Nestled between the slopes of Mount Meru and the lush highlands of northern Tanzania, Arusha National Park is one of the most scenic and underrated safari destinations in Tanzania.
Unlike the larger parks, Arusha National Park offers a peaceful safari experience with:
• Walking safaris
• Canoeing opportunities
• Forests and volcanic craters
• Flamingo-filled lakes
• Spectacular Mount Meru views
It is also the closest national park to Arusha city, making it perfect for a one-day adventure.
Day by day
Detailed Day Trip Itinerary
08:00 AM – Pick Up from Your Hotel in Arusha
Your safari guide picks you up from your hotel or lodge in Arusha after breakfast.
After a short briefing, depart toward Arusha National Park which is approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from Arusha town depending on your location.
The drive itself is scenic with beautiful countryside views and Mount Meru appearing in the background.
08:50 AM – Arrival at Momella Gate
Arrive at the Momella Gate for registration and park formalities. This is where your adventure officially begins. The area surrounding the gate is rich with:
• Tall fig trees
• Tropical forest
• Birds
• Curious blue monkeys and baboons You may already spot giraffes and buffaloes near the entrance roads.
09:30 AM – Guided Walking Safari
One of the most special experiences in Arusha National Park is the armed ranger-guided walking safari.
Unlike many parks where you stay inside the vehicle all day, here you can safely explore nature on foot with a professional ranger.
During the walk, you may encounter:
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Buffaloes
• Warthogs
• Waterbucks
• Colobus monkeys
The ranger also explains:
• Animal tracks
• Medicinal plants
• Birdlife
• Park ecology
This activity gives guests a much deeper connection with the African wilderness.
10:50 AM – Game Drive Around Momella Lakes
Continue with a game drive through the famous Momella Lakes area.
These shallow alkaline lakes are among the highlights of the park and often attract:
• Flamingos
• Pelicans
• Egyptian geese
• Herons
• Crowned cranes
Wildlife commonly seen around the lakes includes:
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Buffaloes
• Bushbucks
• Warthogs
The landscapes here are incredibly photogenic, especially with Mount Meru dominating the horizon.
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch
Stop at a scenic picnic site inside the park for lunch.
Most picnic areas offer panoramic views of:
• Mount Meru
• Momella Lakes
• Open plains
• Forest landscapes
This is a great moment to relax, enjoy photography, and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
13:30 PM – Visit Ngurdoto Crater
After lunch, proceed toward the famous Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro.”
The crater is surrounded by thick forest and provides dramatic viewpoints overlooking:
• Swamps
• Buffalo herds
• Warthogs
• Forest vegetation
Although animals rarely climb the steep crater walls, the scenery itself is breathtaking.
14:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring different sections of the park by safari vehicle.
Possible wildlife sightings include:
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Zebras
• Buffaloes
• Colobus monkeys
• Bushbucks
• Dik-diks
Arusha National Park is not famous for predators like lions, but it is incredibly rich in scenery, birdlife, and peaceful safari experiences.
You may also enjoy excellent views of:
• Mount Kilimanjaro (on clear days)
• Mount Meru
• Dense montane forest
16:00 PM – Departure Back to Arusha
Begin the drive back to Arusha while enjoying the beautiful late afternoon scenery.
17:30 PM – Arrival in Arusha
Arrive back at your hotel in Arusha or transfer to the airport.
Price Per Peron… in Usd
| 2 | 4 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PER PERSON SHARING (ADULT) | 290 | 225 | 210 |
| PER PERSON SHARING (KID) | 215 | 140 | 120 |
What Makes Arusha National Park Special?
Arusha National Park is unique because it combines:
• Walking safari experiences • Volcanic crater scenery • Lakes and forests • Mount Meru landscapes • Rich birdlife • Easy accessibility from Arusha
It is ideal for:
• First-time safari travelers
• Short stays in Tanzania
• Photography lovers
• Nature enthusiasts
• Families and couples
Animals Commonly Seen
You may encounter:
• Giraffes
• Buffaloes
• Zebras
• Warthogs
• Waterbucks
• Hippos
• Blue monkeys
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• Flamingos
• Bushbucks
Recommended Things to Carry
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light jacket
• Reusable water bottle
Best Time to Visit
June – October
• Dry season
• Easier wildlife viewing
• Excellent mountain visibility
November – May
• Green scenery
• Best birdwatching season
• Flamingos gather in larger numbers around the lakes
Other Travel Packages
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All park entry fees and crater service fees
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals as indicated
- Airport transfers (JRO)
- Honeymoon safari experience arrangement
- Bottled drinking water and soft drinks during game drives
What's included
- International flights
- Visa fees & Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
What's Excluded
Your Peace of mind policy
If you have no specific requirements and just want to see the very best that Tanzania has to offer, then one of these trips is for you. Remember, we can always change days to suit, or create a tailormade itinerary just for you.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.