Overview
Arusha National Park is the closest national park to Arusha town, making it the perfect one-day escape for travelers who want a mix of wildlife, lush forest, lakes, and epic views of Mount Meru. The park is small, but crazy diverse , you’ll spot giraffes, buffaloes, black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos, and more. It’s the ideal “quick taste of Tanzania” for travelers with limited time.
Highlights
- Scenic drive through Arusha’s green highlands
- Walk with a ranger through the forest (optional)
- Visit the Momella Lakes & spot flamingos
- Game drive through the wildlife-packed savannah
- Best views of Mt. Meru
- Great chance to see colobus monkeys
Itenerary
Since it’s a day trip, everything is in one full detailed day.
Your guide picks you up at your hotel. After a quick briefing, you start the beautiful 40-minute drive towards the park. Enjoy views of small villages, farms, and Mount Meru towering over the area.
Once inside the park, the day kicks off with a relaxing game drive through lush green forests. The first stars of the show?
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Bushbucks hiding in the trees
The park’s forest vibe is different from the Serengeti — it’s calm, green, and cinematic.
You head toward the open grasslands where wildlife is easier to spot. Expect to see:
- Giraffes (tons)
- Buffaloes
- Warthogs
- Zebras
- Waterbucks
Your guide will keep giving fun facts and spotting hidden animals.
Enjoy your packed lunch in one of the designated picnic sites with views of the mountain and animals passing in the distance.
It’s peaceful, fresh, and a great time to take photos.
The Momella Lakes are a highlight of this park, calm, reflective lakes full of flamingos.
Here, you can experience:
- Flamingo sightings
- Water birds
- Scenic views perfect for photos
Optional: You can add a canoe safari if the traveler wants (extra cost).
Accompanied by an armed ranger, you can enjoy a walking safari (optional).
You can get close to:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Antelopes
The vibe? Pure freedom, it’s rare to walk in the wild in Tanzania.
Start your final game drive as you head back to the main gate. The late afternoon light is perfect for photography.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful ride back.
The day ends with a smooth drop-off at your hotel.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All park entry fees
- Drinking water
- Picnic lunch
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Cost Excludes
- Tips
- Personal costs
- Optional canoe safari
- Optional walking safari fees
- Travel insurance
FAQs
The trip runs for about 9–10 hours including transfers.
Yes — it’s perfect for day trips. It’s small but has forests, lakes, animals, and amazing scenery.
No lions or elephants live here. But you’ll see giraffes, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, flamingos, and more.
Yes — it’s guided by a certified armed ranger.
Yes, but it’s an optional add-on at an extra cost.
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
A light jacket
Camera or phone
Totally. The park is calm and family-friendly.
