1-Day Arusha National Park Safari with Optional Walking Tour

1 Day Round trip from ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO AIRPORT OR HOTEL IN ARUSHA /MOSHI Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Private full-day safari from Arusha or Moshi to Arusha National Park
02 Explore diverse habitats including montane rainforest, open grasslands, acacia woodland, Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes
03 Look out for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, colobus monkeys, hippos, and more than 400 bird species
04 Join an optional guided walking safari with an armed park ranger to learn about tracks, plants, and ecology
05 Enjoy views of Mount Meru, with distant Mount Kilimanjaro visible on clear days

Escape the crowds on a private full-day safari to Arusha National Park, a compact yet incredibly diverse reserve known for lush montane forests, open grasslands, sparkling lakes, and dramatic views of Mount Meru. Travel from Arusha or Moshi with your professional guide and explore changing landscapes that range from rainforest to acacia woodland while searching for wildlife and birdlife. Combine classic game drives with an optional guided walking safari accompanied by an armed park ranger for a different perspective on the park. Scenic stops at the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints add to this rewarding day in one of northern Tanzania's most beautiful national parks.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Arusha National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

From Arusha or Moshi to Arusha National Park Safari

Discover Tanzania's hidden gem on this full-day private safari to Arusha National Park.

Duration: Full Day (8-10 Hours)
Destination: Arusha National Park
Tour Style: Private Safari
Operated by: Valour Africa Safaris and Treks

Enjoy an unforgettable full-day safari to Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania's most diverse and scenic national parks. Located just a short drive from Arusha City, the park offers spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, lush montane forests, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking views of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain.

Unlike many other parks, Arusha National Park offers the unique opportunity to combine a traditional game drive with an optional guided walking safari accompanied by an armed park ranger, allowing you to experience nature from a completely different perspective.

08:00 AM - Hotel Pick-up in Arusha

Meet your professional safari guide at your hotel in Arusha and begin the short drive to Arusha National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of local villages, coffee plantations, and Mount Meru.

08:45 AM - Arrival at Arusha National Park

Complete park registration before beginning your morning game drive through the park's diverse ecosystems.

Explore:

Lush montane rainforest
Open grasslands
Ngurdoto Crater
Momella Lakes
Acacia woodland

Your guide will introduce you to the park's wildlife, geology, and unique ecosystems.

Wildlife You May See

Giraffes
African Buffalo
Zebras
Warthogs
Waterbucks
Bushbucks
Blue Monkeys
Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
Baboons
Flamingos (seasonal)
Hippos
More than 400 bird species

Although leopards are occasionally present, sightings are rare. Lions are not found in Arusha National Park.

11:30 AM - Optional Walking Safari

Accompanied by an armed park ranger, enjoy a guided walking safari through selected areas of the park.

This unique experience offers the chance to observe wildlife such as giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes on foot while learning about animal tracks, native plants, and the park's ecology.

01:00 PM - Picnic Lunch

Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park's scenic picnic sites while surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.

02:00 PM - Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring the park with visits to:

Momella Lakes
Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints
Open savannah
Forest habitats

Stop for photographs of Mount Meru and, on clear days, enjoy distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

03:30 PM - Depart the Park

Leave Arusha National Park and begin your drive back to Arusha.

04:30-05:00 PM - Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at your hotel after an incredible day exploring one of Tanzania's most beautiful national parks.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO AIRPORT OR HOTEL IN ARUSHA /MOSHI 5 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Price Includes

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Lake Manyara National Park entrance fees
Picnic lunch
Bottled drinking water
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
Government taxes and conservation fees

Why these prices?

The largest cost is the park entrance fee, followed by:

Safari vehicle
Fuel
Driver-guide
Lunch
Government taxes
For solo travelers, the fixed costs are shared by only one person, so the price is higher. As the group size increases, the cost per person decreases, making the tour more attractive to families and small groups.

What's Not Included

Not Included

Walking safari fee (if not selected)
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Optional gratuities

Why Choose This Safari?

Arusha National Park is the perfect choice for travelers looking for an authentic wildlife experience without traveling long distances. From lush forests and crater viewpoints to peaceful lakes and unforgettable encounters with giraffes and colobus monkeys, this hidden gem offers a remarkable blend of scenery, wildlife, and adventure.

Travel with Valour Africa Safaris and Treks and discover why Arusha National Park is one of northern Tanzania's most rewarding day safaris.

What to bring

Camera or smartphone
Binoculars (recommended)
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Insect repellent
Personal medications
Passport or a copy of your passport
Small daypack
Power bank or spare camera battery
Cash or credit card for personal purchases and optional gratuities

Know before you go

Know Before You Go

To ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable safari in Arusha National Park, please read the following information before your adventure.

Best Time to Visit

Arusha National Park is a year-round destination.
The dry season (June to October) offers excellent wildlife viewing and clear views of Mount Meru.
The green season (November to May) features lush landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and fewer visitors.

Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife moves freely throughout the park, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Arusha National Park is famous for giraffes, Cape buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and over 400 bird species.
Lions are not found in Arusha National Park, while leopard sightings are very rare.

Walking Safari

If you choose the optional walking safari, you will be accompanied by an armed Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) ranger.
Follow your ranger's instructions at all times.
Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.

Departure Time

Hotel pick-up is between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM from hotels in Arusha.
Please be ready at your hotel reception at least 10 minutes before departure.

What to Wear

Comfortable clothing in neutral colours (khaki, green, brown, or beige)
Lightweight jacket or fleece for the cool morning
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat or cap
Sunglasses

What to Bring

Camera or smartphone
Binoculars (recommended)
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Insect repellent
Personal medications
Passport or a copy of your passport
Small daypack
Power bank or spare camera battery
Cash or credit card for personal purchases and optional gratuities

What's Included

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Park entrance fees
Picnic lunch
Bottled drinking water
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha

What's Not Included

Optional walking safari fee (unless included in your booking)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Optional tips for your guide and ranger

Health & Safety

Stay inside the safari vehicle during game drives unless instructed otherwise by your guide or park ranger.
Do not feed or approach wildlife.
Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing animals.
Follow all park rules and your guide's safety instructions.

Photography

Bring extra memory cards and fully charged batteries.
Early morning provides excellent lighting for photography.
Always follow your guide's advice when photographing wildlife.

Children

This safari is suitable for families and children.
Children must remain under the supervision of a parent or guardian throughout the tour.

Responsible Travel

Help protect Tanzania's wildlife by leaving no litter behind.
Respect the natural environment and park regulations.
Take only photographs and memories, leaving nature exactly as you found it.
We look forward to welcoming you to Arusha National Park with Valour Africa Safaris and Treks, where breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences await.

Logistics