9, 2026
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Incredible Safari Back to Eden Aventures did an amazing job organizing an incredible 10 day safari for our family of four. Their communication was timely, clear and fully transparent which made planning effortless. The itinerary was flexible and they added activities based on our preferences without any hassle. Thanks to their thoughtful planning, we thoroughly enjoyed our safari vacation and had an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend Gift and his team.
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hima a
June 25, 2025
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Incredible experience with Back to Eden Adventures As the Great Migration season kicks off in June, I'm excited to share my unforgettable Safari experience in Tanzania with Back to Eden Adventures. Their expert guide Hassan took us on thrilling game drives, bringing us face-to-face with incredible wildlife. We savored every moment, eagerly awaiting sightings of lions and cheetahs in action. The highlight of our trip was a luxurious 2-day glamping adventure deep in the middle of forest, with impeccable service from the staff. Special thanks to Laurent and Gift and for their exceptional customer service, which truly made our experience unforgettable. We highly recommend Back to Eden Adventures to anyone planning a Tanzanian adventure.
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Fearless15898388495
January 18, 2025
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7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek We recently completed the 7-day Machame trek with Back To Eden Adventures and it was an absolutely incredible experience. The entire team, from our guides to the porters, were exceptional. The itinerary was well-paced and allowed us to acclimatize properly. We enjoyed stunning views throughout the trek, and the campsites were well-chosen and offered incredible vistas.
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adin43
December 4, 2024
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Great safari experience! Planned a trip for my parents and another couple, and they had an amazing time! They mentioned Laurent specifically took very good care of them during the whole tour and to their particular needs whether it was the food, their medical conditions etc. I definitely recommend this tour for safari in Serengeti. Reach out to Laurent! He's so easy to get along with and communicate with so that you can plan in advance with him before your trip.
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Beatrice B
December 4, 2024
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Amazing Kilimanjaro Experience An amazing experience in the Kilimanjaro! We did the Marangu Route and Back to Eden helped us with every step of the way: prior, during and after. From the logistic team to the porters and guide team, our experience in the mountain was incredible! Totally recommend them for small or large groups.
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Voyage61643334116
December 4, 2024
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Magical African Safari We had an amazing trip with Back to Eden Adventures. Everything was well organised and we didnt face any difficulties during the trip. They understood are requirements and curated a customised itinerary based on our needs. Our tour guide was also great and very helpful. It was a wonderful trip and we had a good time. Thanks to Back to Eden Adventures.
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garybraka
July 7, 2024
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Sérieux et disponible Organisation top en amont avec beaucoup de disponibilités et de réponses à toutes les questions. Le voyage est cher donc c’est important d’avoir un maximum de réponses pour s’organiser au mieux. La voiture était top et le chauffeur avait réponses à tout. Profitez

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