Arusha National Park Day Safari
An Arusha National Park Day Safari is an ideal weekend getaway for people based in Arusha or Kilimanjaro who want to experience African wildlife on a limited schedule. For travelers, this trip can serve as an introductory safari before heading to popular destinations such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Located just 45 minutes from Arusha city center and an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), this 537 km² park offers an intimate, action-packed safari without the long transit times of the western circuit.
Whether you have a free day before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, want a quick day trip before flying to Zanzibar, or want a unique mix of game driving, walking, and canoeing, let us assist you in planning your day trip to Arusha National Park
Highlights of a Day Safari to Arusha National Park
- Diverse Landscapes: The park is stunningly beautiful and is dominated by Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain. You'll explore three distinct areas:
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- Ngurdoto Crater: Often called "Little Ngorongoro," this is a smaller caldera with a marshy floor where you can often spot large herds of buffalo.
- Momella Lakes: A series of seven shallow, alkaline lakes that are a breeding ground for a huge variety of water birds, including flamingoes.
- Forest & Savannah: You'll also drive through lush rainforest and open grassland, providing homes for different species of animals
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Unique Activities: What makes an Arusha National Park day trip special is the chance to do more than just a game drive.
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- Walking Safari: Accompanied by an armed ranger, you can walk through the forest, getting a close-up perspective of the wildlife and a chance to see animals like giraffes, buffalo, and a wide variety of birds on foot. This is a rare opportunity in Tanzanian national parks.
- Canoe Safari: For an additional cost, you can take a canoe trip on one of the Momella Lakes, offering a tranquil way to observe hippos and flamingos from the water.
Arusha National Park Day Safari Itinerary
Arusha - Arusha National Park - Arusha
After breakfast, you’ll depart from your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi and drive to the park.
Your visit to Arusha National Park is flexible, with three options for exploring the park.
Walking Safari: After entering the park in the morning, you will begin with a guided walking tour through the forest home to black- and white-colobus monkeys, zebras, buffalo, and various antelopes. You may also see over 400 bird species, including the Crowned Eagle, Lanner Falcon, and Levaillant’s Cuckoo.
Game Drives: Will allow you to experience the park in a vehicle by traveling to significant sights such as the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, also known as 'Little Ngorongoro'.
Canoe Safari: For an additional fee, take a guided canoe safari on the Momella Lakes to observe bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and buffalo.
You may combine these three options as you wish. Please note that both the canoe and walking safaris incur additional costs.
You’ll return to Arusha in the late afternoon with enduring memories and unforgettable photos.
Tour Cost
The cost of a day safari to Arusha National Park varies based on the tour operator, the size of your group, and the inclusions.
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- Solo traveler: US $ 420
- 2 persons: US $ 240 per person
- 3 person: US $ 180 per person
- 4 - 5: Person: US $ 150 per person
What's Included: A standard package typically covers:
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- Round-trip transportation from Arusha.
- Park entrance fees ($50 USD for non-residents over 16, plus tax).
- The guided walking safari with an armed ranger.
- A professional, English-speaking guide/driver.
- A packed lunch and bottled water.
What's Excluded:
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- Tipping your guide is customary and not included.
- Optional activities like a canoe safari will also incur an extra charge.
Wildlife in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park supports a range of wildlife, though sightings are less predictable than in larger parks with extensive open plains. Animals commonly associated with the park include:
- Giraffes
- Cape buffalo
- Zebras
- Warthogs
- Waterbucks
- Bushbucks
- Baboons
- Blue monkeys
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys
You could see elephants here, but it is not certain. Leopards and other shy predators also live in the park, though you rarely see them on a typical day visit. Because there are only a few lions, travelers hoping to see big cats should think about visiting other parks as well.
The park is well known for its birdlife. Its lakes, wetlands, forests, and open areas attract many resident and migratory birds. Depending on the season and weather, you could see flamingos, herons, eagles, hornbills, and other colorful forest birds. Bringing binoculars can make birdwatching even better.
Tips for Your Day Tour in Arusha National Park
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes to adapt to the varied activities and changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Bring Binoculars and Camera: To fully enjoy the wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, having a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens is essential.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water to keep yourself hydrated during the tour, especially if you’re doing a walking tour.
- Respect the Wildlife: Always listen to your guide’s instructions and keep a safe distance from the animals to ensure a respectful and safe encounter for both you and the wildlife.
A day trip to Arusha National Park is a great way to experience a different side of a Tanzanian safari, with its stunning scenery and unique walking and canoeing opportunities.