Arusha National Park Map
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Arusha National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
An Arusha National Park map shows a compact park between Arusha town and Kilimanjaro, divided into five main areas: the forested Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east, the alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east, the open grassland of Serengeti Kidogo, the Meru forest and Tululusia area around the Fig Tree Arch, and the summit and crater of Mount Meru in the west. Most visitors enter through Ngongongare Gate, the main gate in the south, while Momella Gate near park headquarters is the starting point for walking safaris and the Mount Meru climb.
Arusha National Park Areas at a Glance
An illustrative overview of the main areas, gates and access points.
Gates and Access Points
Where private safaris and treks enter Arusha National Park.
| Gate / Access Point | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ngongongare Gate | South | Main entrance from Arusha town and the Arusha to Moshi road |
| Momella Gate | Central, near park headquarters | Mount Meru climb on the Momella route and walking safaris |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport | Outside the park, south-east | Fly-in arrivals; typically around an hour by road |
| Arusha town | Outside the park, south-west | Safari hub usually under an hour away; ideal for day trips |
Arusha National Park Safari Packages with Transfers Included
Hand-picked northern circuit itineraries that start or finish near Arusha National Park, tailored privately by Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris.
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An eight-day tour across Tanzania's top northern circuit parks.
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6-Day Highlights of Tanzania Mid-Range Safari
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A comfortable five-day safari balancing good lodges with a modest price.
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6-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Family Safaris
A six-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro combination built for multi-generation travelers.
View Package →Arusha National Park Safari Planning Guides
Arusha National Park Map: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main areas of Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park has five main areas. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east offers rim viewpoints over a forested crater. Serengeti Kidogo is an open grassland where zebra and buffalo graze. The Momella Lakes in the north-east are shallow alkaline lakes with flamingos and canoeing. The Meru forest and Tululusia area, around the Fig Tree Arch, is ideal for walking safaris and colobus monkeys. Mount Meru, with its summit and horseshoe crater, dominates the west and is reached on a multi-day climb.
Which gate do you use to enter Arusha National Park?
Most safaris enter Arusha National Park through Ngongongare Gate, the main gate on the southern side, reached from the Arusha to Moshi road. From there the road continues past Serengeti Kidogo and Ngurdoto Crater toward the Momella Lakes. Momella Gate, close to the park headquarters, is the starting point for the Mount Meru climb on the Momella route and a common base for walking safaris. Your private guide chooses the gate and route that best match your plans for the day.
How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha town and Kilimanjaro Airport?
Arusha National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Tanzania. Ngongongare Gate is usually less than an hour's drive from Arusha town, depending on traffic and where you are staying. Kilimanjaro International Airport lies to the south-east, typically around an hour away by road. This makes the park ideal for a relaxed private day safari on arrival or just before departure, or as a gentle introduction to the northern circuit before continuing to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Where is Mount Meru on the Arusha National Park map?
Mount Meru occupies the western half of Arusha National Park. Its summit, Socialist Peak, sits on the rim of a large horseshoe-shaped crater that opens toward the east, with an ash cone rising inside. The Momella route climbs from Momella Gate through montane forest to Miriakamba Hut, then on to Saddle Hut below Little Meru, before the final ridge to the summit. The lower forest slopes around the Fig Tree Arch and Tululusia area are popular for shorter guided walks.
Can you visit Arusha National Park on a day trip?
Yes, Arusha National Park is perfect for a private day trip from Arusha town. A typical route enters at Ngongongare Gate, passes Serengeti Kidogo, stops at Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints, and continues to the Momella Lakes for flamingos and water birds. You can add a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, a canoe trip on Small Momella Lake, or a forest walk to the Fig Tree Arch. Your guide times the day to match light, weather and your onward travel plans.
Plan Further: Arusha National Park Guides & Resources
Explore Arusha National Park
- Arusha National Park Overview
- Arusha National Park Facts
- Arusha National Park Wildlife
- Arusha National Park Birds & Birding
- Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
- Arusha National Park Weather & Climate
- How to Get to Arusha National Park
- Arusha National Park Fees
- Arusha National Park Malaria & Safety Guide
- Arusha National Park Photos
- Arusha National Park Reviews
- Arusha National Park Safari Tours
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