Arusha National Park – Day Trip

This rewarding day safari takes you into the scenic landscapes of Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most diverse yet underrated parks, located just a short drive from Arusha.

Dominated by the dramatic slopes of Mount Meru, the park offers a unique combination of forest, crater, lakes, and open grassland ecosystems within a compact area. Unlike larger northern parks, Arusha National Park provides a quieter, more intimate safari experience while still offering excellent wildlife viewing.

Your day includes game drives around the picturesque Momella Lakes, often tinted pink with flamingos and home to a wide variety of waterbirds. You may also explore the Ngurdoto Crater, sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro,” where buffalo, warthogs, and baboons are frequently seen.

The park is particularly known for its primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys in the forest canopy. Giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, and occasionally leopards inhabit the park, though it does not contain lions.

Optional walking safaris with an armed ranger can be arranged, offering a rare opportunity to explore on foot and experience the landscape at ground level.

A picnic lunch is enjoyed inside the park before returning to Arusha in the afternoon.

This day trip is ideal for travelers with limited time, those arriving early before a longer safari, or visitors wanting a lighter introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.