Day trips from Arusha and Moshi

Arusha and Moshi sit between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, and a surprising amount lies within a few hours' drive. A day trip suits you if you arrive a day early, wait for a Kilimanjaro climb, or simply want one taste of the parks without a full safari.

  • Arusha National Park is the shortest drive of any northern park day trip: flamingos on the Momella Lakes, views into the Ngurdoto Crater, colobus monkeys in the forest, and Mount Meru above it all.
  • Tarangire is the place for elephants, with large herds along the river and old baobabs across the plains.
  • Lake Manyara packs groundwater forest, lakeshore and the Rift Valley wall into one compact park.
  • The Ngorongoro Crater is the longest day of all, with an early start, but nowhere else in the north gives you a better chance of seeing black rhino in open country.
  • Materuni is a Chagga village on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro: walk to the waterfall, roast and grind coffee with a farmer and share a home-cooked lunch.
  • Kikuletwa Hot Springs is a clear, naturally warm pool under tall trees, an easy rest day after a safari or a climb.
  • Lake Duluti is a quiet crater lake near Arusha for a canoe paddle and a forest walk.
  • The Kilimanjaro day hike walks the first stage of the Marangu Route through rainforest to Mandara Hut, about 2,700 m up.

Day safaris from Zanzibar

You do not need to leave the beach for a week to see wildlife. From Zanzibar you can fly to Mikumi or to Nyerere National Park, the former Selous, spend the day on game drives and be back on the island by evening. Saadani is reached by boat instead, a park where the bush runs down to the Indian Ocean. For more time in the parks, see our safaris from Zanzibar.

A morning in the air

The Serengeti balloon flight is not a trip from town: it starts at dawn from your lodge or camp in the Serengeti, so add it to a safari that stays in the park. You float for about an hour, then sit down to breakfast in the bush.

Planning your day

  • Start early. Park day trips leave in the early morning, when animals are most active and the light is soft.
  • Bring layers. The Ngorongoro rim and the Kilimanjaro forest are cool in the morning even when the plains are hot.
  • Sun and dust: a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light scarf make a long game drive more comfortable.
  • Group size: most of our park day trips run with just one traveler; the Materuni trip needs at least two. Each trip page says.

Prices are per person and fall as more of you travel. Use the When and Travelers boxes at the top to see yours, or ask us to combine two day trips into a short stay.

Are park fees included in your day trips?

Yes. On our day trips from Arusha, Moshi and Zanzibar, the park or entry fees and taxes are included, along with transport and a guide. The "Included" list on each trip gives the details.

Which day trip is best for wildlife?

The Ngorongoro Crater has the most wildlife in one place and a real chance of black rhino, but it is the longest day. Tarangire is best for elephants. Arusha National Park is the closest to town and the easiest day.

Can I take a day trip on my own?

Most of our park day trips run with a single traveler. The Materuni waterfall and coffee tour needs at least two travelers. The per-person price is highest for one traveler and falls as the group grows.

Is lunch included?

Yes, on every day trip from Arusha, Moshi and Zanzibar: a picnic in the park or a cooked lunch, depending on the trip. The Serengeti balloon flight ends with a full breakfast in the bush instead.

Can I join a day trip from Zanzibar without a safari?

Yes. The Mikumi, Nyerere and Saadani day trips start and end at your Zanzibar hotel, so they fit into a beach holiday without any other travel.