Is Arusha National Park worth visiting for just one day?

Yes. It’s compact, easy to reach, and offers incredible variety in landscapes and wildlife—perfect for a quick but fulfilling safari.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

While there are no lions, the park has plenty of giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, hippos, and monkeys. It’s also excellent for birdwatching.

Is the walking safari or canoe trip included?

These are optional and depend on availability and park conditions. There may be a small additional fee. Your guide will advise on the day.

Do I need special gear for this trip?

No special gear is needed just wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring a camera or binoculars if you like.

How long is the drive from Arusha or Moshi?

From Arusha, it’s about 45 minutes. From Moshi, it can take up to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and pickup location.

Arusha National Park Day Trip

A Hidden Gem at the Foot of Mount Meru

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Entrance fees to Arusha National Park
Game drives throughout the park
Packed lunch and bottled drinking water
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Arusha/Moshi)

Cost Excludes

Tips for guide/driver
Optional canoe or walking safari (available at extra cost)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs

Meeting Point
Hotel - Arusha/Moshi
Guide
Guided
Tour Availability
Available
Hotel Transfer
Available

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Map

Trip Description

Tucked between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Arusha National Park is a scenic and compact park
full of surprises. From giraffes walking gracefully across open grasslands to mystical forests echoing with
the calls of black-and-white colobus monkeys, this park is a nature-lover’s paradise. What makes it unique
is the variety of landscapes you can explore in just one day: open savannah, mountain rainforests,
volcanic craters, and shimmering lakes all teeming with life.

Trip Highlights

Scenic Drive from Arusha or Moshi
Game Viewing
Ngurdoto Crater
Montane Forest Exploration
Momella Lakes
Optional Canoeing or Walking Safari
Picnic in the Park
Compact but Diverse

6:30 AM :

Hotel Pickup

Your guide meets you at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Start the day early to make the most of the wildlife activity.

7:30 AM :

Arrive at Arusha National Park

After a scenic drive, enter the park and begin your game drive. Early morning is a great time to spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs grazing in the open grasslands.

9:00 AM :

Explore Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoints

Head toward the “Little Ngorongoro,” where you'll stop at viewpoints along the crater rim. Watch for monkeys, antelope, and possibly elephants in the dense vegetation.

10:30 AM :

Montane Forest Drive

Venture into the lush rainforest area. Look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of birdlife. Keep your camera ready this part of the park feels like a different world.

12:00 PM :

Visit Momella Lakes

Drive to the tranquil Momella Lakes, home to flamingos, hippos, and an amazing variety of waterbirds. The contrast between the forest and lake landscapes is striking.

1:00 PM :

Picnic Lunch with a View

Stop at a scenic picnic site inside the park. Enjoy a packed gourmet lunch surrounded by nature—often with views of Mount Meru or the lakes.

2:00 PM :

Optional Guided Walk or Canoeing

Choose between a short, guided walking safari to experience the bush on foot, or a peaceful canoe excursion on one of the Momella Lakes (subject to availability and park conditions).

3:30 PM :

Leisurely Game Drive Exit

Start making your way back through the park, with a chance for more wildlife sightings along the way. Keep your eyes open for any animals you may have missed earlier.

5:00 PM :

Return to Hotel

Arrive back at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi with a camera full of photos and a head full of memories.

Arusha National Park Day Trip

Tour Type

Arusha National Park Day Trip