Arusha National Park Day Tour
Price starts at:
USD 150 P/P
Tour Location
Arusha National Park
Duration
1 Day
Tour Overview
Arusha National Park is Tanzania’s most accessible park—just 40 minutes from Arusha town. At 552 km², it’s compact but remarkably diverse: Ngurdoto Crater (often called “Little Ngorongoro”), the alkaline Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru (4,566m), Tanzania’s second-highest peak. You’ll find colobus monkeys, giraffes, buffaloes, and over 400 bird species. Notably absent: lions and elephants, which allows walking safaris—rare in Tanzania’s northern circuit.
Highlights & Experiences
Walking Safaris
Trek on foot through grasslands and forest with an armed ranger. Get within meters of giraffes, buffaloes, and warthogs—something impossible from a vehicle. Routes vary from 2-hour Momella Lakes circuits to half-day Ngurdoto Crater rim walks. You'll learn tracking, identify dung patterns, and experience the bush at human pace. Physical demand: moderate. The thrill isn't just wildlife—it's being in their space, not watching through glass.
Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Paddle across the shallow Momella Lakes in traditional dugout canoes or modern kayaks. Glide past flamingo flocks, hippos (from safe distance), and waterfowl feeding in alkaline waters. Each lake has distinct mineral content, creating different colors—green, blue, even reddish hues. Early morning sessions (6-8 AM) offer mirror-still water and peak bird activity. Duration: 1-2 hours. No experience required, but expect arm fatigue.
Game Drives
Standard 4x4 vehicle tours through forest, savanna, and lakeside habitats. Spot giraffes, zebras, dik-diks, colobus monkeys, and if fortunate, leopards in fever trees. The Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint offers panoramic vistas (no crater floor access—it's a protected sanctuary). Drives last 3-6 hours depending on route. Less dramatic than Serengeti's predator action, but the landscape variety—from swamp to alpine heath—is exceptional for such a small park.
Mount Meru Hike (lower slopes)
For visitors not attempting the full multi-day summit trek, a day hike onto Meru's lower forested slopes offers a taste of the climb, montane forest, occasional buffalo sign, and views back toward the Momella Lakes, without the altitude commitment of the full ascent.
Tour Itinerary
07:00 – Departure from Arusha/Moshi
Private transportation to Arusha National Park, approximately 40–60 minutes depending on starting point.
08:00 – Park Entry & Briefing
Registration at the gate, meet your armed ranger and guide, short safety briefing for the walking safari.
08:30 – Walking Safari
Guided trek toward Momella Lakes, observing wildlife and birdlife on foot (approximately 2 hours).
10:30 – Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Paddle session across the lakes, flamingo and waterfowl viewing (approximately 1–1.5 hours).
12:00 – Picnic Lunch
Lakeside picnic lunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
13:00 – Game Drive to Ngurdoto Crater
Afternoon drive through forest and savanna toward the Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint, with stops for wildlife along the way (approximately 2 hours).
15:00 – Canopy Walk
Optional canopy walk through the montane forest before departure (30–45 minutes).
16:00 – Departure from Park
Exit through the main gate, beginning the return journey.
17:00 – Return to Arusha/Moshi
Arrive back at your accommodation by early evening.
Tour Prices
| Number of Persons | Price in USD |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 280 |
| 2 persons | 215 |
| 3 persons | 195 |
| 4 persons | 175 |
| 5 persons | 165 |
| 6+ persons | 150 |
Price includes:
- Round-trip private transportation from Moshi / Arusha
- Professional certified guide from the Cultural Tourism Program
- All park fees and attractions
- Picnic lunch at the park
- Drinking water
Price excludes:
- Tipping to local guide
- Personal spending
- Soda / alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Extra snacks or drinks