1 Day Arusha National Park Safari
Looking for a quick escape into the wild without spending hours on the road? Arusha National Park is your perfect match! Just a short drive from Arusha town, this small but insanely diverse park packs in lush rainforests, open savannahs, volcanic landscapes, and jaw-dropping views of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
Whether you’re into spotting giraffes strutting through the savannah, tracking colobus monkeys in the forest canopy, or cruising across the Momella Lakes with flamingos dancing in the shallows — this day trip delivers it all. Great for families, friends, or solo travelers who want a full safari experience without long-distance travel.
Day Trip Itinerary: Arusha to Arusha National Park
07:30 AM: Pickup from your hotel in Arusha town or Arusha Airport. After a friendly briefing from your guide (and maybe a quick coffee stop if you’re still waking up), we set off for the park — just 40 minutes away!
08:15 AM: Arrive at the park gate, where you’ll already hear the calls of birds and maybe even spot a few baboons checking us out. Our adventure kicks off with a scenic game drive through lush montane forest, home to the rare black-and-white colobus monkey. Keep your eyes open for bushbuck darting through the undergrowth and blue monkeys lounging in the trees.
10:00 AM: Continue towards the Momella Lakes, famous for their pink flamingo gatherings, grazing giraffes, and peaceful waters reflecting Mount Meru. If you’re up for it, we can hop into a canoe for an optional short paddle (extra cost) — it’s an amazing way to get closer to the waterbirds.
11:30 AM: Drive towards the open grasslands where buffalo, warthog, and zebra roam freely. Your guide will share fun facts about the park’s volcanic history, pointing out the Ngurdoto Crater — often called the "Little Ngorongoro" — and its swampy floor teeming with wildlife.
1:00 PM: Picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint. This is your chance to relax, soak up the views, and maybe even spot some wildlife wandering nearby. Don’t be surprised if a curious giraffe strolls past as you eat!
2:00 PM: Afternoon game drive towards the higher slopes of Mount Meru. This area is cooler, greener, and alive with birdlife — perfect for those who love photography. You might even see a shy leopard if luck is on our side.
3:30 PM: Begin our slow journey back towards the park gate, enjoying a final sweep through different habitats to catch anything we might have missed earlier — because in Arusha National Park, surprises can pop up at any moment!
4:30 PM: Exit the park and head back to Arusha town. Drop-off at your hotel or the airport by 5:30 PM. That’s a wrap — a whole safari experience, all in one awesome day.
Why You’ll Love This Safari
- Close to town – Less travel time, more safari time
- Insanely diverse landscapes – Forests, craters, lakes, and grasslands in one park
- Monkey paradise – See rare colobus monkeys plus blue monkeys & baboons
- Birdwatching heaven – Over 400 bird species, including flamingos
- Perfect for a day trip – Back in town for dinner