An amazing day trip to the little-known jewel of Tanzania, Arusha National Park, is tucked just this side of the Kenyan border, near the bustling city of Arusha. Mount Meru, at 4566 meters, is a popular choice for mountaineers who want to avoid the well-trodden trails of Kilimanjaro.
Arusha National Park is less well-known than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, but it’s worth visiting if you want to see a magnificent landscape with a diverse range of flora and animals — but with fewer people!
Arusha National Park offers an awe-inspiring mix of flora, including swamps, grasslands, and montane forest, as well as the tropical rainforest-clad mountain slopes of Mount Meru.
Arusha National Park Day Tour
This “small pearl” of a park is conveniently located near Arusha town and makes for a wonderful day excursion. Its small lakes and the vast Ngurdoto Crater are ideal habitats for a diverse range of animals. Mount Meru rises majestically above, providing a breathtaking background. You could encounter buffalo and elephants, zebras and antelope, as well as some of the 400 bird species reported here. A hotel pick-up in the early morning guarantees that you get the most out of this fantastic day excursion.
Arusha National Park Day Trip Game Drive
Overview: Embark on an exhilarating day trip game drive through the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife habitats of Arusha National Park. This adventure offers a thrilling opportunity to explore the park’s scenic beauty and encounter a wide array of wildlife species in their natural habitat.
Itinerary:
- Morning Departure: Your day begins with a morning departure from your accommodation in Arusha or nearby areas. You’ll be greeted by your experienced guide and set off on a journey to Arusha National Park, located just a short distance away.
- Park Entry and Briefing: Upon arrival at the park, you’ll proceed to the entrance gate where you’ll pay the park fees and receive a briefing from your guide. They’ll provide you with important information about safety protocols, wildlife viewing etiquette, and the highlights of the day ahead.
- Game Drive Exploration: Once inside the park, the adventure truly begins as you embark on a thrilling game drive through the park’s diverse ecosystems. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you along scenic trails, pointing out fascinating wildlife sightings and sharing insights about the park’s natural history and conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Encounters: Keep your camera ready as you traverse the park’s grassy plains, dense forests, and sparkling lakes. Arusha National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, and an abundance of bird species. With luck, you may even spot elusive predators such as leopards and hyenas.
- Picnic Lunch: Midday, take a break from the excitement of the game drive to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the scenic beauty of the park. Relax and savor your meal while taking in the sights and sounds of nature all around you.
- Afternoon Exploration: After lunch, resume your game drive adventure, continuing to explore the park’s hidden gems and lesser-known corners. Your guide will take you to strategic viewpoints and wildlife hotspots, maximizing your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.
- Return to Arusha: As the afternoon draws to a close, bid farewell to the wonders of Arusha National Park and begin your journey back to Arusha. Reflect on the day’s adventures and cherish the memories of your unforgettable game drive experience.
