🌍 1. Overview – Safety First in a Protected Wilderness
Arusha National Park (ANP) is one of Tanzania’s safest and most accessible national parks — a peaceful haven where wildlife and people coexist under the protection of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
While the park is smaller and less predator-dense than Serengeti or Tarangire, safety rules are taken seriously to ensure both visitor protection and ecosystem preservation.
Understanding and following these regulations helps keep the park wild, sustainable, and enjoyable for all.
⚖️ 2. TANAPA Regulations – The Foundation of Park Management
All visitors are subject to the TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) code of conduct, which governs behavior, access, and environmental responsibility in Tanzania’s 22 national parks.
Key rules apply to Arusha NP:
- Entry is permitted only during official hours (06:30–18:30).
- Electronic tickets (GePG system) must be paid at the gate by card or mobile money.
- Visitors must remain on designated roads and trails.
- Rangers must accompany all walking, canoeing, and Mount Meru treks.
- No firearms, drones, or pets are allowed without prior authorization.
- All waste must be removed from the park.
- Speed limits and driving rules must be strictly observed to protect wildlife.
Violation of TANAPA regulations can lead to fines or expulsion from the park.
👮 3. Ranger Escorts – Your Safety Companions
Why Escorts Are Mandatory
Rangers are trained professionals who:
- Ensure visitor safety from wildlife encounters.
- Provide ecological interpretation and guidance.
- Enforce park rules and anti-poaching laws.
When Required
- Walking safaris: Always escorted by an armed ranger.
- Canoeing on Momella Lakes: Guided by trained TANAPA rangers and certified canoe guides.
- Mount Meru climbs: Mandatory ranger escort from Momella Gate to Socialist Peak.
Rangers also serve as the park’s first responders in emergencies — from wildlife incidents to medical evacuations.
🚗 4. Speed Limits and Road Rules
Driving responsibly inside Arusha NP is essential to prevent accidents and protect wildlife.
Official Speed Limits
| Zone | Maximum Speed |
|---|---|
| Main gravel roads | 40 km/h (25 mph) |
| Game-viewing loops | 25 km/h (15 mph) |
| Near picnic or walking areas | 20 km/h (12 mph) |
General Road Etiquette
- Stay on designated roads and avoid off-road driving — it damages vegetation and soil.
- Give wildlife right of way; never honk or rev to move animals.
- Stop only in designated viewing areas or safe pull-offs.
- Night driving is prohibited (no movement after 18:30).
- Always yield to ranger or emergency vehicles.
🦒 Tip: Animals often cross roads silently, especially giraffes, baboons, and buffalo — stay alert at bends and near forest edges.
🚫 5. Prohibited Activities – What Not to Do in Arusha NP
To protect both visitors and wildlife, the following activities are strictly prohibited within park boundaries:
- Littering or dumping waste.
- Feeding, disturbing, or approaching wildlife.
- Collecting plants, rocks, bones, or wood.
- Off-road driving or damaging vegetation.
- Flying drones without a TANAPA-issued permit.
- Loud music, shouting, or horn use that disrupts animals or other guests.
- Walking or cycling outside designated areas without ranger escort.
- Open fires outside authorized camping sites.
- Night entry or camping in non-designated zones.
Breaking these rules can result in immediate removal, fines, or legal prosecution under TANAPA Act No. 282 (2020 revision).
🦓 6. Safety During Walking Safaris
Walking safaris in Arusha NP — especially near Ngurdoto Crater, Tululusia Waterfall, and Momella plains — are among Tanzania’s most rewarding experiences. They also require respect and caution.
Before the Walk
- Always register at the gate and attend a safety briefing.
- Wear neutral-colored clothing, closed shoes, and hat/sunscreen.
- Carry 1–2 liters of water and insect repellent.
- Avoid bright colors or strong perfumes that attract insects or alarm animals.
During the Walk
- Stay behind the ranger at all times.
- Speak softly; avoid sudden movements.
- Do not approach wildlife closer than the ranger advises.
- If animals approach, stay still and follow ranger commands.
- Never separate from the group or wander off the trail.
Wildlife You May Encounter
- Common: giraffe, zebra, buffalo, bushbuck, monkeys, birds.
- Occasionally: elephant or leopard (rare).
- The ranger will manage safe viewing distance — usually >25 meters for large mammals.
📸 7. Drone and Filming Restrictions
A. Recreational Drone Use
- Drones are prohibited for personal or hobby use inside the park.
- The noise disturbs birds, monkeys, and nesting flamingos, especially around Momella Lakes.
- Unauthorized drone operation can lead to equipment confiscation and fines up to US$ 1,000.
B. Professional Filming and Photography
- Allowed only with prior TANAPA Headquarters approval (Arusha).
- Permit fees: ~US$100–250 per day depending on project type.
- Must include details on crew size, duration, and environmental measures.
- TANAPA assigns a ranger escort to all filming teams.
💡 For travel vloggers or documentaries, apply for permits 2–4 weeks in advance via the TANAPA Research & Filming Unit.
🚯 8. Waste Management and Littering Penalties
Arusha NP follows a zero-litter policy. All waste, including biodegradable items, must leave with visitors.
Rules:
- Carry out all bottles, cans, wrappers, and cigarette butts.
- Use park bins only for approved disposal zones (e.g., picnic sites).
- Single-use plastics (bags, straws) are banned under Tanzania’s 2019 Plastics Regulation Act.
- Tour operators must remove all waste from vehicles daily.
Penalties:
| Offense | Fine (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Littering or dumping waste | US$ 100+ |
| Burning or burying waste | US$ 150+ |
| Use of plastic carrier bags | US$ 50+ |
| Graffiti or vandalism | US$ 500+ |
| Wildlife harassment | US$ 1,000+ or prosecution |
🌱 These fines fund TANAPA’s environmental rehabilitation and ranger patrols — protecting Mount Meru’s ecosystems.
🚨 9. Emergency Contacts and Rescue Protocols
While incidents are rare, TANAPA maintains trained rangers and emergency services across Arusha NP.
Emergency Procedures
- Stay calm and inform your ranger or guide immediately.
- Rangers contact Park Headquarters at Ngongongare or Momella via radio.
- Medical or wildlife response team is dispatched.
- For serious cases (trekking altitude sickness, injury), vehicle evacuation or helicopter rescue from Arusha/Meru base may be arranged.
Emergency Numbers
- TANAPA Arusha NP HQ: +255 (0)27 250 3471
- Ranger Control Room (24-hr): +255 (0)767 734 891
- TANAPA Central Operations (Arusha): +255 (0)27 250 3473
- Police / Fire / Ambulance (Tanzania): 112 or 114
Medical Services Nearby
- Mount Meru Regional Hospital (Arusha City) – 45 min from gate.
- Selian Lutheran Hospital (Arusha) – 1 hr.
- High-altitude emergency support available for Meru climbers at Miriakamba & Saddle Huts.
🏕️ 10. General Safety Tips
- Register at the gate on arrival and departure.
- Do not swim in lakes or rivers (hippos, crocodiles, bilharzia risk).
- Keep windows partially closed when parked near baboons.
- Avoid leaving food out — it attracts animals and damages their natural behavior.
- Check weather forecasts before trekking or canoeing; the mountain can change rapidly.
- Bring your own small first-aid kit, even for day trips.
- Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion at altitude.
- Carry ID or passport copy for gate verification and emergencies.
💬 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Arusha NP safe for families and children?
👉 Yes. The park is considered one of Tanzania’s safest, with ranger presence at all times and no large predators on main tourist routes.
Q2: Are there dangerous animals?
👉 Buffalo and elephant are potentially dangerous if provoked. Keep a safe distance and always follow your ranger’s directions.
Q3: Can I camp inside the park?
👉 Yes, at designated TANAPA public or special campsites, with prior booking. Fires allowed only in approved fire pits.
Q4: What should I do if I get lost or separated?
👉 Stay where you are and call or whistle for attention. Rangers patrol frequently and will locate you faster if you remain visible.
Q5: Are night drives allowed?
👉 No. The park closes at 18:30. Movement after hours is restricted for safety and wildlife protection.
🧭 12. Respect, Responsibility, and Conservation
Every visitor to Arusha NP plays a role in conservation.
By respecting the park’s regulations and behaving responsibly, you:
- Keep wildlife safe from human disturbance.
- Prevent erosion and habitat degradation.
- Support TANAPA’s mission of sustainable eco-tourism.
- Help preserve Mount Meru’s fragile ecosystems for future generations.
🌿 Final Note
Arusha National Park is more than a destination — it’s a living sanctuary that thrives when visitors care.
By following TANAPA rules, listening to rangers, and practicing eco-friendly behavior, you contribute directly to the park’s safety, sustainability, and beauty.
Respect the rules, cherish the wilderness, and leave only footprints.
🌍 ArushaPark.org Commitment
ArushaPark.org is dedicated to promoting responsible travel, environmental education, and safety awareness in Tanzania’s national parks.
We collaborate with TANAPA and local guides to ensure that all visitors experience safe, ethical, and conservation-minded adventures inside Arusha National Park.