Arusha National Park Day Trip

Discover the closest national park to Arusha — the best short safari from Arusha. A unique Arusha National Park day trip combining a game drive through Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes, a guided walking safari with armed ranger, and optional canoeing safari. With no predators, this is the safest park for walking safaris in Tanzania. Arusha National Park entrance fee included. Available on Arusha day trips, Arusha safari tours, and Moshi tours.

★ 4.9 · 250+ Arusha NP Safari Reviews · Best Short Safari from Arusha · Safe Walking Safari · 2025
45min
From Arusha city
4x4
Game drive safari
Walk
Safe bush walk
$175
Safari price

Arusha National Park Day Trip – Closest Safari to Arusha

Welcome to the closest national park to Arusha — just 45 minutes from the city center. This Arusha National Park day tour is the perfect Arusha day trip for travelers wanting a short safari from Arusha without the long drives. Your 1 day Arusha National Park safari combines an Arusha National Park game drive in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a walking safari with armed ranger — one of the few parks where you can walk in Arusha National Park because there are no predators. Spot colobus monkeys, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and flamingos at Momella Lakes against the stunning backdrop of Mount Meru. This Arusha National Park safari is family friendly and perfect for those wanting a half day option or full day adventure. Available as an Arusha National Park tour from Moshi and combinable with Arusha National Park and Materuni combo or Arusha National Park and city tour combo.

Safe Walking Safari

Can you walk in Arusha National Park? Yes! With no predators (no lions or leopards), it's safe for guided bush walks with armed ranger. A rare Tanzania walking safari experience.

Colobus Monkeys & Wildlife

See black-and-white colobus monkeys, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, and over 400 bird species on your Arusha NP day tour.

Momella Lakes & Flamingos

Visit the scenic Momella Lakes — home to thousands of flamingos. Optional canoeing safari gets you closer to wildlife from the water.

Arusha National Park Wildlife – What Animals to See

What animals are in Arusha National Park? Your Arusha National Park wildlife safari showcases incredible diversity: Arusha National Park colobus monkeys (black-and-white colobus) swinging through the forest, giraffes browsing acacia trees, buffalo herds, graceful zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, and over 400 bird species. The Momella Lakes attract thousands of Arusha National Park flamingos — a spectacular sight against Mount Meru (4,566m). Your Arusha National Park game drive and walking safari covers Ngurdoto Crater (often called "Little Ngorongoro"), forest trails, and lakeshore habitats. The Arusha National Park birdwatching safari is among the best in Tanzania.

Flamingos at Momella

Thousands of greater and lesser flamingos feed in the alkaline Momella Lakes. A stunning sight with Mount Meru as backdrop on your Arusha NP day trip.

Colobus Monkey Troops

The park is famous for its colobus monkeys safari — large troops of black-and-white colobus in the forest canopy. A highlight of any Arusha National Park tour.

Ngurdoto Crater & Mt Meru

Explore Ngurdoto Crater — a miniature caldera — with stunning Mount Meru views. Your Arusha National Park Mt Meru safari offers incredible photo opportunities.

Arusha National Park Day Trip Itinerary

07:30Arusha National Park hotel pickup. Your Arusha National Park from Arusha hotel pickup in a private 4x4 safari vehicle. Briefing with your Arusha National Park expert local guide. The distance from Arusha to Arusha National Park is only 35 km — about 45 minutes. Also available as Moshi to Arusha National Park safari.
08:15Arrive at Arusha National Park gate. Arusha National Park entrance fee processed (included). Begin your Arusha National Park full day safari immediately.
08:30 – 11:00Morning game drive. Explore Ngurdoto Crater — spot giraffes, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, and bushbucks. Drive through montane forest looking for colobus monkeys. Your Arusha National Park game drive covers diverse habitats.
11:00Arusha National Park guided bush walk. Begin your Arusha National Park walking safari — a guided bush walk with armed ranger. Walk through forest trails, approach wildlife on foot, and learn about flora and fauna. The Arusha National Park safari walking experience is safe because there are no predators in the park.
12:30Arusha National Park picnic lunch. Enjoy a scenic picnic at a designated site with views of Momella Lakes and Mount Meru. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available.
13:30Optional: Arusha National Park canoeing safari. Paddle on Momella Lakes — get close to flamingos, hippos, and water birds. The Arusha National Park canoe safari Momella is a unique perspective (add-on $45/person).
14:30Afternoon game drive. Visit the northern sector for more wildlife viewing. Arusha National Park photography safari in golden afternoon light.
16:00Exit the park. Relaxed 45-minute drive back to Arusha. Hotel drop-off by approximately 17:00.

Total duration: approximately 8–9 hours. This Arusha National Park tour itinerary includes game drive, walking safari, and lunch. Arusha National Park half day option available (4 hours, game drive only) from $120/person.

How Far is Arusha National Park – Distance & Access

Arusha National Park, Arusha Region, Tanzania

Distance from Arusha to Arusha National Park: Only 35 km (22 miles) — approximately 45 minutes drive. How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha? It's the closest national park to Arusha.

Moshi to Arusha National Park safari: Approximately 120 km (2–2.5 hours). Available as Arusha National Park tour from Moshi with early pickup.

Best time to visit: Year-round. Dry season (June–October) for easiest wildlife viewing. Wet season (November–May) for lush scenery and flamingos.

Safe for walking: Arusha National Park no predators safe walking — no lions or leopards, making it the only park near Arusha where walking safaris are permitted.

Arusha National Park Safari Price & Entrance Fee

Arusha National Park Entrance Fee – Included

How much is Arusha National Park entrance fee? The Arusha National Park entrance fee for non-residents is approximately $45–50 per adult per day. Arusha National Park entrance fee 2026 is included in all our packages.

Arusha National Park safari cost from $175 USD — Arusha National Park starting price per person for a private tour. Arusha National Park safari includes: transport 4x4 safari vehicle, entrance fee, game drive, walking safari with armed ranger, picnic lunch, expert guide, hotel pickup. Arusha National Park safari excludes flights meals drinks (lunch included in full-day).

Most Popular

Private Day Safari

$175 /person

Arusha National Park private day trip

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Entrance fee included
  • Game drive + walking safari
  • Armed ranger for bush walk
  • Picnic lunch & water
  • Hotel pickup & drop-off
Book Private Safari

Group Joining Safari

$145 /person

Shared Arusha National Park tour

  • Shared 4x4 (max 6 guests)
  • Entrance fee included
  • Game drive + walking safari
  • Armed ranger bush walk
  • Picnic lunch & water
  • Hotel pickup & drop-off
Book Group Safari

Luxury Safari

$345 /person

Arusha National Park luxury safari

  • Luxury 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • All fees included
  • Game drive + extended walk
  • Canoeing safari included
  • Gourmet picnic lunch
  • Private photographer guide
Book Luxury Safari

Arusha National Park Safari Deals & Combos

Arusha National Park half day option — Game drive only (4 hours). From $120/person.

Arusha National Park and Materuni combo — Morning safari + afternoon waterfall & coffee tour. From $235/person.

Arusha National Park and city tour combo — Safari day + Arusha city cultural tour. From $210/person.

Arusha National Park day trip deals — Check for seasonal Arusha National Park safari deals and budget safari options.

Book Your Arusha National Park Safari

Ready to book Arusha National Park safari? Arusha National Park safari booking confirmed within 12 hours. Free cancellation up to 48 hours. Reserve Arusha National Park day trip with no payment today. Arusha National Park family friendly safari — children welcome.

250+ travelers booked our Arusha National Park safari in 2025. Arusha National Park tour operators you can trust. Response within 12 hours.

Arusha National Park – Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Arusha National Park entrance fee? The Arusha National Park entrance fee for non-resident adults is approximately $45–50 per day. Arusha National Park entrance fee 2026 is included in all our Arusha National Park safari packages. Arusha National Park safari cost from 175 USD per person covers everything — entrance fee, game drive, walking safari, lunch, transport, and guide. No hidden costs.

How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha? The distance from Arusha to Arusha National Park is only 35 km (22 miles) — approximately 45 minutes drive. It's the closest national park to Arusha, making it perfect for a half day option or full day adventure. Moshi to Arusha National Park safari is about 120 km (2–2.5 hours).

Can you walk in Arusha National Park? Yes! It's one of the few parks in Tanzania where walking safaris are permitted. Because there are no predators (no lions, no leopards), it's safe for walking. Your Arusha National Park bush walk with armed ranger is a highlight — walking through forest trails approaching wildlife on foot. The Arusha National Park safari with ranger walking tour is safe, guided, and unforgettable.

Is Arusha National Park worth visiting? Absolutely! It offers a unique combination of game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, stunning Mount Meru views, and incredible wildlife including colobus monkeys and flamingos — all just 45 minutes from Arusha. It's the best short safari from Arusha for travelers with limited time. Arusha National Park family friendly safari — safe for children.

What animals are in Arusha National Park? Giraffes, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, dik-diks, waterbucks, hippos, colobus monkeys (black-and-white), blue monkeys, and over 400 bird species including thousands of flamingos at Momella Lakes. No lions or leopards — that's why walking safaris are possible. This Arusha National Park wildlife viewing tour is rich and diverse.

Arusha National Park safari includes: Private transport 4x4 safari vehicle, Arusha National Park expert guide, park entrance fees, full-day game drive, walking safari with armed ranger, picnic lunch, drinking water, and hotel pickup/drop-off. Arusha National Park safari excludes flights meals drinks beyond the provided lunch. Optional canoeing safari add-on available.

Arusha National Park best time to visit: Year-round! Dry season (June–October) for easiest wildlife viewing. Wet season (November–May) for lush green scenery, fewer visitors, and peak flamingo numbers. Morning visits are best for wildlife activity. The park is accessible all year on Arusha day trips and Moshi tours.

Yes! We offer Arusha National Park private day trip (dedicated vehicle and guide), Arusha National Park group joining safari (shared, max 6 guests), and luxury safari options. Arusha National Park private tour cost from $175/person. Shared Arusha National Park tour from $145/person. Book Arusha National Park safari online or contact us.