Arusha National Park Day Trip

Pick-Up from Arusha

• Early Morning Departure: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or lodge in Arusha around 6:00 AM. The drive to Arusha National Park is only about 30 minutes, so you’ll arrive early to start your adventure.
• Scenic Drive to the Park: On the short journey to the park, enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes, including the rolling hills, fertile plains, and the majestic Mt. Meru in the background.

Arrival at Arusha National Park

• Park Entry and Briefing: Upon arrival at the park entrance, your guide will assist with the park entry process and provide a quick briefing on the park’s wildlife and rules.
• Start of Safari: Begin your adventure in the park with a morning game drive, exploring the different ecosystems within the park. From open savannah to lush forest and the serene lakes, Arusha National Park offers a diverse environment for animal sightings.

Morning Game Drive

• Safari Exploration: Begin your game drive with the cooler morning temperatures, when animals are most active. Arusha National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of antelope. The park is also known for its rich birdlife, including flamingos and various species of eagles.
• Mt. Meru Views: As you drive through the park, you will enjoy stunning views of Mt. Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, which provides a dramatic backdrop to your safari experience.

Canoe Safari on Momella Lakes

• Canoeing Adventure: One of the unique features of Arusha National Park is the opportunity to take a canoe safari on Momella Lakes. These shallow lakes are home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans. You will get up close to the water’s edge and observe the wildlife from a different perspective.
• Wildlife Sightings: While canoeing, you may spot hippos in the water, waterbucks along the shore, and a variety of birds flying overhead. The peaceful atmosphere makes this a relaxing and scenic part of your safari.

Explore the Ngurdoto Crater

• Visit to Ngurdoto Crater: After your canoe safari, head to the Ngurdoto Crater, a large volcanic caldera within Arusha National Park. The crater floor is covered with lush vegetation and home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, zebras, and wildebeests.
• Nature Walk: If you’re interested, you can take a guided nature walk along the crater rim, where your guide will explain the park’s geology, flora, and fauna. The views from the crater’s edge are breathtaking, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

Picnic Lunch in the Park

• Lunch Break: Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at one of the park’s scenic spots. You’ll have a chance to unwind, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
• Wildlife Watching: While eating, you may spot more wildlife nearby, such as elephants or monkeys, which are common in this area of the park.

Afternoon Game Drive and Walking Safari

• Afternoon Safari: After lunch, continue your game drive through the park. You may head towards the forest areas where you can spot the famous black-and-white colobus monkeys, a species endemic to the area. These monkeys are easily recognized by their long tails and distinctive black-and-white coloring.
• Walking Safari Option: For a more intimate experience with nature, you can take a walking safari with a park ranger. This walk will allow you to explore the park’s smaller details, such as plants, insects, and the smaller animals that you might miss from the vehicle. Your guide will provide insights into the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.

Explore the Park’s Rich Birdlife

• Bird Watching: Arusha National Park is a haven for bird lovers, with over 400 bird species. Spend some time in the park’s diverse habitats—wetlands, forests, and grasslands—looking out for various bird species like the African fish eagle, hornbills, and flamingos.
• Momella Lakes or Forest Trails: You can explore the park's wetlands around Momella Lakes or the lush forest areas for birdwatching. This is an excellent time to spot rare and endemic species that are unique to this area.

Scenic Viewpoint

• Viewpoint Stop: Before leaving the park, make a stop at one of the scenic viewpoints overlooking the park, offering beautiful views of Mt. Meru and the park's landscapes. This is a perfect time to take a few last photos and reflect on your day in Arusha National Park.
• Relaxing End: Relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere before heading out of the park.

Depart for Arusha

• Leave the Park: After a full day of exploring Arusha National Park, you will begin your journey back to Arusha. The drive back takes around 30 minutes, so you can reflect on your experience and enjoy the views along the way.
• Drop-Off: You will arrive back at your hotel or lodge in Arusha around 5:30 PM, marking the end of your wonderful day in Arusha National Park.