Arusha National Park day tour: Game drive and walking safari

One day combines three kinds of safari in a single park.

A day tour of Arusha National Park from Arusha combines a morning game drive, picnic lunch, and afternoon walking or canoe safari, all within a few hours' drive from the city. You travel in a 4×4 vehicle with a guide, stop to watch wildlife and birds, and explore on foot or by water depending on your choice. The park's mix of landscapes, from montane forest to open plains, makes it possible to see multiple habitats without traveling far.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arusha National Park game drive and safari

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive to Arusha National Park
• Embark on game drive
• Enjoy picnic lunch in park
• Take walking or canoe safari
• Drive back to Arusha

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Arusha accommodation in the morning, followed by a 30- to 60-minute drive to the park. Once there, you begin a game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle, moving through the park's varied terrain to spot wildlife and birds. Arusha National Park draws birdwatchers especially. The combination of forest, grassland and water means you're likely to see species you wouldn't encounter on a typical savanna game drive alone.

Lunch is a picnic served within the park, giving you time to rest and absorb the landscape. The afternoon shifts to active exploration: you can choose a walking safari to move through the park on foot, or a canoe safari if water is part of the day's route. This mix of vehicle-based and on-foot movement is what sets the park apart from larger reserves where you stay mostly in the vehicle. The guide leads throughout, and the park suits all fitness levels, so the walking pace can be adjusted to the group.

You're driven back to Arusha in the late afternoon or early evening. The full day (typically 6 to 10 hours from pickup to return) fits into a single calendar day without requiring an overnight stay, making it workable for travelers with limited time or those based in the city.

What’s included

• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• picnic lunch in the park.
• all activities mentioned (game drive, walking safari or canoe safari).
• parking fees at the park entrance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Under 17: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Livingstone Safari Tanzania

Is this one for you?The full day runs 6 to 10 hours from pickup to return, which fits a single calendar day without an overnight stay: ideal if you're based in Arusha or have a free afternoon and want to see multiple safari habitats without traveling far from the city.

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Top questions

What animals and birds might I see on a game drive in Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park is known for birdwatching, with species found in its montane forest and grassland habitats that differ from those on the open savanna. The park also has buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and smaller mammals. Sightings depend on the season and time of day, and the guide will position the vehicle to maximize viewing opportunities.

How much walking is involved in the afternoon safari?

The walking safari is led by your guide and can be adjusted to suit the group's pace and fitness level. The park is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so the distance and terrain are flexible rather than fixed.

Is the canoe safari available every day, or do I need to choose it in advance?

The afternoon activity (walking safari or canoe safari) depends on your preferences and what the tour operator offers on the day you book. Confirm your choice when you arrange the tour so the guide can plan the route accordingly.

What's the drive time from Arusha town to the park entrance?

The drive from your accommodation in Arusha to Arusha National Park takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point within the city.

Does the tour include lunch, and what kind of food is served?

Lunch is included and served as a picnic within the park. The specific menu depends on the operator, so ask about dietary requirements or preferences when you book.