Arusha National Park
ARUSHA national park
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK OVERVIEW
Enjoy a lovely break at the foot of Kilimanjaro at the beginning or end of your stay. Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru 14,980 ft volcano in the Arusha region, in the north of the country.
Tanzania’s smallest national park covers just 52 square miles. To the west, the Jekukumia River runs through the Meru crater. To the southeast, the Ngurdoto crater is covered in pastures. The north-eastern Momella Lakes are home to many species of wader. Kilimanjaro, 37 miles northeast of the park, is visible on a clear day. The park is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, mantled guerezas, blue monkeys, flamingos, and more.
With Arusha National Park, you don’t have to travel too far after landing to find yourself surrounded by the African bush. Canoeing, walking safaris, and game drives are some of the best things to do here and make for the perfect start to any northern circuit safari.
Situated just a short drive from Arusha and Moshi, Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most convenient parks and is a fantastic destination for a day trip and makes for a great beginning or end to any Tanzanian itinerary.
Arusha National Park – Day Safari Itinerary
Duration: Full Day (8–9 hours)
Itinerary:
06:30 – 07:00: Pickup from Arusha or nearby hotels. Meet your guide and start the journey to the park.
07:30 – 08:00: Arrival at the park gate. Complete park entry formalities and begin the game drive.
08:00 – 11:00: Morning game drive in the park. Spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, and Colobus monkeys. Enjoy birdwatching and take photos of the stunning landscapes.
11:00 – 12:00: Walk to Ngurdoto Crater for a guided nature walk. Explore the forest and observe wildlife in a serene environment.
12:00 – 13:00: Picnic lunch near Momella Lakes. Take in the beautiful views and spot hippos and flamingos in the lake.
13:00 – 15:00: Canoeing or walking safari around Momella Lakes. Experience the park from a different perspective and capture more wildlife photos.
15:00 – 16:00: Final game drive and scenic stops for photography, with views of Mount Meru in the background.
16:00 – 17:00: Exit the park and transfer back to your hotel in Arusha.
Highlights
Sunrise flight over the Serengeti or Tarangire landscapes
Breathtaking aerial views of wildlife and scenery
Professional, experienced balloon pilots
Champagne bush breakfast after landing
Perfect for photographers and romantic getaways
Duration: 4–5 hours
Itinerary:
07:30 – 08:00: Pickup from hotel and drive to the park gate.
08:00 – 11:00: Game drive in the park to spot giraffes, zebras, elephants, and Colobus monkeys. Explore the scenic Ngurdoto Crater and enjoy birdwatching.
11:00 – 11:30: Short stop at Momella Lakes for photos and wildlife viewing.
11:30 – 12:30: Exit the park and return to your hotel in Arusha.
Highlights:
✅ Quick wildlife sightings
✅ Ngurdoto Crater exploration
✅ Scenic views of Mount Meru
✅ Birdwatching opportunities
| Package | Price (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120 – $160 | Shared vehicle, park entry fees, guide, bottled water |
| Mid‑Range | $170 – $230 | Private vehicle, park entry, guide, picnic lunch, bottled water |
| Luxury / Premium | $240 – $330+ | Private vehicle, park entry, guide, gourmet lunch, hotel pick‑up & drop‑off |
Arusha National Park Day Safari – Price Per Person
| Package | Price (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150 – $200 | Shared game drive vehicle, park entrance fees, professional guide, bottled water |
| Mid-Range | $220 – $300 | Private safari vehicle, professional guide, park entrance fees, lunch, bottled water, hotel pickup & drop-off |
| Luxury / Premium | $350 – $500+ | Private vehicle with safari expert guide, park fees, gourmet lunch, premium drinks, photography support, hotel pickup & drop-off, personalized itinerary |
TOP DESTINATIONS
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Arusha National Park
ACTIVITIES
- Mount Meru Climbing
- Walking Safari
- Game Drive
- Hiking
- Canoeing