- Tanzania Safari
- Jones Africa Safaris - Back Homepage
Overview: A Compact Safari Experience Near Arusha
Located just a short drive from Arusha town, Arusha National Park is a small but diverse reserve that offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Unlike larger parks, it provides a unique combination of wildlife viewing, hiking, canoeing, and breathtaking scenery—all in one day.
From the forested slopes of Mount Meru to the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, this park is ideal for travelers with limited time who want a real taste of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Highlights – Why Visit Arusha National Park on a Day Trip?
See giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, waterbucks, flamingos, and colobus monkeys.
Chance to spot rare black-and-white colobus monkeys in the rainforest.
Explore diverse habitats: mountain forest, lakes, and savannah.
Enjoy walking safaris accompanied by a park ranger.
Optional canoeing safari on Momella Lakes.
Breathtaking views of Mount Meru and, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Convenient distance from Arusha and Moshi.
Jones Africa Safaris
We are proud to be Tanzanian tour operator, dedicated to showing you the heart of our beautiful country. At Jones Africa Safaris, every trip is more than just a holiday — it’s a story you’ll carry forever. Come as a traveler, leave as family. With Jones Africa Safaris, every step of your adventure is guided with care, warmth, and genuine Tanzanian hospitality.
Detailed Arusha National Park Day Trip Itinerary
Pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Pick-Up & Drive to the Park
Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. After a short scenic drive, you’ll arrive at Arusha National Park and begin your adventure.
Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a game drive through the park’s varied ecosystems. You may encounter:
Giraffes grazing gracefully in the open savannah.
Buffaloes and zebras roaming the plains.
Flamingos and waterbirds gathering around Momella Lakes.
Colobus monkeys swinging in the trees.
Unlike other parks, Arusha offers both wildlife and lush scenery, making the drive an unforgettable experience.
Walking Safari with a Ranger
One of the unique highlights of Arusha National Park is the chance to step out of the vehicle. Accompanied by an armed park ranger, you’ll enjoy a guided walking safari. This is a rare opportunity to experience nature up close, learn about plants, spot animal tracks, and sometimes even see giraffes or antelopes while on foot.
Lunch Break in Nature
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site in the park, surrounded by stunning views of Mount Meru and the lakes.
Optional Canoeing on Momella Lakes
For those who want more adventure, you can opt for a canoe safari on Momella Lakes. Paddle across calm waters as you watch hippos, waterbirds, and the reflections of Mount Meru.
Afternoon Game Drive & Return
Continue with another game drive to explore different corners of the park before heading back. Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to Arusha or Moshi, arriving before evening.
This marks the end of your Arusha National Park Day Trip, a perfect mix of safari, adventure, and scenic beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions – Arusha National Park Tour
1. How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha town?
About 45 minutes by car, making it one of the most accessible parks in Tanzania.
2. Can I see the Big Five in Arusha National Park?
No, elephants and lions are absent, but you’ll find giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, monkeys, and many bird species.
3. Is the walking safari safe?
Yes, it is guided by armed rangers to ensure safety.
4. Can children join the tour?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, though young children may skip the longer walking safari.
5. Is this trip good for people with limited time?
Absolutely! It’s one of the best short safaris in Tanzania, perfect for day trips.
Why Choose the Arusha National Park Day Trip?
The Arusha National Park Day Trip is ideal for travelers looking for a compact yet diverse safari experience. With its mix of landscapes, wildlife, and unique activities like walking and canoeing, this park offers much more than its size suggests.
🌿 A perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness, just a short drive away.
Important
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
✅ Inclusions
✔️ Accommodation during the tour (lodges, camps, hotels, or tents as per itinerary)
✔️ Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✔️ Professional English-speaking guide/driver
✔️ 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
✔️ National park fees & government taxes
✔️ Unlimited bottled drinking water during safari/trekking
✔️ Airport transfers (arrival & departure as per itinerary)
✔️ Rescue fees & trekking support crew (for mountain treks)
✔️ Domestic transfers (by road or internal flight where mentioned)
❌ Exclusions
✖️ International flights to/from Tanzania
✖️ Tanzania visa fees & travel insurance
✖️ Tips & gratuities for guides, porters, and staff
✖️ Optional activities not mentioned (e.g., hot-air balloon, scuba diving)
✖️ Alcoholic & soft drinks (unless specified)
✖️ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone, etc.)
✖️ Sleeping bags & trekking gear rental (for mountain tours)
✖️ Vaccinations & medical expenses
✖️ Early check-in/late check-out at hotels
✖️ Anything not listed under Inclusions
Our Gallery:
