Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park Full Day Itinerary – A Day of Contrasts
Arusha National Park at a Glance
Just a short drive from Moshi and Arusha lies one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems: Arusha National Park.
In just one day, you can experience sprawling savannah, montane forest, crater lakes, and the dramatic peak of Mount Meru – all without the long drives of larger parks.
At Extraordinary Safari, we offer a carefully crafted full-day itinerary that showcases the best of this compact but incredibly diverse park. As a family-owned company (the Mongi Family), we pride ourselves on personalized, flexible, and authentic safaris. This day trip is perfect for travelers with limited time, or as a warm-up before a longer northern circuit safari.
Quick Overview
Duration: Full day (approx. 8–10 hours)
Pickup: Your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (earliest 6:00 AM from Moshi)
Drop-off: Same location by evening
Park highlights: Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, Mount Meru views, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, blue monkeys, flamingos
Optional upgrade: Guided walking safari or canoeing on Momella Lakes (extra fee)
Detailed Itinerary
06:00 AM – Pickup from Moshi / Arusha
Your Extraordinary Safari driver-guide will meet you at your lodge or hotel in Moshi (around 6:00 AM) or Arusha (around 7:00 AM).
Enjoy a morning coffee and a packed breakfast as we drive towards the park entrance. On the way, your guide will share stories of the local landscape, the Chaga people, and the history of Mount Meru.
08:00 AM – Arrival at Arusha National Park Gate
After a scenic drive of roughly 1.5 hours from Moshi (or 30 minutes from Arusha), we reach the Ngongongare Gate for park formalities. While your guide handles entry permits, you can spot black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging in the trees right at the gate.
08:30 AM – Game Drive around Momella Lakes
We begin our game drive around the shallow, alkaline Momella Lakes. These lakes are famous for their shifting colours (green, blue, yellow) and for attracting large flocks of lesser flamingos.
The backdrop is breathtaking: Mount Meru (the 5th highest peak in Africa) rises steeply to your west.
10:30 AM – Optional Walking Safari (extra cost)
For an extraordinary experience, swap the vehicle for a guided walking safari (1.5–2 hours, accompanied by an armed ranger).
Walk through montane forest and grassland, learning to track animal footprints, identify bird calls, and see the smaller wonders of the park. This is one of the few parks in Tanzania where walking is allowed.
Note: Pre-booking required. Not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch with Mount Meru View
We stop at a designated picnic site (often near Tululusia Hill) with panoramic views of Mount Meru and the Rift Valley.
Enjoy a delicious packed lunch prepared by your guide – think sandwiches, fresh fruit, juice, and a local snack. Your vehicle is equipped with cold drinks and bottled water
01:30 PM – Ngurdoto Crater Rim Drive
After lunch, we drive to the Ngurdoto Crater – often called “Little Ngorongoro”. You cannot enter the crater floor, but the rim offers spectacular views. Look down into the swampy floor where elephants, buffalos, and bushpigs sometimes gather. The surrounding forest is home to blue monkeys, turacos, and silvery-cheeked hornbills.
03:00 PM – Final Game Drive & Cultural Stop (optional)
We take a relaxed game drive back towards the park gate, with one last chance to photograph giraffes and zebras.
If time allows and you are interested, your guide can make a short stop near a local Maasai boma (village) to learn about traditional life – at no extra pressure to buy souvenirs.
04:00 PM – Depart Park & Return Drive
We exit the park and begin the drive back to Moshi or Arusha. You can nap, review your photos, or ask your guide any remaining questions
05:30 PM – Drop-off at Your Hotel
Arrive back at your accommodation in Moshi (or earlier in Arusha) in the early evening, filled with memories of a compact but action-packed safari day.
LET’S PLAN TOGETHER
What’s Included?
What’s Excluded?
Why Book This Tour with Extraordinary Safari?
Your Gateway to the Wild
Family-run since 2015
The Mongi Family personally oversees every itinerary.
Local expertise
Our guides grew up near Arusha National Park and know the secret spots for giraffes and flamingos.
Flexible pacing
You decide whether to add walking, shorten game drives, or extend the sunset
Small groups
No hidden fees.
Booking & Contact
Ready for your full day adventure in Arusha National Park?
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +255679 110 609 📧 Email: info@extraordinarysafari.com
📍 Office: Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (near the clock tower)