Arusha National Park rolls out red carpet for tourists after CNN travel accolade

ARUSHA: FRESH from being spotlighted by CNN Travel as one of the world’s best places to visit in 2026, Arusha National Park is stepping up efforts to position itself as one of Africa’s most compelling and still underexplored tourism destinations.

Speaking at a press conference over the weekend at the Gongongare main gate, the park’s Chief Warden, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner Witness Shoo, said the CNN recognition had already reshaped expectations for 2026.

“The CNN Travel mention has given us the confidence to revise our targets from 70,000 to 100,000 visitors this year,” Ms Shoo said. “Last year we received about 72,000 tourists. We are optimistic that the number will rise significantly.”

SACC Shoo attributed the momentum not only to the CNN Travel ranking, but also to Tanzania’s recent global marketing push and through Amazing Tanzania, filmed in the park and directed by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Often overshadowed by its famous northern circuit neighbours, Arusha National Park is increasingly being promoted as a destination in its own right.

“Within a compact landscape just 30 kilometres northeast of Arusha city, the park offers Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes, waterfalls, lush montane forests and volcanic craters, alongside wildlife such as giraffes, flamingos, buffaloes, elephants and zebras” SACC Shoo told the press.

She further said that visitors can also experience walking safaris, game drives, cycling, canoeing, horse riding and the challenging climb up Mount Meru, which is Africa’s fifth-highest peak.

Head of Communication Unit at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Emmanuel Buhohela, said the CNN recognition reflected years of strategic promotion at the highest level of government.

“The Ministry is incredibly proud of the work done by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in promoting Tanzania through Amazing Tanzania and Tanzania: The Royal Tour. These films have strategically positioned Tanzania as one of Africa’s leading destinations,” he said.

CNN Travel named Arusha among the world’s top places to visit in 2026 in a special report published on December 31, 2025, praising the city’s blend of natural beauty, culture and distinctive safari experiences.

Describing Arusha as a “golden gateway,” CNN highlighted its proximity to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, as well as its role as the starting point for Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions.

The report also singled out Arusha National Park as an often-overlooked gem, noting its giraffes and elephants roaming the forested slopes of Mount Meru and thousands of flamingos colouring the Momella Lakes.

Arusha’s inclusion alongside destinations such as Santa Monica, Kanazawa, Adelaide, Aragón and Devon signals Tanzania’s growing stature on the global travel map