Arusha safari: what the park offers
Arusha National Park is a small park with a lot of variety. Forest, open grassland, crater walls, alkaline lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru all sit within its 552 square kilometres. That mix is why an Arusha safari feels different from the big plains parks. You can drive, walk and paddle on the same day.
The park offers three ways to explore: game drives in a vehicle, guided walking safaris and canoe trips on Small Momella Lake. A vehicle covers the most ground. A walk puts you at eye level with trees, birds and tracks. The canoe is the quietest option and needs to be arranged ahead.
Wildlife is varied but not guaranteed. Giraffes, buffalo and monkeys are good bets. The wildlife guide covers what the park is known for, and no operator can promise a particular sighting.
Our picks: Arusha National Park safaris
A van day trip with the entrance covered, a private walk with a ranger and a private picnic day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private walking safari in Arusha National Park
- Park fees and taxes
- Ranger-led walk
- 4x4 with pop-up roof
A private day with a walk led by a ranger, lunch and a 4x4 with a pop-up roof. Park fees and taxes are part of the price.
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Private walking safari with picnic lunch
- Walk with an authorised ranger
- Picnic lunch
- Private pickup
A private day built around a ranger-led walk in the park. Ask whether park fees are included before you book.
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Full-day safari in Arusha National Park
- Park entry and fees
- Guide and lunch
- Hotel pickup and return
A full day in the park with the entrance covered, which makes it the simplest price to compare. Lunch and a guide are part of it.
Check availability →Arusha National Park safari tours
Game drives, walking safaris and day trips from Arusha, with live prices and availability.
Arusha National Park safari: drive, walk or paddle
Fees for adult non-residents under the 2023/24 tariff, in US dollars.
| Activity | What it is | Fee (2023/24 tariff) |
|---|---|---|
| Game drive | Vehicle tour on the park tracks | Conservation fee $50 in high season, $45 from 15 March to 15 May; vehicle fee extra |
| Short walk | Guided walk of 1 to 4 hours | $20 per adult |
| Long walk | Guided walk of more than 4 hours | $25 per adult |
| Canoe | Two hours on Small Momella Lake, by prior arrangement | $20 per adult |
| Guide | Authorised guide for the group | $20 per group per day |
The table shows the 2023/24 tariff. Adults pay $50 (2023/24 tariff) or $70, depending on the rate TANAPA applies; check the current amount before you book. On an organised safari, park fees are often included in the price, but not always, so ask. Our park fees page explains the categories.
For most visitors, a day trip with one game drive and one short walk covers the range of the park well. Add the canoe if you can arrange it in advance.
Arusha walking safari
Walking is one of the main reasons to choose this park.
A guided walk is arranged at one of the park gates. The two usual starting points are the main Ngongongare Gate near Usa River and the Momella Gate, which is also where Mount Meru climbs begin. A ranger or authorised guide leads, and you stay with the group.
Short or long
The tariff splits walks by length. Anything from one to four hours counts as short, anything longer as long. Children from 12 pay a lower rate under the 2023/24 tariff.
Where walks go
Walks have traditionally followed routes such as Momella to Tululusia and along the rim of the Ngurdoto Crater. Ask at the gate which routes are open on your day. The Ngurdoto Crater page covers the viewpoints.
What to bring
Closed shoes, a hat, water and a light rain layer are sensible for any walk. Your guide will tell you what else the route needs.
Rules for game drives and walks
These rules protect the animals and you.
Stay on the tracks
Keep to the marked routes, respect speed limits and follow your ranger or guide. Off-road driving is restricted.
Do not feed animals
Feeding is not allowed. Stay in the vehicle unless you have permission to get out.
Drones
Flying a drone needs prior permission, so leave it at home unless you have that in writing.
Keep your distance
Use an authorised guide and keep a safe distance from wildlife. There is no single fixed distance, so follow your guide's call.
Longer safaris start in Arusha
The city is the usual starting point for the northern circuit.
A day in Arusha National Park fits easily before or after a longer trip. For multi-day safaris, read the guide to the Tarangire safari or see how the trip works for the Serengeti from Arusha. The Ngorongoro Crater has its own guide as well.
Arusha safari: frequently asked questions
How far is Arusha National Park from the city?
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes, and up to an hour depending on traffic and where in Arusha you start.
Can I do a walking safari in Arusha National Park?
Yes. Guided walks are one of the activities the park offers. Arrange one at a gate. Walks are led by a ranger or authorised guide.
Will I see the Big Five?
This is not a Big Five park, and no sighting is guaranteed. The park is known for giraffes, buffalo, colobus monkeys and flamingos at the lakes.
What does a safari here cost?
Adults pay $50 (2023/24 tariff) or $70, depending on the rate TANAPA applies, with walks and the canoe on top. Check the current amount before booking.
Is this the official Arusha National Park website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. The park is managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), and you pay park fees to them or through your tour.