ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP
Driving Time from Arusha: 45 minutes
Arusha National Park is an easy day trip from Arusha itself and gives you the opportunity to see the famous (and rare) black and white Colobus monkeys. You can also enjoy a drive through the park or a day hike or even a canoe trip on the Momella Lakes.
After you enjoy breakfast in your hotel, your driver and guide will pick you up for the short drive East to the scenic Arusha National Park. Arusha is small compared to other parks you may visit (Tarangire or Lake Manyara) but it has plentiful wildlife and a variety of interesting geographic features.
During game drives in Arusha National Park, your driver will explain the natural flora and fauna you will see, including the amazing Strangling Figs. You will stop to admire flamingos and pelicans in the seven small Momella lakes, which are also home to many migratory waterfowl. Look down into the Ngurdoto crater, a smaller cousin to the great Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the little Serengeti area of Arusha National Park. You are likely to see bushbucks, waterbucks, zebras, Cape buffalo, warthogs, baboons, and giraffes. With just a little luck, you will also see blue monkeys and, of course, the black and white Colobus monkeys with their long tails and distinctive faces.
You may admire (or even explore a little) Mount Meru; the second highest peak in Tanzania and the fifth-highest in Africa. Destination Serengeti also offers multi-day climbs for Mount Meru if you have more time available.
Depending on your interests, consider including a canoe trip on the Momella Lakes in your day adventure, and enjoy the quiet scenery and the birdlife and shore wildlife as you travel slowly along these deeply coloured lakes surrounded by rainforest. On a clear day, you will have amazing views of both Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.
You may also be interested in arranging a walking safari as part of your day trip to Arusha National Park, which can include a visit to the impressive Tululusia waterfall. This has to be planned ahead of time, and you need to be accompanied by a park ranger.
After a full day in Arusha National Park, your guide will return you to your hotel, with plenty of stories to tell and full memory cards for your camera! Relax and enjoy your evening.
