Summary: What Are the Key Facts at a Glance?
- Route: Arusha → Arusha National Park → Arusha
- Duration: 1 day (about 8 to 9 hours)
- Price: From US$ 300 per adult (Option E1)
- Best time: June to October, and January to February
- 08: 00 AM – 09:00 AM: Morning hotel pickup in Arusha and a short drive of about 45 minutes to 1 hour to the park gate.
- Morning: Game drive past the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes, looking for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs and colobus monkeys.
- Midday: Drive through the Fig Tree arch, with Mount Meru views along the way.
- Lunch: A picnic lunch inside the park.
- 04: 00 PM – 04:30 PM: Leave the park and return to your Arusha hotel.
What Makes This Arusha National Park day trip Special?
Arusha National Park sits at the foot of Mount Meru, just outside Arusha town, and it is the easiest safari day trip in Northern Tanzania. This full-day trip combines a game drive through green forest and open grassland with views of the Momella Lakes, the Ngurdoto Crater and the famous Fig Tree arch. You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs and black-and-white colobus monkeys, plus flamingos in some seasons. A picnic lunch is served in the park. It suits families, first-time visitors and travelers who want a gentle, short safari.
What Does the Safari Itinerary Include?
1 Day Detailed Trip Itinerary
What Is the Safari Route at a Glance?
Day-by-day route overview at a glance.
Arusha National Park Game Drive, Momella Lakes and Return
Arusha National Park Game Drive, Momella Lakes and Return
Your guide collects you from your Arusha hotel at about 8:00 AM for the short drive to Arusha National Park. Spend the day on a game drive past the Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes and the Fig Tree arch, with Mount Meru in the background. Look for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs and colobus monkeys. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, then return to Arusha around 4:30 PM.
Price Options
Per adult for safari with Land Cruiser. Option E1(Entry) is selected by default — choose another option to update your price.
What Is Included and Excluded in This Safari?
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
Why Book This Safari with Macpace Tours?
- The easiest safari day trip from Arusha, only about 45 minutes away.
- Mount Meru views, forest, grassland and lakes in one day.
- A relaxed pace that suits families and first-time visitors.
- The famous Fig Tree arch and Ngurdoto Crater.
- Good for bird watching and photography.
- Picnic lunch inside the park.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for clear views and photos.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha.
- A good warm-up before a longer northern circuit safari.
What Should You Know Before This Safari?
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Arusha National Park | Approximately 35 km | About 45 minutes to 1 hour drive |
| Moshi to Arusha National Park | Approximately 85 km | About 2 hours drive |
| Moshi to Arusha | Approximately 80 km | About 1.5 hour |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive |
Which Wildlife Can You See on This Safari?
This Tanzania safari combines wildlife-rich landscapes with remarkable concentrations of animals. During your game drives, you may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and many other species in their natural habitats.
Elephants
Known for magnificent herds moving through woodland, grazing near open areas or gathering around rivers.
Lions
Lions can be encountered resting under acacia shade, moving through grasslands or stalking potential prey.
African Buffaloes
Large buffalo herds seen in grasslands and swamps, powerful members of the Big Five.
Giraffes
Commonly browsing high acacia trees and moving gracefully across savannah landscapes.
Zebras
Frequently seen grazing in open plains together with wildebeest and antelopes.
Wildebeest
Iconic savannah herbivores roaming open landscapes in large social groups.
Hippos
Plentiful in lakes, rivers and natural pools across Northern Tanzania.
Antelopes & Gazelles
Gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, and dik-diks feeding across diverse safari habitats.
Look Out for Predators
Depending on season, location and animal movements, you may also encounter leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas with your experienced safari guide.
Ready to Discover Tanzania's Wildlife?
Explore top safari destinations on a carefully planned journey with Macpace Tours.
Plan This SafariWhere Will You Stay During This Safari?
This is a day trip, so no safari accommodation is included or needed. You return to your own hotel in the evening. If you want to arrive early or stay on, we can book a pre- or post-trip night in Arusha from the hotel rates above.
What Are the Key Safari Details?
Everything you need to know about this 1 Day Tanzania Day Trip — pricing, booking, what to pack, transfers, flights and the places you will visit.
Safari Price Guide & What Affects the Cost
This 1 Day Tanzania Day Trip starts from US$300 per adult with the default option (Option E1(Entry)). The final price depends on the option you choose, group size and travel season.
| Option | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Option E1(Entry) | Option: shared / joining group | From US$300 / adult |
| Option M1(Midrange) | Option: private vehicle | From US$400 / adult |
| Option L1(Luxury) | Option: private vehicle, larger party or upgraded service | From US$600 / adult |
Includes park fees, licensed guide, 4x4 vehicle, fuel, meals, accommodation and airport transfers. International flights, visas, insurance, tips and personal items are excluded.
Booking, Payment & Cancellation
How to book: send your travel dates and group size through the booking form or WhatsApp. We confirm availability within 24 hours.
- Deposit: 30% of the safari cost confirms your booking.
- Balance: payable on arrival in Arusha before departure.
- Payment methods: bank transfer, credit card and cash in USD.
- Cancellation: free up to 14 days before departure, 50% charged 7–13 days before, and 100% within 7 days.
What to Pack for Your Safari
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive or beige), light long sleeves and trousers.
- A fleece or warm jacket for cool early mornings in the highlands.
- Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Binoculars, a camera with zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards.
- Insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, personal medication and travel insurance documents.
- Passport and a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from an endemic country.
Health, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Drink only bottled or filtered water; lodges provide safe drinking water.
- Take malaria prophylaxis as advised by your doctor.
- All game drives are led by licensed TANAPA guides who keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags; carry a reusable bag.
- Respect local cultures — ask before photographing people and dress modestly in villages.
- 24-hour emergency contact: Macpace Tours on +255 755 355 071.
Transfers Details
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro Airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha Airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Arusha Airport: No extra charge Kilimanjaro Airport: USD 30 per vehicle
Arusha Airport ↔ Hotel: USD 25 per vehicle Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha: USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi ↔ Arusha: USD 100 per vehicle Nairobi ↔ Arusha: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights Details
We do not book international flights. We assist with local flights based on availability.
Zanzibar ↔ Arusha: From USD 100 (Morning flight) Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha: From USD 90 (Morning flight) Arusha ↔ Zanzibar: From USD 170 (Afternoon flight) Arusha ↔ Dar es Salaam: From USD 110 (Afternoon flight)
Which Places Will You Visit on This Safari?
Arusha City Tanzania's Safari Capital
Most northern Tanzania safaris begin in Arusha, near Mount Meru. It is the gateway to Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.
Travelers who arrive a day early can rest here, repack their luggage and meet the safari team before the trip begins.
View on Google MapsArusha National Park Scenic Wildlife Park Near Arusha
Arusha National Park is a beautiful and peaceful park close to Arusha City. It is known for Mount Meru, green forest, open grassland, the Momella Lakes and a wide variety of wildlife and birds.
You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos and many other birds. Sightings vary and are never guaranteed.
View on Google MapsMomella Lakes Shallow Lakes and Birdlife
The Momella Lakes are a group of shallow lakes with different colors and mineral content. They attract hippos, waterbucks and many water birds, and flamingos gather there in some seasons.
The lakeshores are a good place for photos, with Mount Meru rising behind the water.
View on Google MapsWhat Accommodation, Add-ons and Meals Are Available?
Pre- and post-safari hotels, optional add-on tours and meal arrangements for this 1 Day Tanzania Day Trip.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels (Pricing in Arusha)
Arusha is the base for safari tours in Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- Karama Lodge - USD 113
- The African Tulip - USD 149
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 205
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 375
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- Karama Lodge - USD 76
- The African Tulip - USD 112
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 120
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 240
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- Karama Lodge - USD 73
- The African Tulip - USD 93
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 180
Add-on Tours in Arusha National Park
- Walking Safari with an armed ranger: price on request
- Canoeing on the Momella Lakes: price on request
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch
What Are the Most Asked Questions About This Safari?
Find answers to common questions about departure, accommodation, wildlife, meals, transportation and booking.
Yes. It is close to Arusha, has beautiful scenery and offers giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, colobus monkeys and many birds. It is a gentle, short safari without long drives. It does not have lions or large elephant herds, so if you want those, consider Tarangire, Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro.
The day trip starts and ends at your Arusha hotel. We collect you at about 8:00 AM and drop you back in the same place. Moshi pickups can be arranged on request and may cost more. Tell us your hotel when you book so we can confirm the exact pickup time.
The park is about 35 km from Arusha and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes to one hour. This is the shortest drive of any northern park, so you spend more of the day watching wildlife and less in the vehicle. Moshi pickups take about two hours, so please ask us in advance.
You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, plus flamingos on the Momella Lakes in some seasons. The park is also good for birds. Large predators are rarely seen. Sightings vary, so your guide will adjust the route to current conditions.
June to October is the dry season, with clear views of Mount Meru and the best game viewing. January and February are also good. March to May brings long rains, greener scenery, fewer visitors and some muddy tracks, and clouds can hide the mountain, though the day trip still runs.
Yes. A picnic lunch is included, and you receive about 2 liters of bottled drinking water per person during the trip. Breakfast is not included, so please eat at your hotel before pickup. Alcohol and other extra drinks are not included. Tell us about vegetarian, vegan or allergy needs when you book so we can prepare a suitable lunch.
Yes. Arusha National Park is one of the best family safari options. The drive is short, the pace is gentle and children usually enjoy the monkeys and giraffes. Tell us your children's ages when booking so we can arrange suitable seating, and ask us about minimum ages for optional activities.
Yes. Many travelers turn a day trip into a 2-day or 3-day safari, which gives more time with the animals and avoids a long return drive. Our 2-day Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara safari is a popular next step. Tell us how many days you have and we will design a trip that suits your budget.
Yes. Private departures can be arranged for couples, families, friends and small groups. A private trip gives you more flexibility with the pickup time, pace and photo stops, and the vehicle is for your party only. Because vehicle and guide costs are shared among fewer people, the price per person may be higher than on a shared trip.
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Plan your Tanzania safari with Macpace Tours and experience iconic wildlife destinations.
Book This SafariWhere Does This Safari Go?
Follow the full safari route from Arusha, Tanzania through 2 destinations.
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