Arusha National Park Day Trip Safari: Momella & Ngurdoto Crater

Morning: Drive from Arusha Town to Arusha National Park

📍 Distance: ~35 km (45-minute drive from Arusha town)
🚙 Activity: After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, your driver-guide will pick you up for a scenic drive towards Arusha National Park. On the way, enjoy views of small villages, coffee plantations, and Mount Meru looming in the distance.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast (at hotel)

Mid-Morning: Game Drive in Arusha National Park

📍 Distance: Game drive within the park area
🚙 Activity: Upon arrival at the park, you’ll begin your game drive through different habitats — montane forest, open grassland, acacia woodland, and swamps. This park is unique because it’s the only place where you can see giraffes grazing against the dramatic Mount Meru background. Other common sightings include zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and bushbucks.

If lucky, you’ll encounter troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the tall forest trees — a highlight of Arusha National Park.

🍽 Meals: Packed picnic lunch at one of the park’s designated picnic sites, often with a view of Mount Meru or Momella Lakes.

Early Afternoon: Momella Lakes Visit & Bird Watching

📍 Distance: Short drive within the park
🚙 Activity: Continue your safari towards the Momella Lakes, a collection of shallow alkaline lakes famous for their birdlife. This is a paradise for bird watchers, with hundreds of flamingos often seen feeding along the shores. Other water birds like herons, kingfishers, and African fish eagles may also be spotted.

🍽 Meals: Light snacks and refreshments during the drive

Optional: Walking Safari (Highly Recommended)

📍 Distance: Short guided walk with armed ranger
🚙 Activity: Arusha National Park offers an optional walking safari accompanied by a park ranger. This is a thrilling way to get up close to the flora and fauna, learning about tracks, animal behavior, and the ecosystem from a local expert. The walk is usually along safe paths and offers a chance to spot giraffes, zebras, or even buffalos on foot.

🍽 Meals: Water and snacks provided

Late Afternoon: Visit Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoint

📍 Distance: Short drive within the park
🚙 Activity: Before heading back to Arusha, visit the famous Ngurdoto Crater — a beautiful volcanic crater often called “Little Ngorongoro” because of its shape and views. The crater is surrounded by lush forests and often shelters animals such as buffaloes and monkeys.

🍽 Meals: None (return journey)

Evening: Drive Back to Arusha Town

📍 Distance: ~35 km (45-minute drive back)
🚙 Activity: After a full day of wildlife viewing and adventure, your guide will drive you back to your hotel in Arusha, marking the end of your memorable Arusha National Park Day Trip Safari.

🍽 Meals: None