Arusha National Park Day Trip in Tanzania
This Arusha National Park day trip covers one of the most beautiful and easily accessible national parks in Northern Tanzania. You will visit Arusha National Park, a scenic park located near Arusha city with Mount Meru views, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, forest wildlife, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, flamingos, monkeys, and rich birdlife. The tour starts with airport pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)/ Arusha domestic Airport (ARK), or pick up from Arusha city, and ends with airport drop off or Arusha drop off at the end of the day trip. With our Certified, professional, experienced and passionate safari guides, it will be a trip of a life time.
Day Trip at a Glance
- Tour Name: Arusha National Park Day Trip in Tanzania
- Starting Point: Arusha City or Moshi Town
- Airport Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK)
- Ending Point: Arusha, Moshi, KIA Airport, Arusha Airport, or your preferred drop off location
- Accommodation Before Tour: Optional overnight stay in Arusha or Moshi
- Tour Duration: Full day safari experience
- Main Attraction: Arusha National Park, Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and forest wildlife
- Activities: Game drive, birdwatching, photography, nature viewing, and optional walking safari or canoeing depending on availability
- Wildlife: Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many bird species
- Best For: Short safari lovers, photographers, families, couples, solo travelers, and travelers with limited time in Arusha
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha City to Arusha National Park | Approximately 35 km | 45 minutes to 1 hour drive |
| Moshi Town to Arusha National Park | Approximately 85–95 km | 2–2.5 hours drive |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha National Park | Approximately 40–45 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha National Park | Approximately 45–50 km | 1–1.5 hours drive |
| Arusha National Park to Arusha City | Approximately 35 km | 45 minutes to 1 hour drive |
| Arusha National Park to Moshi Town | Approximately 85–95 km | 2–2.5 hours drive |
Places You Will Visit
Arusha City – Gateway to Arusha National Park Day Trip
Arusha is the main starting point for the Arusha National Park Day Trip in Tanzania. The city is located close to the park, making this tour one of the easiest and most convenient safari experiences for travelers staying in Arusha. It is also a great choice before or after a longer Tanzania safari, Kilimanjaro climb, airport arrival, or short business visit.
Arusha National Park – Scenic Safari Park Near Arusha
Arusha National Park is one of the most scenic parks in Northern Tanzania. The park is famous for its green forest, open grassland, lakes, Mount Meru views, and peaceful safari atmosphere. Although it is smaller than parks like Serengeti or Tarangire, it offers a very rewarding day trip experience with beautiful landscapes and good wildlife viewing.
The park is home to giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and many bird species. It is especially popular for travelers who want a short safari close to Arusha without long driving distances.
Mount Meru Views – Beautiful Mountain Scenery
Mount Meru is one of the main highlights of Arusha National Park. During the day trip, you may enjoy beautiful views of the mountain, especially on clear days. The mountain creates a dramatic background for wildlife viewing and photography, giving the park a unique and peaceful atmosphere.
The combination of forest, lakes, open plains, and mountain scenery makes Arusha National Park one of the most photogenic day trip destinations in Tanzania.
Momella Lakes – Flamingos, Birds and Lake Views
The Momella Lakes are among the most beautiful areas inside Arusha National Park. These shallow lakes attract flamingos and many other water birds, making them an excellent place for birdwatching and photography. The lake scenery also adds a peaceful and colorful experience to your day trip.
Depending on the season and water level, the lakes may show different colors and attract different bird species, making every visit feel unique.
Ngurdoto Crater – Mini Ngorongoro Experience
Ngurdoto Crater is another major attraction inside Arusha National Park. Often described as a small version of Ngorongoro Crater, it offers beautiful viewpoints, forested slopes, and wildlife scenery. Visitors usually enjoy stopping at the viewpoints to admire the crater landscape and take photos.
The crater area adds variety to the day trip and gives travelers a chance to experience different landscapes within one national park.
Why Choose This Arusha National Park Day Trip?
- Visit one of the closest national parks to Arusha city.
- Excellent opportunity to enjoy a real Tanzania safari in one day.
- Experience Mount Meru views, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, forest, and open plains.
- Perfect safari for travelers with limited time.
- Explore a peaceful park with beautiful scenery and rich birdlife.
- Discover giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, monkeys, flamingos, and many other wildlife species.
- Enjoy game drive, photography, and optional walking safari or canoeing depending on availability.
- Professional safari guide and comfortable private 4x4 vehicle.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
TRIP ITINERARY
Early in the morning we leave from Moshi/Arusha for Arusha National Park Day trip game drive which takes an approximately an hour. Then we start with half day walking Tanzania safari and then a half day game drive. During a walking trip you will be with by a professional armed ranger guiding you through the forest up to the waterfall as well as viewing the black and white colobus monkeys. During the game drive you will be able to observe the Lakes of Momella and the Ngurduto Crater. You will spot buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and gazelles and bird species. You might also see a leopard or elephants which are not much seen easily in Arusha National Park unlike Serengeti. We will continue with our game drive in the park till afternoon and then drive back to Moshi/Arusha Town..
