Rating score 5.0 of 5

A Day Trip to Arusha National Park

Safari in national park: Arusha National Park

Explore the hidden gem of northern Tanzania on this full-day safari to Arusha National Park, perfect for travelers with limited time or those seeking a soft introduction to the African wilderness. Located just 30 minutes from Arusha town, the park offers incredible biodiversity in a compact space—ranging from lush forests and open grasslands to volcanic craters and crater lakes.

This day trip allows you to experience a wide range of activities in just a few hours. Game drives offer sightings of giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, buffaloes, and even rare black-and-white colobus monkeys. You’ll also enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, and perhaps glimpse Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day.

Optional activities such as a guided walking safari or canoeing on Momella Lake add a unique twist to the traditional safari experience. Whether you’re an avid birder, photographer, or nature lover, Arusha National Park promises a rewarding day filled with beauty, peace, and wildlife.

Trip Highlights

  • Guided walking safari in the wild
  • Canoe safari on Momella Lake (optional)
  • Stunning views of Mount Meru
  • Black-and-white colobus monkeys
  • Ngurdoto Crater and forest game drive

Trip Features

Start Date

Can start any day

Duration

1 Day

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Comfort

Can be optimized

Tour Type

Private Tour

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Tour Plan

Customizable
Itinerary

trolleybus

Transport

Toyota Landcruser

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Airport

Kilimanjaro Int.
Airport

Day Itinerary

Arusha/Moshi – Arusha National Park – Arusha/Moshi
Morning:

Your day begins with a 7:30 AM pick-up from your accommodation inArusha/Moshi for a short 30-minute drive to Arusha National Park. Arrive at the park by 8:00 AM and embark on a morning game drive with your guide. Traverse the scenic landscapes of the park—from the montane forest to open savannah—and spot giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, and various monkeys, including the rare colobus. Around 10:30 AM, visit the Momella Lakes for birdwatching, photography, and, if booked in advance, a guided canoe safari.

Lunch:

At 12:30 PM, stop at a peaceful picnic site near one of the Momella Lakes for lunch. Your guide will serve a delicious packed or freshly prepared picnic featuring local Tanzanian flavors. Relax in nature’s silence while enjoying views of flamingos and other birds wading in the lakes. This is also a great time to stretch your legs, take photos, or simply soak in the park’s tranquil ambiance before continuing with your adventure.

Afternoon:

After lunch, resume your safari with an optional walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger (available upon prior request), offering the chance to track wildlife on foot and learn about local flora and fauna. Alternatively, enjoy a final game drive that explores the Ngurdoto Crater area, often referred to as the “mini-Ngorongoro,” which teems with animals. Begin your return journey around 3:30 PM, arriving back in Arusha/Moshi by 4:30 PM, just in time to relax and reflect on your unforgettable day in the wild.

  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meal Plan: Lunch

Trip Cost Include

  • Park entry fees (Arusha National Park)
  • Transport in a 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional, English-speaking driver guide
  • Picnic lunch box
  • Bottled drinking water and soft drinks during the safari
  • Game drive inside the park
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Moshi / Arusha
  • Government taxes and levies

Trip Cost Does Not Include

  • Tips for driver guide
  • Alcoholic beverages at lodges or during lunch
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation before or after the trip

Gear Add-ons

Enhance Your Day Trip Safari Experience with Optional Gear Add-ons
All equipment is subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

Binoculars – $10 per day
Get a closer look at wildlife with high-quality binoculars—ideal for spotting birds and distant animals.

Safari Blanket – $5 per blanket
Stay warm during early morning game drives with a soft, cozy safari blanket.

Cooler Box with Bottled Drinks – $15 per trip
Enjoy chilled beverages throughout your safari with a fully stocked cooler box.

Photography Bean Bag – $8 per trip
Perfect for stabilizing your camera while shooting wildlife from the vehicle window.

Child Safety Seat – $10 per seat
Ensure your little ones are safe and comfortable with a professionally fitted car seat.

Thermal Lunch Pack – $12 per person
Upgrade your picnic with a gourmet thermal lunch including hot meals, fresh fruit, and snacks.

Portable Power Bank – $5 per day
Keep your phone or camera charged all day long with a durable, high-capacity power bank.

Our day trip vehicles come equipped with standard safari amenities. If you’d like to enhance comfort during your game drives or picnic stops, optional gear add-ons—such as blankets, binoculars, and gourmet lunch packs—are available at an extra cost as listed above. Early booking is recommended to ensure availability.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer options
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi – $50
  • Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – $50
  • Arusha to Moshi – $100
  • Moshi to Arusha – $100
All transfers are private and operated by trusted drivers. Pre-booking is recommended.

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