Arusha National Park may be Tanzania's smallest northern park, but it packs an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife into a compact area. From the towering peak of Mount Meru to the shimmering Momella Lakes and dense montane forest, this park offers a uniquely varied safari experience in just one day.
Unlike larger parks where game drives are the only option, Arusha National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can enjoy a guided walking safari — exploring the forest on foot with an armed ranger. You'll also have the chance to see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, and the distinctive black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping through the canopy. The park is also home to flamingos and waterbirds on the Momella Lakes, and offers breathtaking views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Why choose this Arusha day tour? Perfect for those who want a diverse day out combining game drives, walking safaris, and stunning scenery. The park is close to both Moshi and Arusha, meaning less time driving and more time exploring. It's also an excellent option for those who want a taste of a Tanzanian safari without the long distances to Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
Detailed itinerary for your arusha national park day tour experience
| Time | Activity | Description | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Pick-up from Moshi | Hotel pickup, scenic drive via Arusha | — |
| 8:30 AM | Arrival & Game Drive | Enter park, wildlife viewing in vehicle | — |
| 10:00 AM | Walking Safari | Guided forest walk with armed ranger | — |
| 12:30 PM | Picnic Lunch | Lunch at a scenic picnic site | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM | Momella Lakes | Lake visit, optional canoeing | — |
| 3:30 PM | Depart Park | Exit park, drive back | — |
| 5:00 PM | Drop-off at Moshi | Return to your hotel | — |
Your adventure starts with a morning pickup from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. The drive to the park takes you through the bustling town of Arusha and into the lush foothills of Mount Meru. On clear days, you'll be greeted by spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on your left and Mount Meru towering ahead. Upon arrival at the park gate, your guide will handle formalities before you begin a game drive through the open grasslands of the Ngurdoto Crater area, where giraffes, zebras, and buffalo graze against a backdrop of ancient volcanic craters.
One of the highlights of this tour is the guided walking safari — one of the few places in Tanzania where you can safely explore the bush on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you'll walk through the montane forest, learning about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and the park's ecosystem. Listen for the distinctive call of the black-and-white colobus monkeys and watch for them leaping between the towering trees. After the walk, enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated scenic spot with views over the Momella Lakes. In the afternoon, visit the lakes themselves — seven shallow alkaline lakes that attract flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds. You also have the option of canoeing on the lakes for a unique perspective (additional cost). As the afternoon draws to a close, you'll exit the park for the drive back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon with a full day of diverse experiences behind you.
What makes this experience special
Arusha National Park is one of only two Tanzanian parks where walking safaris are permitted. This unique experience lets you get up close to the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush. Your armed ranger guide will share insights about animal tracks, plants, and the smaller wonders of the ecosystem.
The Momella Lakes are a series of seven shallow alkaline lakes that support an incredible variety of birdlife. Flamingos, pelicans, herons, storks, and over 400 bird species have been recorded here. The lakes also offer stunning reflections of Mount Meru on clear days, creating perfect photo opportunities.
Mount Meru (4,566m) dominates the park's skyline and offers a spectacular backdrop for wildlife photography. The park also features the Ngurdoto Crater — a smaller but lush volcanic crater often referred to as "Little Ngorongoro." The varied terrain makes this park a photographer's delight.
All-inclusive rates for your arusha national park day tour
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person (Solo) | $140 |
| 2 People | $100 |
| 3 People | $85 |
| 4 People | $75 |
| 5 People | $70 |
| 6+ People | $65 |
What makes this experience exceptional
Arusha is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can walk safely with an armed ranger. Experience the bush on foot — feel the earth, smell the wild sage, and see the small wonders that vehicle safaris miss entirely.
Mount Meru, Tanzania's second highest peak, dominates the park's skyline. On clear days, you'll also see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, making this one of the most scenic parks in the country.
With over 400 species recorded, Arusha National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise. The Momella Lakes attract flamingos, pelicans, and storks, while the forests are home to turacos, hornbills, and the striking Narina trogon.
The park's montane forest is home to troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys, one of the most beautiful primate species in Africa. Watching them leap through the canopy with their flowing white tails is an unforgettable sight.
At just 1.5 hours from Moshi and 45 minutes from Arusha, this park is the most accessible safari destination in northern Tanzania. Less time driving means more time exploring and a relaxed, unhurried day out.
From flamings on alkaline lakes to colobus monkeys in ancient trees, from Mount Meru panoramas to up-close walking safari shots — Arusha National Park offers an incredible range of photography subjects in a single day.
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