Is the walking safari safe?

Yes, absolutely. Every walking safari is strictly escorted by an experienced, armed Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) ranger who ensures safety throughout the trek.

Can I see Mount Meru during this tour?

Yes, Arusha National Park sits directly on the slopes of Mount Meru, offering magnificent, up-close views of its towering cliffs and ash cone.

Are there big cats like lions in Arusha National Park?

Lions and rhinos are absent from Arusha National Park, making it exceptionally safe and ideal for walking safaris, giraffes, zebras, colobus monkeys, and bird watching.

How far is Arusha National Park from Arusha city center?

It is the closest national park to Arusha, taking only about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach by vehicle from the city.

1-Day Arusha National Park Adventure

Transportation
4X4 Safari Jeep
Group Size
2-12 People
Arrival on
KLM/ARU Airport
Departure from
KLM/ARU Airport
Best season
All year round
Guiding method
Guided Safari
Trip type
Mid range
Language
English, Spanish, French
Meals
Breakfast and Lunch
Permits
Include
Minimum Age
4
Maximum Age
80
Destinations
Arusha National Park
Activities
Trekking, Wildlife Game Drives
Trip Type
Wildlife Safaris
Difficulty
Moderate

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Discover the hidden gem right on Arusha’s doorstep with a 1-day excursion to Arusha National Park, curated by African Alive Safaris Limited. Despite its compact size, this diverse park packs an incredible punch—featuring the imposing slopes of Mount Meru, the shimmering Momella Lakes tinged with pink flamingos, dense montane forests inhabited by playful blue monkeys and rare colobus monkeys, and open savannahs where giraffes and zebras roam freely. Perfect for travelers seeking lush scenery, rich birdlife, and an optional walking safari experience.

Highlights

Experience an optional guided walking safari on foot escorted by an armed national park ranger.
Discover the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, often referred to as "Little Ngorongoro."
Admire stunning, close-up views of the majestic slopes and ash cone of Mount Meru.
Spot playful black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping through lush montane forest canopies.
Explore the shimmering Momella Lakes, home to colorful water birds and pink flamingos.

Itinerary

Expand all

Departing from your Arusha hotel at 8:00 AM, you will take a short drive to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park. Depending on your preference, begin your morning with either an armed ranger-escorted walking safari or an immersive game drive through dense montane forests to spot colobus monkeys and giraffes against the backdrop of Mount Meru. After a scenic picnic lunch overlooking the lakes, spend your afternoon exploring the shallow Momella Lakes filled with flamingos and driving up to the viewpoints of the breathtaking Ngurdoto Crater before returning to Arusha in the late afternoon.

Day 01 :

Full day game drive

08:00 AM – 08:45 AM: Briefing & Hotel Pickup in Arusha

Meet your professional African Alive Safaris driver-guide at your Arusha hotel at 8:00 AM. Enjoy a short, relaxing 45-minute drive northeast toward the entrance gates of Arusha National Park, catching magnificent morning views of Mount Meru along the way.

08:45 AM – 09:15 AM: Park Gate Registration

Arrive at the Momella Gate. Complete park entry formalities with your guide and pick up an authorized armed national park ranger if you choose to participate in a guided walking safari session.

09:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Guided Walking Safari & Morning Game Drive

Begin your morning with a unique, close-up 2-hour guided walking safari through open bush and acacia woodland escorted by an armed ranger, allowing you to experience nature on foot while observing giraffes, buffaloes, and bird species up close. Alternatively, embark on an immersive morning game drive through lush montane forests to spot rare black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping through the canopy.

12:30 PM – 01:30 PM: Scenic Picnic Lunch

Stop for a peaceful boxed picnic lunch at a designated scenic spot (such as the Momella Lakes viewpoint or Fig Tree Arch), enjoying tranquil views across sparkling alkaline lakes reflecting Mount Meru.

01:30 PM – 03:30 PM: Afternoon Lakes & Crater Tour

Continue your afternoon exploration by driving around the shallow Momella Lakes, home to thousands of pink flamingos, diving ducks, and water birds. Proceed to the striking Ngurdoto Crater—a steep-sided volcanic bowl often referred to as "Little Ngorongoro"—and view swamp grasslands teeming with warthogs and herds of buffalo from the rim viewpoints.

03:30 PM – 04:30 PM: Park Exit & Return Drop-off

Conclude your park exploration, exit through Momella Gate, and enjoy a brief transfer drive back to Arusha. African Alive Safaris will drop you off at your hotel or the airport by late afternoon.