Day Trips From Arusha: Half-Day and Full-Day Excursions Around Tanzania's Safari Capital

Most visitors pass through Arusha on the way to the northern circuit, and many arrive a day early or have a day to spare before a flight. Rather than waiting in a hotel, a short excursion shows you something of the region and helps you settle into the pace of travel.

This page focuses on excursions rather than the town itself, which is covered in the Arusha city guide. Each option below says what it involves, who it suits and how to arrange it through your operator or hotel.

This guide is part of our Uganda districts and towns guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Arusha National Park

This compact park lies close to the town and packs forest, lakes and open ground into a small area, with Mount Meru rising behind it. A half-day game drive can show giraffes, buffalo, warthogs and colobus monkeys, and the park is known for its birdlife. It suits families, first-timers and travellers who want a gentle introduction before a longer safari. Walking safaris with an armed ranger are possible in the park. Read the Arusha National Park activities guide and the Mount Meru and Arusha National Park guide for detail.

Canoe Safari

Paddling on the park's Momella lakes offers a calm, quiet way to see wildlife from the water, with flamingos, hippos or buffalo sometimes visible from a safe distance depending on the day. It suits active travellers and keen photographers, and it is usually combined with a drive or a walk. Guides give a briefing and life jackets are provided. Our canoe safari in Arusha National Park guide explains what to expect and who should book it.

Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu

A full day can reach Lake Manyara National Park and the nearby market town of Mto wa Mbu, which is a lively place for a short cultural walk. The park offers forest, lake shore and a chance of tree-climbing lions on some days, though sightings vary. A long day on the road is tiring, so many travellers prefer to overnight instead. See the Arusha to Lake Manyara route and Lake Manyara National Park guide.

Tarangire

Tarangire is known for its elephants and baobab trees, and it is another park that can be visited on a long day from Arusha. The dry season concentrates wildlife along the river. If you have only one day for a safari, early departure and a packed lunch make the most of it. Read the Tarangire National Park guide and the Arusha to Tarangire route before choosing between the two parks.

Cultural Visits and Coffee

Villages around Arusha offer visits that introduce local farming, food and crafts. Choose experiences run by community groups and operators who agree the visit with the community, and ask how the money is shared. A visit to a coffee farm shows how the crop is grown, picked and roasted on the slopes of Mount Meru. For background see the Maasai in Tanzania culture guide and the Tanzania etiquette and customs guide.

Lakes and Longer Excursions

Lake Duluti, a small crater lake close to town, offers a short walk or paddle and birdwatching in a peaceful setting. Further afield, remote lakes such as Natron are better treated as overnight trips; see the Arusha to Lake Natron route. Ngorongoro Crater is too far for a comfortable day trip from Arusha and works better as part of a longer itinerary.

How to Arrange a Day Trip

Book through your safari operator, hotel or a reputable local company, and ask about the vehicle, driver-guide, park entry arrangements and what is included. Confirm the start time, because early starts give the best wildlife viewing and cooler weather. Bring sun protection, a light jacket, water, binoculars and a camera. If you are choosing where to stay, see Arusha where to stay and the Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro itinerary for how a free day fits.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team