A Perfect Day Trip to Arusha National Park
🌿 Adventure Awaits!
If you’re looking for a short yet unforgettable safari experience, a day trip to Arusha National Park is just what you need! This hidden gem, located just an hour’s drive from Arusha town, offers lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views of Mount Meru. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your day.
What to Expect on a Day Trip to Ngorongoro Crater
- Incredible Wildlife Viewing
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see a high concentration of wildlife in a relatively small area. You can expect to see:
- The Big Five: Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and the rare black rhino.
- Large Herbivores: Zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos, and warthogs grazing across the crater floor.
- Predators: Lions are commonly seen resting or hunting, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a cheetah or a leopard.
- Birdlife: Flamingos, crowned cranes, eagles, and other bird species around the crater lakes and marshes.
- Breathtaking Scenery
The crater itself is a natural wonder, with:
- A Stunning Crater Rim: Lush forests cover the slopes, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Grasslands, acacia woodlands, swamps, and soda lakes, each supporting different wildlife.
- Ngoitoktok Springs: A beautiful hippo pool where you can relax and enjoy lunch with incredible views.
- Maasai Culture (Optional Visit)
On the way to or from the crater, you may have the option to visit a Maasai village and experience:
- Traditional Maasai dances and songs.
- A guided tour of their homesteads (bomas).
- Insights into their way of life, including cattle herding and ancient traditions.
- Comfortable Safari Experience
- Game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for excellent views and photography.
- A professional safari guide who will help spot animals and share insights about the ecosystem.
- A picnic lunch in the crater with a scenic view of the hippo pool.
- Weather & Conditions
- Cool mornings and evenings, so bring a light jacket.
- Dusty and bumpy roads, especially during the dry season.
- Possible rain in certain months, particularly from March to May.
- A Full-Day Adventure
The trip requires an early start (around 6 AM) and returns in the evening (around 6 PM), covering approximately 3-4 hours of driving from Arusha. Despite the long day, the experience is unforgettable and well worth it!
📍 7:30 AM – Pickup & Drive to the Park
Your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Arusha. Grab a cup of coffee, hop into your 4×4 safari vehicle, and enjoy the scenic drive to Arusha National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through local villages, banana plantations, and coffee farms, getting a glimpse of Tanzanian daily life.
🦒 9:00 AM – Game Drive & Wildlife Spotting
Upon arrival, your guide will take care of the paperwork while you stretch your legs and soak in the fresh air. Then, it’s time to hit the park’s winding trails on an exciting game drive!
Arusha National Park is small but packed with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for:
✅ Herds of buffalo and zebras grazing in the open plains
✅ Elegant giraffes roaming gracefully
✅ Colobus monkeys swinging through the treetops
✅ Warthogs, bushbucks, and waterbucks near the Momella Lakes
Unlike larger parks like Serengeti, you won’t find lions here, but leopards and hyenas are sometimes spotted in the early morning or late afternoon!
🌿 11:00 AM – Walking Safari
One of the best parts of visiting Arusha National Park is the opportunity to step out of the vehicle and explore on foot!
Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll embark on a walking safari through the forest and grassy plains. Feel the thrill of being just a few meters away from zebras, giraffes, and antelopes! Your guide will also share fascinating insights about the park’s ecosystem, plants, and smaller creatures that you might miss from the car.
🌊 12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at the Momella Lakes
After all that adventure, it’s time to refuel! Your guide will take you to a scenic picnic spot near the Momella Lakes, where you can enjoy a packed lunch while watching flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds. The calm waters reflect the sky beautifully, making it a perfect moment to snap some photos.
🛶 2:00 PM – Optional Canoeing Experience
If you’re up for more adventure, why not try canoeing on the Momella Lakes? Glide silently across the water while spotting hippos, birds, and even buffaloes drinking at the shore. It’s a peaceful yet exciting way to experience the park from a different perspective.
🏔️ 3:30 PM – Drive to Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoint
Next, your guide will take you to the breathtaking Ngurdoto Crater, often called the “Little Ngorongoro.” This massive volcanic crater is covered in lush greenery and is home to elephants, buffaloes, and warthogs. You’ll stop at a stunning viewpoint where you can take in the panoramic views before heading back.
🚙 4:30 PM – Leisurely Drive Back to Arusha
With your heart full of adventure and your camera roll packed with incredible photos, it’s time to say goodbye to Arusha National Park. You’ll enjoy a relaxed drive back to Arusha, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
🕠 5:30 PM – Drop-Off at Your Hotel
Your guide will drop you off at your hotel, where you can unwind and reminisce about your safari over a nice cup of Tanzanian tea or a cold drink.
END OF THE TOUR
Trip Inclusions:
✔ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing
✔ Professional safari guide/driver
✔ Park entry fees
✔ Packed picnic lunch & bottled water
✔ Pick-up and drop-off from Arusha/Moshi
Exclusions:
✖ Alcoholic beverages & personal expenses
✖ Additional activities (if requested)
❌ Tips & gratuities
❌ Optional Maasai village visit fee
❌ Personal expenses
This one-day safari provides a thrilling taste of Tanzania’s wildlife, perfect for travelers with limited time! 🚙🐘🌿
- This tour starts and ends in Arusha
- Book your own international flights when using this operator
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost