If you’ve been looking into African safari tours in Tanzania, you probably picture the classic Big Five: lions on the savannah, elephants crossing golden plains, and rhinos standing like ancient statues in the dust. Honestly, that image is accurate. Tanzania really does offer all of that.

Just not always at Arusha National Park.

Most tour operators don’t mention this right away, but Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most underrated parks. It’s best enjoyed when you know what to expect, so let’s be honest about what you’ll find. Being prepared is what makes a good safari truly unforgettable.

What You Won’t Find at Arusha National Park and Why That’s Actually Fine

Let’s rip off the bandage quickly: no lions, no elephants, no rhinos.

Arusha National Park, sitting dramatically in the shadow of Mount Meru just outside Arusha town, is not the Serengeti. It’s not the Ngorongoro Crater. It doesn’t have the vast open plains where predators hunt in plain view of a dozen safari jeeps. If that’s your primary goal, you’ll want to pair this park with Tanzania safaris that include Serengeti or Tarangire.

Many people think that if there are no Big Five animals, the park isn’t worth visiting. That’s not true at all. Arusha National Park is special because it has a rich, beautiful ecosystem where wildlife encounters feel personal and unique. You won’t be surrounded by dozens of other vehicles here.

The Stars of the Show: Animals You’ll Actually See

Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys

If there’s one animal that will make you ask your driver to stop, it’s the black-and-white colobus monkey. These striking primates rest in the dense Afromontane forest on the park’s slopes, looking almost like living decorations. Their white fur and long tails stand out against the green leaves, and they move slowly and gracefully, making them perfect for photos.

Unlike many other primates, colobus monkeys are folivores, or leaf-eaters, so they spend a lot of time sitting quietly and digesting. This is great for photographers. You’ll usually spot them in the forested parts of the park, especially near the Ngurdoto Crater.

Giraffes in a Forest Setting

A truly special sight on a Tanzania safari is watching a Masai giraffe move through the scattered acacia woodland of Arusha National Park. The open spaces near the Momella Lakes are the best places to see giraffes, and watching these tall animals walk with Mount Meru in the background is a scene you’ll never forget.

The giraffes here are used to vehicles and often come quite close. If you’ve only seen giraffes in books or zoos, seeing them in this natural setting will change your perspective.

Flamingos at the Momella Lakes

The Momella Lakes are shallow, alkaline lakes in the northern part of the park, and they are among the most beautiful spots in Tanzania. Depending on the season and the alkalinity of each lake, you might see thousands of lesser and greater flamingos turning the water pink.

What’s especially interesting is the science behind it. Each lake has a unique chemical makeup, attracting different types of algae, which then draw in varying numbers of flamingos. You can even see the color of the water change from one lake to another. Details like this make Tanzania safaris truly fascinating.

Other Wildlife Worth Mentioning

Besides the main attractions, the park is home to many Cape buffalo, in surprisingly large numbers, be careful, as these animals can be dangerous, warthogs, olive baboons, dik-diks, zebras, waterbuck, bushbuck, and hippos in the Momella Lakes. The birdlife is also amazing, with over 400 species recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers on Tanzania safaris.

Leopards are technically present but almost never seen. Consider that a bonus if you spot one, not an expectation.

Best Animal Spotting Locations in Arusha National Park

Momella Lakes: Visit this area for flamingos, hippos, waterbuck, and some of the most beautiful reflections in East Africa. Early morning is the best time, when the water is calm, and the birds are most active.

Ngurdoto Crater: You can’t go down into the crater since it’s a protected reserve, but viewing from the rim gives you wide views over a lush area full of buffalo. Colobus monkeys are often seen in the nearby forest as you approach.

Fig Tree Arch: This natural geological feature near the forest zone is also a great spot to see colobus monkeys. The thick canopy here creates a unique atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere in the park.

The Open Grasslands near Senato Pools: Giraffes, zebras, and warthogs gather here, and the landscape is classic East African savannah. This is the best place in the park for that “classic safari” photo.

The Forest Drive (Hatari Area): Named after the famous 1962 John Wayne film shot here, this part of the park offers some of the most scenic drives. Buffalo herds are common, and Mount Meru rising through the trees creates a dramatic backdrop.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit

Arusha National Park is great for a short safari on its own, easy to visit as a day trip from Arusha town or as an addition to a longer Tanzania safari. Combining it with Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Serengeti gives you a full view of Tanzania’s amazing wildlife, from grassland predators to forest primates and lakes filled with flamingos.

You can go on walking safaris here with an armed ranger, which is one of the best ways to experience the park. Walking through the forest to spot colobus monkeys or slowly approaching giraffes on foot is a very different and more exciting experience than a game drive.

Canoe safaris on the Momella Lakes are also available and offer one of the most peaceful wildlife experiences you can have on any African safari in Tanzania.

Book Your Tanzania Safari with Kilidestination

If you’re already thinking about booking your trip, you’re on the right track. Arusha National Park is best enjoyed as part of a well-planned itinerary that includes the parks you most want to visit. That’s why choosing the right local operator is so important.

Kilidestination specialises in crafting personalised Tanzania vacation packages that align with real traveller expectations and what Tanzania genuinely delivers. Whether you want a quick two-day Arusha National Park experience before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or a two-week comprehensive Tanzania safari sweeping through Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and beyond, our team can build it around your timeline, budget, and wildlife priorities.

Our Tanzania vacation packages include everything from affordable camping safaris to luxury lodge trips, all led by expert local guides who know these parks well. This means you’re not just riding around hoping to spot animals, you’re being taken to the best places at the best times by someone who truly wants you to have an amazing experience.

Get in touch with us and let us plan your Tanzania safari the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Arusha National Park worth visiting if I’m only in Tanzania for a week?

Absolutely, especially if you’re also planning a Kilimanjaro trek or a longer safari. It’s a great short add-on that doesn’t require multi-day park fees, and the colobus monkeys, flamingos, and giraffes make for truly special wildlife experiences. Many travellers use it as their introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife before heading to Tarangire and the Serengeti.

Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Arusha National Park?

The dry seasons, from June to October and January to February, are the best times for game viewing and reliable road conditions. Still, the park is beautiful all year, and the wet season, March to May, brings lush greenery and great birdwatching. Flamingo numbers at the Momella Lakes can even peak during some wet-season months when the water chemistry is just right.

Q: Can I see the Big Five anywhere near Arusha?

Yes, and this is where a well-planned Tanzania safari really stands out. The Ngorongoro Crater, just a few hours from Arusha, is one of the best places in the world to see all of the Big Five in one day, including black rhinos. Tarangire National Park is great for elephants, and the Serengeti has the best lion sightings in Africa. A good Tanzania vacation package from Kilidestination can include all of these in one trip, so you don’t miss anything.