Arusha National Park Wildlife Guide: Giraffes, Colobus Monkeys, Flamingos and Buffalo
Arusha National Park is a compact mosaic of forest, crater, lakes and mountain slopes, home to giraffes, buffalo, zebras, hippos, black-and-white colobus monkeys and flocks of flamingos.
Although small, the park packs several habitats into a short drive. Within a few hours you can pass from open glades to lakeshores and into cool montane forest beneath Mount Meru.
Because predators are scarce and the animals are relaxed, it is a gentle introduction to Tanzania wildlife, especially for first-time visitors and for photographers who enjoy walking safaris.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Star species: Giraffes and colobus monkeys
- Water life: Hippos and flamingos
- Grazers: Buffalo, zebra, warthog, waterbuck
- Forest: Blue monkeys and birds
- Predators: Elusive leopards and hyenas
Habitats and What Lives There
| Area | Typical wildlife |
|---|---|
| Ngurdoto Crater and its rim | Buffalo, warthogs, baboons, birds, views into the crater floor |
| Momella Lakes | Flamingos, hippos, waterbirds, waterbuck |
| Open grassland and glades | Giraffes, zebras, bushbuck, warthogs |
| Montane forest | Black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, turacos |
| Mount Meru slopes | Forest birds, buffalo and elusive leopards |
Giraffes and Plains Animals
The park is known for its tall, relaxed giraffes, which browse the acacia and other trees along the tracks and are easy to watch at close range. Buffalo graze in the glades, zebras move in small groups and warthogs trot across the open ground. Because the vegetation is varied, animals often appear framed against forest or the slopes of Mount Meru, a pleasure for photographers. For more on these animals see East Africa wildlife guide.
Monkeys of the Forest
Black-and-white colobus monkeys are among the highlights, moving through the canopy with long white tails and flowing coats. Blue monkeys and baboons are also seen, and guides often stop at fruiting trees where primates gather. Watching quietly for a few minutes usually rewards you with behaviour that a quick drive-by would miss. See primates and monkeys for comparison with Uganda forests.
Lakes, Hippos and Flamingos
The shallow Momella Lakes differ in colour and chemistry, and some attract flamingos that feed in the alkaline water. Hippos wallow in other pools, while herons, ducks and waders add to a birdlist that is generous for a small park. Water levels change through the year, so ask your guide which lake is currently best.
Predators and Shy Species
Lions are not resident here, which is why walking safaris with an armed ranger are possible. Leopards and spotted hyenas live in the park but are shy and rarely seen, so treat any sighting as a bonus. Smaller mammals such as dik-diks, duikers and bushbuck reward patient observation. A clear view of the mountain is a further bonus, and the climb is described in Mount Meru and Arusha National Park guide.
Birdlife and Viewing Tips
More than four hundred bird species have been recorded across the park, from raptors and turacos to waterbirds. Drive in the morning for the best light and activity, carry binoculars and stop frequently rather than rushing between viewpoints. See East Africa birding guide and safari photography tips.
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Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Mount Meru and Arusha National Park: Walking, Colobus Monkeys and Acclimatisation
- Arusha: Tanzania's Safari Gateway, Airports, Markets and Things to Do
- East Africa Wildlife Guide: Animals You Can See in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda
- Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari: Route, Parks, Days and Best Time
- Kilimanjaro Wildlife Guide: Forest Monkeys, Birds and the Plants of Each Climate Zone
- Udzungwa Mountains Wildlife Guide: Endemic Primates, Rare Birds and Ancient Forest
- Saadani National Park Wildlife Guide: Beach, Bush and River Safaris on the Tanzanian Coast
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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