Arusha National Park Day Tour: Giraffes, Lakes & Mt. Meru

Spot giraffes and buffalo on foot, then paddle Momella Lakes under Mt. Meru's shadow

A day tour from Moshi into Arusha National Park combines a morning game drive through forest and savannah with a guided walking safari in the afternoon, offering close views of giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and colobus monkeys against the backdrop of Mt. Meru. Canoeing on Momella Lakes is available as an add-on. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, picnic lunch in the park, air-conditioned transport, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Moshi.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arusha National Park luxury safari

• Hotel pickup and orientation
• Complete park entry formalities
• Scenic game drive spotting wildlife
• Picnic lunch in the park
• Guided walking safari with Mt. Meru views
• Return drive to hotel

The experience

How do you see wildlife without fighting crowds? This tour limits daily departures, which means smaller groups and a quieter experience in Arusha National Park. You start with a game drive through the park's varied terrain (lush forests, open savannahs, crater lakes), where giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and black-and-white colobus monkeys move through their day. The landscape shifts as you go, and Mt. Meru rises in the distance, visible from most of the park.

Midway through, you pause for a picnic lunch in the park itself, with fresh water and snacks included. After eating, the guide leads you on foot through the same terrain you drove earlier, which changes how you see it: slower, closer, on the ground. Walking lets you notice details a vehicle passes, and the views of Mt. Meru's slopes become clearer from this vantage. If you want to add canoeing on Momella Lake, you can book that separately at checkout. It floats on the itinerary after the walking safari. The full day runs about eleven hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Your guide speaks English throughout and handles all park formalities at the entrance. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in the midday heat, and the route is designed to fit inside one day from Moshi without rushing the stops.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Moshi.
• all park entry and permit fees.
• picnic lunch with fresh bottled water.
• snacks and sodas.
• WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kuhe tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary without translation. This suits travelers who want to understand what they're seeing and ask questions as the day unfolds, rather than relying on a translated briefing at the end.

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Top questions

What wildlife will I actually see in Arusha National Park?

Giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and black-and-white colobus monkeys are regular sightings on the game drive and walking safari. Flamingos appear on Momella Lakes. The park's varied habitats (forest, savannah, and crater lakes) support different species, so sightings vary by season and time of day.

Is the walking safari difficult, or can anyone do it?

The walking safari is guided and paced by the group, not a strenuous hike. It suits all fitness levels. The park's terrain is mixed (some flat stretches, some gentle slopes), and the guide sets the speed. Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection.

Can I canoe on Momella Lake, or is it just viewing from the shore?

Canoeing on Momella Lake is optional and booked as an add-on at checkout. If you skip it, you'll see the lakes during the game drive and walking safari but won't paddle on them. The canoe option sits in the afternoon after lunch.

What's the difference between the game drive and the walking safari?

The morning game drive covers more ground quickly in the air-conditioned vehicle, letting you see a wider range of the park and spot animals from a distance. The afternoon walking safari covers less distance but puts you on foot in the landscape, offering a closer, slower view of the same terrain and Mt. Meru's slopes.

Does the tour leave early, or is there time for breakfast at the hotel?

The guide picks you up from your hotel in the morning. The exact pickup time is confirmed when you book. Plan to eat breakfast before pickup or ask your hotel to prepare something early.