Arusha National Park Day Trip
Discover the Magic of Arusha National Park in One Day
Plan your Arusha National Park day trip from just $250 and experience one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. Located just a short drive from Arusha city, this park is perfect for travelers looking for a quick but unforgettable safari experience. With stunning landscapes, wildlife, and unique walking safaris, it is ideal for day visitors.
This is the perfect Arusha day trip if you have limited time but want a real safari experience. See wildlife, walk in nature, and enjoy scenic views—all in one day.
Why Choose an Arusha National Park Day Trip?
- Only 45 minutes drive from Arusha city
- Offers game drive, walking safari, and canoeing all in one day
- See giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and over 400 bird species
- Affordable price starting from just $250 per person
- Great for families, couples, and solo travelers
- Perfect for photography & unforgettable safari memories
Tour Itinerary
Arusha National Park Day Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning: Drive to Arusha National Park
After breakfast, we start your adventure with a short drive from Arusha city to the park. The distance from Arusha to Arusha National Park is about 35 km, making it a comfortable drive.
Game Drive in Arusha National Park
Enjoy a game drive through the park’s diverse zones:
Ngurdoto Crater: forested area known for monkeys and bushbuck
Momela Lakes: great for flamingos, waterbuck, and other birds
Mount Meru slopes: look out for buffalo, zebra, and sometimes leopard
Walking Safari with an Armed Ranger
Take a break from the car and go on a guided walking safari. See the wildlife up close, including:
Black and white colobus monkeys
Forest antelopes
Crowned eagles and other birds
This is a safe and exciting activity with your professional armed guide.
Optional: Canoeing at Lake Duluti
For guests interested in water activities, we offer an optional canoeing trip on Lake Duluti. You can enjoy:
Peaceful views of the crater lake
Kingfishers, eagles, and other rare birds
A quiet escape into nature
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Arusha National Park Game Drive
- Arusha National Park Walking Safari
- Canoeing Lake Duluti
Arusha National Park Photos
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
Let's Start Planning
Receive a free Tanzania safari quote with absolutely no obligations. Plan your adventure at your own pace—no pressure, just expert guidance!
What You Will See
Arusha National Park may be small, but it offers a big safari experience:
Wildlife:
Giraffes
Zebras
Waterbuck
Buffalo
Bushbuck
Colobus monkeys
Birds:
Flamingos at Momela Lakes
Fish Eagles
Crowned Eagles
More than 400 species
Landscapes:
Mount Meru
Forests and Craters
Green open plains
Beautiful crater lakes
What are the Rarest Animals in Arusha National Park?
Leopards and red duikers live in Arusha National Park, but they are hard to find because they hide in thick bushes. Cheetahs and elephants are also rare here. Cheetahs usually prefer open land, but sometimes they are seen in the park. Elephants, which are common in places like Serengeti and Tarangire, are not often spotted in Arusha. There are fewer than 200 elephants in the park, and they are rarely seen.
Arusha National Park Day Trip Price & Packages
| Package | Price (Per Person) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Day Trip | $250 | Game drive, park entry fees, lunch, guide |
| Day Trip + Canoeing | $290 | Adds 1.5hr Lake Duluti canoeing |
| Private Tour | $350 | Private guide, vehicle, lunch, entry fees |
Prices may change based on group size. Please contact us for custom packages.
Arusha National Park Entry Fees (as of 2025/2026)
Non-resident adults: $59 per person
Children (5-15 years): $17.70
Walking safari ranger fee: $23.60 per person
Vehicle fee (included in package)
These are official Arusha National Park fees from TANAPA.
Things to Do in Arusha National Park
1. Game Drive
Perfect for first-time visitors. A 3-4 hour drive shows you many animals.
2. Walking Safari
Guided walk with a ranger. Safe and fun way to explore the forest and plains.
3. Canoeing (Optional)
Paddle on the calm waters of Lake Duluti. Great for birdwatching and peace.
4. Photography
Amazing views, wild animals, and colorful birds.
What is the Best Time / Month to Visit Arusha National Park?
Tanzania is a great destination year-round, except for the long rainy season from mid-March to mid-May. Every season has its advantages, so choosing when to visit depends on your preferences.
January and February are dry months, perfect for wildlife spotting. Wildebeests give birth in the Serengeti, and big herbivores gather near water sources in Arusha National Park. Accommodation prices are also lower.
March to May brings heavy rains, making travel difficult due to flooding. Although prices drop, roads may become inaccessible.
From June to mid-October, the peak tourist season offers incredible wildlife sightings. Animals are easier to spot as vegetation dries out, and many gather near water sources. However, this is also when prices are highest and parks are crowded.
November brings short rains, and wildebeests move back across the Mara River in the Serengeti. It’s a prime time for spotting big cats on the hunt. In December, migratory birds return, making it an excellent season for birdwatching at Momella Lakes.
How Arusha National Park Compares to Other Parks
| Park | Distance from Arusha | Known For |
| Arusha NP | 35 km | Walking safari, birds, Mount Meru |
| Tarangire NP | 120 km | Elephants, baobab trees |
| Lake Manyara NP | 126 km | Tree-climbing lions, flamingos |
| Serengeti NP | 325 km | Great Migration, Big 5 |
If you have only one day, Arusha National Park is your best option.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park is small and close to the city, making it easy to explore in a day. If you’re short on time, you can see the main sights in half a day, though this might feel rushed. A full day is ideal for enjoying the park’s attractions at a relaxed pace. If you’re planning to climb Mount Meru, set aside three to four extra days.
Can You Go Horseback Riding in Arusha National Park?
Horse lovers will be thrilled to know that Arusha National Park offers horseback safaris, one of the few places in Tanzania where you can see wildlife from the saddle. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you can follow scenic trails and spot various animals along the way. These safaris usually last a few hours, leaving time for a canoe ride on Small Momella Lake or a game drive.
Riding through the park offers a unique, peaceful experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the hum of vehicle engines. The slow pace of a horse allows for closer encounters with animals, making it a memorable way to explore the park.
How to Book your Arusha National Park Safari
Once you’ve chosen to visit Arusha National Park, the next step is deciding how to book your trip. There are several options, depending on whether you’re including the park in a longer Northern Circuit tour or adding it to a shorter itinerary.
If it’s part of a bigger adventure, many tour operators bundle it with nearby parks like Serengeti or Tarangire. For shorter visits, private tours or self-drive options allow more flexibility. Consider your schedule, budget, and travel preferences to find the best fit for your trip.
Recommended Booking Options For Your Arusha National Park Safari Itinerary
Private Safari
Request a free Arusha National Park safari quote with no obligation!
The most popular and best experience typically starts from $300 per person per day.
How Much Does an Arusha National Park Safari Cost?
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s more affordable parks, with entry fees of $50 per person in high season and $45 in low season.
Its close proximity to Arusha city makes it ideal for a day trip. A private safari costs $160 – $230 per person, based on two people sharing a vehicle. This price includes a private safari vehicle, driver/guide, park fees, and permits. You can also request a walking or boating safari to enhance your experience.
For multi-day safaris, including more expensive parks like Serengeti, prices start at $350 per person per day for private safaris and $250 for group safaris, covering full board accommodation.
How Much Does it Cost to Enter Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park is among the most budget-friendly parks in Tanzania, offering a more affordable experience compared to well-known parks like Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro Crater.
Despite its lower cost, the park still boasts incredible landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a great choice for visitors looking for a memorable safari without the high price tag.
Entry to Arusha National Park costs $50 per adult and $15 per child. During the low season (March 15 – May 15), adult fees drop to $45.
This makes it one of Tanzania’s more affordable parks, offering great value for wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes.
Arusha National Park benefits from its proximity to Arusha city, making accommodation more affordable than in other major safari destinations. Unlike parks where lodging is restricted to in-park stays or nearby gates, Arusha offers a range of options at lower prices. Expect to pay $25 for budget, $90 for midrange, and $180 for luxury per night during peak season.
Activities are an additional cost, and a walking safari is highly recommended. Arusha National Park is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can explore on foot, accompanied by an armed ranger. These safaris usually cost $150 – $200 per person per day, with group sizes limited to six tourists for a more intimate experience.
Looking for a Arusha National Park Day Trip Safari for your dates?
Receive a free Tanzania safari quote straight to your email within 6 hours! Customize your preferences, and we’ll craft a unique experience just for you. Prices vary based on group size and accommodation choice.
Popular questions about Arusha National Park Day Trip
Arusha National Park is in northern Tanzania, close to the town of Arusha. It is about 25 km from Arusha town and roughly 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes, and the Ngurdoto Crater. It is also home to unique wildlife, such as colobus monkeys, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.
No, Arusha National Park is not a Big Five destination. However, you can see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, monkeys, and a rich variety of birds.
Visitors can enjoy activities like game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and climbing Mount Meru.
Yes, the park is perfect for a day trip due to its proximity to Arusha town and its manageable size.
The park can be visited year-round. The dry season (June to October) is great for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) offers lush scenery and excellent birdwatching.
Climbing Mount Meru is considered challenging but rewarding. It’s a good option for acclimatization before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Yes, guided tours are available and recommended, especially for walking safaris and canoeing activities.
Entrance fees vary depending on the visitor’s nationality. It’s best to check the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website for the latest rates.
Yes, the park is family-friendly, offering safe activities like game drives and short walking safaris suitable for children.
Absolutely! Arusha National Park is often combined with safaris to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.
We use 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. They are spacious and well-maintained.
Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can get it online or upon arrival. We’re happy to assist with any questions.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Malaria precautions are also recommended. Consult your doctor for advice.
It’s best to book 6-12 months in advance, especially during the peak season, to secure your preferred itinerary and accommodation.
Yes, on a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Arusha National Park, especially from higher altitudes on Mount Meru.
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