Arusha National Park, the safari & tourism capital of Arusha is neighboring Arusha National Park and it is among the few Cities in Africa privileged to be much closer to wild animals. Arusha National park map only 25 km from the City of Arusha and 35 km from Kilimanjaro international airport. Arusha National Park in Tanzania is beautifully and lovely, some scenario of this Park appears in the Hollywood World famous Movie ‘Hatari’ by Hardly Kruger a German Actor. Please see our rates for Day Trip at the end of this page
Arusha National Park day trip is a very popular tour in both game drive & a guided nature walk escorted by an armed ranger. The Park is the only National Park in Tanzania which offers a nature walk inside the Park. Mount Meru which is part of the Park with its 4566 m above the sea level can be climbed in three to four days with overnight stay at alpine huts of Miriakamba and Saddo on your way up and down. The Park covers an area of 137 sq. km, with very unique features that including the montane forest, Momela lakes, Ngurdoto Crater and the rocky Mount Meru.
Arusha Day Trips & cultural Tours
Arusha National Park Wildlife
Animal species that can be found in this park are zebra, giraffe, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, warthog, baboons, velvet monkeys, Red Forest Duikers, the fascinating Abyssinian black and white Colubus monkeys and sometimes the leopard. More than 400 bird species have been verified in the park including Flamingos and other Eurasian migrants, which can be seen between October and April. Arusha National Park tour is throughout the year regardless of the rain season of April and May.
Best Time to Climb Mt Meru
Months of June to February is the best time to climb but we may have rain in November.
December to February is the time where you can have a great view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from Meru.
Arusha National Park can be visited through out the year regardless of rain seasons. Just ask for Arusha National Park day trip, safari & activities and we will be there to help.
Private Day Trip to Arusha National Park Departing Arusha City at 08:30 Hours
Price Including VAT:-
For 1 person is $ 335
For 2 to 3 person is $ 235 per person
For 4 to 6 Person is $ 170 per person
Starting & ending in Arusha city, Tanzania’s Tourism Capital
Includes:-
Transportation in clean, well maintained 4wd safari Land Cruise with photographic roof thatch
Service of professional, experienced English speaking local safari driver guide
Good packed lunch
Mineral water (1.5 l per day per person)
All park fees including VAT & A guided nature walk escorted by an armed ranger
Items not included:-
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips/gratitude for safari driver guide
All items of a person nature
Travel insurance etc.
Overview & Insight: Day Trip to Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru (Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters), is a compact yet incredibly diverse gem in northern Tanzania. Spanning just 552 square kilometers, it’s one of the country’s smallest parks but punches above its weight with lush montane forests, open savannahs, alkaline lakes, swamps, waterfalls, and the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater (often called the “Little Ngorongoro”).
Just 25-45 minutes’ drive from Arusha town—the safari capital of Tanzania—and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, it’s the perfect day trip destination for travelers with limited time, such as those acclimating before a Kilimanjaro climb or wrapping up a multi-park safari. Unlike larger parks like Serengeti, it offers intimate, up-close experiences with wildlife, including the unique chance to walk or canoe among the animals—activities rare in Tanzania’s northern circuit. Expect a mix of serene beauty and adventure, with opportunities to spot giraffes, colobus monkeys, hippos, and over 400 bird species.
Best Time to Visit for a Day Trip
Arusha National Park is accessible year-round, but timing your day trip maximizes wildlife sightings and comfort. The park’s mild climate features daytime highs of 24°C (75°F) and cooler evenings around 10°C (50°F), with fresh mornings ideal for early starts.
| Season | Months | Pros | Cons |
| Dry Season (Best for Wildlife Viewing) | June–October | Thinner vegetation makes animals easier to spot near water sources; clear skies for Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro views; peak birding for migrants. | Cooler mornings (pack layers); busier with tourists. |
| Short Wet Season | November–December | Lush greenery and fewer crowds; good for birding and scenic photos; clearer skies in December–February for mountain vistas. | Occasional afternoon showers; some trails may be muddy. |
| Long Wet Season | March–May | Vibrant landscapes and wildflowers; lower prices and solitude. | Heavy rains (especially April) can make roads slippery; reduced visibility and fewer animals in open areas. |
For a December 2025 day trip, aim for mid-December onward—rains taper off, and the park’s scenery is at its most photogenic without the peak-season crowds. Pro tip: Start early (6–7 AM pickup) to beat any midday heat or showers and catch animals at their most active.
Getting There and Logistics
- From Arusha Town: A quick 25–45-minute drive (about 30 km) via paved roads to the Ngongongare Gate. Taxis or rideshares cost $20–30 one-way, but for safety and expertise, book a guided tour (recommended below).
- From Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO): 1-hour drive (50 km); many tours include transfers.
- From Moshi: 1.5–2 hours (80 km), ideal for Kilimanjaro trekkers.
- Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicles are standard for tours ($275–$300 per person for a full day, including guide and vehicle; group options from $220). Self-driving is possible with a 4×4 (park roads are good but can get muddy), but hire a local guide for permits and spotting tips.
- Duration: Full day (8–10 hours total, 6–7 hours in-park). Half-day options (morning or afternoon) focus on key highlights like a walk or game drive.
Wildlife Highlights
Don’t expect the Big Five (only buffalo are common; lions/leopards are rare but possible), but Arusha shines with forest-dwellers and birds uncommon elsewhere. Over 400 bird species (e.g., flamingos on Momella Lakes, African fish eagles) make it a birder’s paradise. Mammals thrive in the park’s varied habitats—montane forest (monkeys), swamps (hippos), savannah (giraffes).
Top Activities for a Day Trip
Arusha’s magic lies in its variety—mix vehicle-based viewing with on-foot adventures (armed ranger required for walks).
- Guided Walking Safari (1–2 hours, $30/person extra): The park’s highlight—stroll forest paths spotting colobus monkeys, duikers, and birds up close. Climb Tululusia Hill for panoramic views. Safe due to few predators; minimum age 7.
- Game Drive (2–3 hours): In a 4×4, explore savannahs and craters for giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. Visit Ngurdoto Crater’s misty rim for “monkey forest” vibes.
- Canoe Safari (1–2 hours, $40/person): Paddle Small Momella Lake amid hippos, flamingos, and grazing antelope—serene and unique.
- Birdwatching or Photography: Over 400 species; bring binoculars and a zoom lens for lakeside action.
- Mount Meru Hike Teaser: Short trails offer previews of the 3–4-day full climb; stunning volcano views.
Sample Full-Day Itinerary
Tailor this to your energy—most tours follow a similar flow for $275–$300/person (private; includes lunch, fees, guide).
- 6:00–7:00 AM: Pickup & Drive to Park (From Arusha hotel; enjoy en-route views of Mount Meru).
- 7:30–9:30 AM: Walking Safari (Forest trails near Ngurdoto Crater; spot monkeys and birds).
- 10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Game Drive (Savannah loops for giraffes, zebras, buffaloes).
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Picnic Lunch (At Momella Lakes picnic site—packed meals with local flavors like ugali or nyama choma). – On request
- 1:30–3:30 PM: Canoe Safari or Extended Drive (Lake paddling or crater rim exploration). Option and depending on water level. Add $40/person
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Return to Arusha (With time for souvenirs or a sundowner).
Total in-park time: 7–8 hours. For families, shorten the walk; birders, extend lake time.
Practical Tips
- What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, hat/sunscreen, light layers (mornings cool), insect repellent, water bottle, snacks. No drones or plastic bags (banned).
- Health & Safety: Yellow fever vaccination recommended; malaria risk low but use prophylaxis. Rangers ensure walk safety; stick to paths.
- Sustainability: Use eco-friendly operators; avoid single-use plastics. Support locals via community tours.
- Booking: Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead via reputable operators like Back to Africa Safaris for vetted options. Expect English-speaking guides.
- Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Private Tour): $275–$300 (includes fees, lunch, transport); add $50 for canoe/walk extras. Groups save 20–30%.
- Accessibility: Easy for most; walks involve moderate terrain (not wheelchair-friendly).
Arusha National Park is more than a “filler” day—it’s a tranquil intro to Tanzania’s wild heart, blending adventure and awe. Book soon for December’s clear skies and bookend your trip with unforgettable moments!
