Arusha National Park Day Tour

Duration

1 day

Max People

12+

Min Age

Tour Type

Add-On Safaris

Overview

Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, just 45 minutes from Arusha city, Arusha National Park is a compact yet diverse gem. This day tour offers visitors a taste of everything Tanzania has to offer—lush forests, crater lakes, open savannah, and mountainous terrain. It’s the only park in northern Tanzania where you can enjoy a walking safari and canoeing in the same day, offering an up-close encounter with nature, away from the big crowds. Ideal for those short on time or looking for a soft adventure.

Despite its small size, the park offers great wildlife viewing, including giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, baboons, bushbucks, and various primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys. Its birdlife is equally rich. Towering above is Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, and the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater provide picturesque stops on your route. This day trip is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful wilderness escape.

Tour Highlights

Departure Time: 7:00 AM
Return Time: Around 5:00 PM
Activities: Game drive, walking safari (optional), canoeing (optional), photography
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though dry season (June–October) offers better wildlife visibility
Vehicle: 4×4 safari vehicle with open roof
Special Features: Close-up giraffe encounters, stunning forest views, possible Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro sightings on clear days

What to Expect on Tour

Expect a varied and scenic safari day without long drives. Arusha National Park offers unique access to both vehicle game drives and walking safaris, which are rarely possible in other parks. With the guidance of a park ranger, you may walk through forest paths spotting birds, giraffes, warthogs, and monkeys. Canoeing on the Momella Lakes is optional and offers a peaceful paddle alongside flamingos and hippos. This is an excellent day trip to blend wildlife, light adventure, and stunning views in a manageable timeframe.

Includes/Excludes

Pick-up & drop-off at your location
Services of a professional English speaking safari guide.
All meals
Mineral water
Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority.
Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch.

International Flights.
Domestic flight.
All items of a personal nature.
Accommodation before and after Safari.
Gratuities (Tip) for safari guide.
Drinks and Beverage at Lodge during Safari
Travel insurance we are highly recommends.

📍Arusha National Park Day Tour Itinerary

Morning: Game Drive & Forest Exploration

After early pickup, you’ll arrive at the park gate by 8:00 AM. Begin your day with a scenic game drive through montane forest and open clearings, where you’re likely to see giraffes browsing in the trees and colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy. The winding drive leads to viewpoints overlooking the Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro.” Stop for short walks at designated points to stretch and observe the vibrant birdlife. Weather permitting, you may catch views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Afternoon: Momella Lakes, Canoeing & Picnic Lunch

Head toward the Momella Lakes, a collection of shallow alkaline lakes with contrasting colors and abundant flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic site, listening to the calls of fish eagles and watching waterbucks graze along the shores. For the adventurous, optional canoeing can be arranged, offering a quiet paddle among hippos and wading birds. The lakes provide great photo opportunities, especially with Mount Meru in the background. This part of the day is peaceful, immersive, and rich in natural beauty.

Evening: Optional Walking Safari & Return

Depending on your interest and energy, you can finish the day with a guided walking safari led by an armed ranger. This takes you through grassy glades and acacia woodland, allowing for close-up encounters with giraffes, zebras, and warthogs. It’s a rare chance to walk safely among large herbivores in their natural habitat. After your walk or final game drive, begin your journey back to Arusha or Moshi. Expect to arrive by 5:00 PM, ending your day with stunning memories of the Tanzanian wilderness.

1. Is Arusha National Park worth visiting for a day?

Absolutely. Arusha National Park is ideal for a short, varied safari day. It’s close to Arusha and offers unique features such as walking safaris, canoeing, crater views, and excellent birdlife. While it doesn’t have lions or elephants, it compensates with peaceful surroundings and diverse landscapes. It’s perfect for those who prefer a softer, more scenic wildlife experience without the longer drives of larger parks like Serengeti or Tarangire.

2. Can I see the Big Five in Arusha National Park?

No, Arusha National Park is not home to all the Big Five. It does not have lions or rhinos. However, you can spot buffalo, leopards (rare), and plenty of other wildlife like giraffes, zebras, baboons, bushbucks, and monkeys. What makes this park unique is the ability to walk among wildlife and enjoy peaceful scenery with fewer crowds. It’s more about immersion in nature than chasing Big Five checklists.

3. What’s the walking safari like, and is it safe?

Walking safaris are led by armed park rangers and are completely safe. You’ll walk on marked trails where it’s possible to see giraffes, warthogs, buffaloes, and various primates. These walks are slow-paced and educational, with stops to learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and ecosystem functions. It’s a serene and unforgettable way to connect with nature more intimately than in a vehicle. Walking safaris usually last 1–2 hours depending on your preference.

4. What’s the best time of year to visit Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park is accessible year-round, but the dry season (June to October) offers better wildlife visibility and easier walking trails. During the wet season (March to May), the forest and lakes become lush, and birdwatching is exceptional, though trails can get muddy. Clear views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro are more likely in the early mornings of the dry season. Canoeing is also available throughout the year, weather permitting.

5. Can I combine Arusha National Park with another activity in the same day?

Yes, it’s possible to pair the Arusha National Park tour with nearby cultural experiences such as a visit to a Maasai village, coffee plantation tour, or Mount Meru waterfall hike if you shorten your time in the park. However, a full-day in the park is ideal to enjoy game drives, canoeing, and walking. If you’re staying in Arusha more than one day, additional tours can be easily arranged.

Pricing

Number of People	Cost Per Person
1 person	$2,100
2 people	$1,250
3 people	$1,060
4 people	$940
5 people	$890
6–10 people	$840

Accommodation

Tour Day	Budget Camping Package	Standard Package
Day 1	Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel	Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
Day 2	Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite	Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge

Price

From

$490.00