Arusha National Park is Tanzania's best-kept secret — a compact wilderness spanning from the alkaline Momella Lakes to the summit of Mount Meru, all within 45 minutes of Arusha city. This full-day excursion combines a classic game drive with a unique canoe safari, offering a wonderfully varied day in the African bush.
Your morning begins with a game drive through acacia woodland where giraffes browse treetops, Cape buffalos gather in muddy wallows, and black-and-white colobus monkeys leap through the fig canopy. Keep your camera ready for the park's resident flamingos — thousands of lesser flamingos paint the Momella Lakes pink against a backdrop of Mount Meru's volcanic cone.
After a gourmet picnic lunch overlooking the lakes, you'll board a canoe for a guided paddle across Big Momella Lake. Gliding silently past hippos, waterbuck, and nesting African fish eagles provides a perspective on African wildlife unavailable from any vehicle. Return to Arusha by late afternoon.
Follow the itinerary as it moves through each destination, with grouped day ranges for consecutive stays.
Curated moments, destinations, and experiences woven into this journey.
★Arusha National Park
An editorial journey through each day of the safari, with destinations, imagery, and places you will stay.
Pick-up from your Arusha hotel at 7:30 AM. Drive to Arusha National Park — the hidden gem at Kilimanjaro's doorstep. Morning game drive through Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes — spot giraffe, buffalo, flamingos and colobus monkeys. Late morning canoe safari on the Momella Lakes with hippos nearby. Picnic lunch with views of Mount Meru. Afternoon walking safari with an armed ranger. Return to Arusha by 5:30 PM.
A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.
✓["Park entrance fees","Canoe safari fee","Private 4x4 vehicle","Professional guide","Gourmet picnic lunch, water, and snacks","Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha"]
✓["Canoe safari across the Momella Lakes","Thousands of flamingos with Mount Meru backdrop","Giraffes, buffalos, and colobus monkeys on game drive","Just 45 minutes from Arusha city","Gourmet picnic lunch overlooking the lakes","Hippos and African fish eagles from the canoe"]
×["Gratuities","Personal items","Travel insurance"]
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