Overview
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania's most stunning and accessible parks, located just 25 kilometers from the city of Arusha. It’s famous for its diverse landscapes, which include rainforests, savannahs, lakes, and mountains (including the iconic Mount Meru). The park is a great destination for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring nature, making it perfect for a day trip or a longer visit.
Day Trip Itinerary
7:00 AM – Pick-Up from Your Accommodation in Arusha/Moshi
- Departure: The day begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your location, this could be a hotel or lodge, or a designated meeting point.
- Travel: The drive to Arusha National Park takes about 30-40 minutes, so you’ll have a quick but scenic journey through the countryside.
8:00 AM – Arrive at Arusha National Park
- Park Entrance: Upon arrival, you’ll stop at the park’s entrance gate for registration. The park is relatively small (137 square kilometers), but it’s home to a rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems.
- Briefing: Your guide will give you a short briefing about the park, its wildlife, and safety rules, followed by an overview of the planned activities for the day.
8:30 AM – Morning Game Drive
- Explore the Park by Vehicle: Start your day with a game drive through the park’s different landscapes. Arusha National Park is known for its variety of habitats, including savannahs, forests, and wetlands.
- Wildlife Sightings: The park is home to various wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and waterbucks. While Arusha National Park is not as well known for big predators, you can spot smaller cats, such as civets and genets, as well as birdlife such as flamingos, eagles, and other species.
- Mount Meru Views: During the game drive, you’ll have stunning views of Mount Meru, which towers over the park, providing incredible photo opportunities.
Visit Momella Lakes
- Scenic Lakes: After the morning game drive, head to the Momella Lakes in the northeastern part of the park. These shallow alkaline lakes are home to flamingos, and the surrounding area is often filled with birdlife.
- Birdwatching: The lakes are a haven for birdwatchers, and depending on the time of year, you can see thousands of flamingos and other waterfowl.
- Short Walk: Take a short walk around the lakes or just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading to the next activity.
Lunch
- Picnic Lunch: After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch either at a designated spot inside the park or at a nearby lunch area with beautiful views of the landscape. Depending on the tour operator, some provide a packed lunch, while others offer lunch at a lodge just outside the park.
- Relaxation: Take some time to relax and enjoy the views while having lunch.
Afternoon Game Drive
- Explore More of the Park: After lunch and optional canoeing, take another game drive to explore other parts of the park. Depending on the time of year and weather, you might see more wildlife or different species of animals.
- Photography: The park’s diverse landscapes make it an excellent place for photography, with opportunities to capture Mount Meru, wildlife, and scenic views throughout the drive.
4:30 Departure for Arusha
- Return to Arusha: After a fulfilling day at Arusha National Park, you’ll head back to Arusha, where you’ll arrive by 5:00 PM to relax and reflect on your adventure.
