Arusha National Park Day Trip Safari

A short safari with big views, wildlife, and fresh mountain air.

Overview

Arusha National Park is the perfect day safari if you want wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed pace—all close to Arusha town. This park may be small, but it’s very rich in scenery and animals. You’ll explore forests, open plains, lakes, and even volcanic craters, with Mount Meru standing tall in the background.

This day trip is ideal for first-time safari travelers, families, photographers, and anyone with limited time who still wants a real safari experience. With Safari Vibes Africa, you enjoy a well-planned trip, a friendly guide, and plenty of time to enjoy nature.

Highlights

  • Game drive in Arusha National Park
  • Views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain
  • Spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and monkeys
  • Visit the beautiful Momella Lakes with flamingos
  • Explore Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint
  • Optional walking safari with an armed ranger
  • Easy day trip from Arusha town

Itinerary

Morning – Pick-up & Drive to the Park
Your day starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. After a short drive, you arrive at Arusha National Park and complete park entry procedures. Your safari guide will brief you about the day before the adventure begins.

Mid-Morning – Game Drive
Enjoy a relaxed game drive through the park’s different zones. You’ll pass through lush montane forest where black-and-white colobus monkeys are often seen jumping between trees. As you move into open areas, expect to see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes grazing freely.

Momella Lakes Area
Next, head to the Momella Lakes. These shallow alkaline lakes are famous for flamingos and many other water birds. The views here are peaceful and perfect for photography, with Mount Meru reflecting on the water on clear days.

Optional Walking Safari
If you choose, you can enjoy a guided walking safari with an armed ranger. Walking in the park gives you a closer connection to nature as you learn about animal tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed during game drives.

Lunch Break
Stop at a scenic picnic site inside the park to enjoy your packed lunch while surrounded by nature.

Afternoon – Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoint
After lunch, continue with a short drive to the Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint. From here, you’ll enjoy wide views of the crater floor, often called “Little Ngorongoro” because of its shape and beauty.

Late Afternoon – Return to Arusha
After a final game drive, exit the park and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.

Includes

  • Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide (French or German on request)
  • All park entry fees 
  • Meals
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off from Arusha or Moshi
  • Government taxes and levies

Excludes

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Domestic flights (e.g., Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha) unless added to your package
  • Travel insurance & medical coverage
  • Visa fees and personal travel documents
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Tips & gratuities for driver/guide (customary but discretionary)
  • Optional activities 
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)

FAQ

Yes. The park is very close to Arusha town, making it perfect for a full safari experience in one day without long driving hours.

You can see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many bird species. Lions are rare, but the scenery makes the park very special.

Yes. The park is safe and calm, making it a good option for families traveling with children.

Wear comfortable clothes in neutral colors, closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and carry a light jacket for the morning.

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