1-Day Safari · mid-range
Arusha National Park Day Trip – Walking Safari and Game Drive
Price for 2 people
$455
per person
Per person for 2 people sharing. Your written quote confirms the final price.
Explore Arusha National Park on foot with an armed ranger, then by 4×4 through forest, grassland and the Momella Lakes, beneath the slopes of Mount Meru.
Arusha National Park is one of the most varied short safaris in northern Tanzania. Unlike a usual game drive, where you stay in the vehicle, here you can explore on foot with an authorised ranger before continuing by 4×4 through forest, open grassland and the Momella Lakes.
You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, along with many birds. The scenery takes in Mount Meru, crater landscapes, forested slopes and lakes that attract flamingos and other waterbirds.
The park is close to Arusha, so it makes an easy day out, a good first taste of safari before a longer trip, or a gentle day before or after a Kilimanjaro climb.
- Duration
- 1 day, about 6 to 10 hours with transfers
- Main activities
- Walking safari, 4×4 game drive and the Momella Lakes
- Distance
- About 30 to 45 minutes from Arusha, or around an hour from Moshi
- Start and finish
- Your hotel in Arusha or Moshi
- Safari style
- Private, with your own vehicle and guide
- Meals
- Lunch box, soft drinks and water
Highlights
- A walking safari: Explore on foot with an authorised ranger.
- Mount Meru: Tanzania's second-highest mountain makes a dramatic backdrop on clear days.
- Colobus monkeys: Look for them in the forest canopy.
- Momella Lakes: Flamingos and other waterbirds, depending on the season.
- Ngurdoto Crater: Sometimes called "Little Ngorongoro", with buffalo grazing on its floor.
Best months to travel: Jan · Feb · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
1-day safari
Price per person
| Route | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha National Park Day Trip itinerary 1 days | Ask | $455 | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask |
How the prices work
The price is per person for 2 people sharing a private vehicle and guide, with the park fees listed in the inclusions.
For one traveller or a group of three or more, choose your group size in the booking box and Ombeni will quote you directly.
Your written quote confirms the final price before you pay a deposit.
Your private vehicle and guide are shared only by your own party, so the more of you there are, the less each person pays.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
7:00 am
Pickup and drive to the park
Your guide meets you at your hotel or pickup point and talks you through the day. After checking that you have water, sun protection and suitable walking shoes, you set off for the park, about 45 minutes from Arusha or an hour from Moshi.
On the way, you see villages and the countryside around Mount Meru while your guide explains the park's wildlife and landscapes.
- 2
8:00 am
Guided walking safari
One of the special things about this park is exploring on foot with an authorised ranger. Walking lets you notice tracks, plants, insects, birds and the small details you would miss from a vehicle.
You may see giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs and other wildlife from a safe distance. Your ranger chooses the permitted route, keeps a safe distance from the animals and explains how to behave around them. The forest can be cool and shaded, and the pace depends on the route, the weather and your fitness.
Walking safaris are arranged through the park and led by a ranger. Never approach wildlife on your own. - 3
10:30 am
Forest, crater and mountain views
After your walk, you enjoy the scenery and learn about the park's habitats. Arusha National Park packs montane forest, open grassland, crater landscapes and lakes into a fairly small area.
On clear days, Mount Meru rises behind it all. The park is also known for Ngurdoto Crater, sometimes called "Little Ngorongoro", with steep forested slopes and grassy areas where buffaloes graze.
- 4
11:00 am
Game drive through the park
You continue by safari vehicle through grassland and woodland, with your guide choosing the route according to recent sightings, the roads and the time left. You may see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs and antelope, and in the forest, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
The drive lets you cover more ground and reach areas that the walking route doesn't, while your guide explains the differences between the forest, grassland and wetland.
- 5
12:30 pm
The Momella Lakes
You drive to the Momella Lakes, known for their birdlife and views of Mount Meru. Depending on the season and the water, you may see flamingos, other waterbirds and wildlife near the shore. The colour of the water changes with the light and conditions, so the lakes look different through the year.
- 6
1:00 pm
Picnic lunch and return
You enjoy your lunch box at a picnic site, with time to rest and take in the surroundings. Afterwards, you meet your driver for the transfer back. If you are staying in Arusha, the return is quick. From Moshi, allow a little longer.
If you have a flight, a climb briefing or another plan later that day, tell us in advance so we can time the return.- Meals:
- Lunch box
What's included in the price
- Transfers: Return transfer to the park from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
- Walking safari: A guided walk with an authorised ranger.
- Game drive: A game drive in a safari vehicle.
- Meals: Lunch box, soft drinks and water.
- Park fees: Arusha National Park entry fees.
- Guide: An experienced English-speaking guide.
- Binoculars: One pair in the vehicle.
What's not included
- Tips for your guide.
- Alcoholic drinks.
- International flights and accommodation.
- Personal expenses.
Practical advice
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: The walk may cross uneven ground and forest trails.
- Bring sun protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, even though parts of the walk are shaded.
- Bring binoculars if you have them: They help with birds and distant wildlife.
- Follow the ranger: Stay on the authorised route and never approach wildlife.
- Check the weather: Cloud and rain can hide Mount Meru and make trails wet.
Best time to visit
The park is open all year. The drier months, especially June to October, are good for walking and wildlife, and December to February can be lovely too. The green season brings lush scenery and excellent birdwatching, but rain can affect the trails and the views.
Book your day trip
Tell us your date, the number of travellers, where you are staying and any onward plans that day, such as a flight or a climb briefing. We confirm the pickup time, inclusions and final price in writing before you pay.
- WhatsApp: +255 785 938 860
- Email: info@trusttourstz.com
- Website: trusttourstz.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Ombeni directly on WhatsApp.
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Plan your Arusha National Park Day Trip with Ombeni
Per person for 2 people sharing. Your written quote confirms the final price.
2 people
$455
per person