Day Trip

Arusha National Park Day Trip

Duration8 hours

USD 180 per person

At a glance

Trip Overview

Duration 8 hours

Type Day Trip

From $180

Trip overview

What to Expect

The Arusha National Park Day Trip is the ideal way to experience one of Tanzania's most underrated parks without committing to a multi-day safari. Located just 30 minutes from Arusha, this compact gem packs an extraordinary variety of landscapes and wildlife into a single day — from alkaline lakes and acacia woodland to montane forest and volcanic peaks.

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Why this journey

Trip Highlights

Canoeing on Momela Lakes — paddle among flamingos with Mount Meru as your backdrop

Game drive through diverse habitats — savannah, forest, and alkaline lakes

Guided forest walk to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys

Stunning panoramic views of Mount Meru (4,566 m), Tanzania's second-highest peak

Black-and-white colobus monkeys frequently seen swinging through the canopy

Just 30 minutes from Arusha — no long transfers required

Small group size (2–12) for a personalised, uncrowded experience

4 stops

Trip Itinerary

1 Stop

Arusha → Arusha National Park → Arusha

After a 7:00 AM pick-up from your Arusha hotel or the airport, drive 30 minutes to the Arusha National Park entrance gate. After registration and a short park briefing, begin your game drive through the park's southern sector. The first hour is spent tracking giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and warthog across open grassland with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro visible to the east on clear mornings. Continue towards the Momela Lakes, where large flocks of greater and lesser flamingo create a stunning pink spectacle on the alkaline water. Your guide will point out other birdlife including pelican, hornbill, and fish eagle.

2 Stop

Canoeing on Momela Lakes

After the morning game drive, transfer to the canoe launch point on Momela Lakes. Over the next 1.5 hours, paddle across the calm, crystal-clear waters in a two-person canoe accompanied by your guide. The lakes are fed by underground springs and support an incredible concentration of birdlife — flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, and the African fish eagle are regularly spotted. The backdrop of Mount Meru's forested slopes reflected in the still water makes this one of the most photogenic experiences in northern Tanzania. Canoeing is gentle and suitable for all fitness levels; no prior experience is required.

3 Stop

Lunch & Forest Walk

After canoeing, enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic picnic site overlooking the lakes and the forest canopy. In the early afternoon, join your naturalist guide for a 1.5-hour guided forest walk through the park's montane forest zone. This is the best habitat in the park for primates — black-and-white colobus monkeys are frequently seen leaping between the canopy branches, and blue monkeys forage in the undergrowth. The forest is also home to an impressive array of birdlife including the turaco, crowned eagle, and various sunbird species. Your guide will identify plants, birds, and animal tracks as you walk the well-maintained forest trails.

4 Stop

Return to Arusha

After the forest walk, your guide will drive you back to the park entrance and return you to your Arusha hotel or the airport by approximately 3:00 PM. The return journey takes around 30 minutes. This leaves you with the rest of the afternoon free for shopping in Arusha's vibrant Central Market, exploring the Cultural Heritage Centre, or simply relaxing at your hotel before your next adventure.

What's covered

Included & Excluded

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.

What's included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
Private custom-built 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking naturalist guide
All national park entry fees
Morning game drive (2 hours)
Guided canoe excursion on Momela Lakes (1.5 hours)
Guided forest walk (1.5 hours)
Packed picnic lunch
Unlimited bottled water
All government taxes and VAT (18%)

Not included

International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa (USD 50 on arrival)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Tips for your guide and driver
Drinks and beverages (available for purchase)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Adventure Calls

Book Your Day Trip Today

Reserve your spot with just 20% deposit. From wildlife safaris to cultural tours — our local guides make every moment unforgettable.

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Free Cancellation up to 24h

20% Deposit to confirm

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Before you book

Important information

Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.

Visa & Entry

Most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa (USD 50, or USD 100 for US passports). You can apply online or get a visa on arrival at JRO. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is strongly recommended. For day trips, ensure your policy covers outdoor activities including canoeing and walking.

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever country. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is recommended for the Arusha area. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Payment & Deposits

A 30% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due on the day of the trip. We accept bank transfer and card (3% fee). Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated. Guidelines are shared in your pre-trip pack — typically USD 10–15 per person for your guide, and USD 5–10 for the driver.

Group Size & Privacy

This day trip runs in groups of 2 – 12. Private departures with your own vehicle and guide are available on request — ask us for a custom quote.

Safari Vehicles

All transfers and game drives are conducted in private custom-built 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for unobstructed photography and comfortable viewing.

Best Time to Go

Year-round destination. Dry season (June–October) offers peak game viewing. Green season (November–May) delivers lush landscapes, newborn animals, and excellent birding with fewer crowds.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your day trip. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for outdoor activities. For safaris, wear neutral/earth colours (khaki, green, brown). For walks and hikes, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Bring a light jacket for early mornings and a hat/sunscreen for sun protection.

Day trips run rain or shine. We provide rain ponchos for walking tours. Safari vehicles have covered roofs. In case of severe weather, we may adjust the itinerary for safety — you will be informed in advance.

Yes! Private departures with customised itineraries are available on request. Simply mention your preferences when booking and we will tailor the experience to your interests.

Most full-day trips include a packed picnic lunch. Half-day trips do not include lunch. Specific inclusions are listed on each trip page.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 50% fee. No-shows are non-refundable.

Yes! Children of all ages are welcome. Children under 3 travel free. Children 3–12 receive a 50% discount on park fees. Family-friendly activities are highlighted on each trip page.

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Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Why Book With Us

Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours before departure

Secure Booking Pay only 20% deposit to confirm

24/7 Support Personal travel consultant assigned

or contact us directly

+255 783 884 129

info@bushliontours.com

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We'll respond within 24 hours with a personalized quote.

Secure your spot with just 20% deposit. Free cancellation up to 24 hours.