Arusha National Park Day Trip
1 Days · Arusha National Park
Overview
Arusha National Park is the perfect day trip destination — just 40 minutes from Arusha city. Though small (137 km²), the park packs incredible diversity: rainforest, savannah, alpine zones, and the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater.
Home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, flamingos, and the rare black-and-white colobus monkey, Arusha NP offers excellent wildlife viewing without leaving the city far behind. On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro rises majestically in the distance.
Tour Highlights
- Game drive through Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes
- Optional walking safari with armed ranger
- View of Mount Meru (4,566m) — Tanzania's second-highest peak
- Distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days
- Spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and colobus monkeys
- Flamingos and other waterbirds at Momella Lakes
What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from your Arusha hotel
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- Packed lunch and bottled drinking water
- Binoculars on request
What's Not Included
- Tips for driver-guide
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Optional activities (canoeing, walking safari)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Morning — Hotel Pickup & Game Drive
Pick up from your Arusha hotel at 7:30 AM. Drive 40 minutes to Arusha National Park. After registration, begin a game drive through Ngurdoto Crater — often called "Little Ngorongoro". Spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and warthogs on the crater rim.
Day 2: Afternoon — Momella Lakes & Picnic Lunch
Continue to the Momella Lakes, a series of shallow alkaline lakes famous for flamingos and other waterbirds. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint with views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Day 3: Late Afternoon — Return to Arusha
Optional: take a short walking safari with an armed ranger (extra cost). Afternoon game drive on the way out, then return to Arusha by 5:00 PM.