The Best Safari in Arusha National Park, Tanzania (2025)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable African adventure in 2025, there’s no better place to start than Arusha National Park. This lesser-known gem lies just a short drive from Arusha city, yet it offers a thrilling mix of wildlife, landscapes, walking trails, and relaxation. Whether your ideal journey is an Arusha National Park day trip, a guided day tour, or something more immersive like an Arusha National Park walking safari, Asante Travel Group is here to make it extraordinary.

Why Arusha National Park Should Be on Your 2025 Safari List

Arusha National Park is often overshadowed by the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but in many ways, it’s uniquely rewarding:

It’s compact, so you can experience diverse ecosystems—mountain forest, crater, lakes, savanna—all in one day.

It offers walking safaris, a rare opportunity in Tanzania, letting you tread the bush on foot under expert guidance.

You’ll find fewer crowds and more intimate wildlife encounters.

It’s conveniently located, making it ideal as a day trip or day tour from Arusha city.

When you combine all that with a trusted operator like Asante Travel Group, you get a safari that’s both adventurous and hassle-free.

Top Safari Options with Asante Travel Group

Here are the best ways to experience Arusha National Park:

1. Arusha National Park Day Trip

This is the classic “get a taste of Tanzania” option. You depart in the morning from Arusha, head into the park for game drives, and return by evening. You’ll visit highlights like Momella Lakes, the Ngurdoto Crater, and forested jungle areas.

Even in one day, you can see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, primates, and a host of bird species. Let Asante Travel Group organize all logistics — vehicle, guide, park fees, lunches — so you just focus on the experience.

2. Arusha National Park Day Tour

A day tour is more curated. In addition to game drives, a day tour often includes guided forest walks, photo stops, and deep insight from experienced guides. Some tours even include canoeing around Momella Lakes.

With Asante Travel Group, expect a schedule tailored to your interests — whether you’re keen on photography, birds, nature details, or just relaxing in wild surroundings.

3. Arusha National Park Walking Safari

This is the highlight for many travelers. A walking safari (1.5 to 4 hours) lets you slow down, sense the bush, see smaller sights (insects, plants, tracks) and approach wildlife on foot with a ranger’s guidance.

On walking safaris, you might cross the Jekukumia River, visit waterfalls, walk through montane forest or savanna patches, and enjoy the intimacy of nature far from vehicles.

When combined with game drives, you get the best of both worlds.

Where to Stay: Lodges & Hotels Near Arusha National Park

While there are few (or no) full lodges strictly inside the park boundaries, you’ll find excellent Arusha National Park lodges and hotels in Arusha National Park around the park edges or in nearby Arusha.

Here are standout options:

Hatari Lodge — This boutique lodge sits on the rim of the park and is historically famous (the movie Hatari! was filmed nearby). It offers charming accommodations and a direct connection to the park’s wilderness.

Koroi Forest Camp — Nestled in forested terrain inside Arusha NP, this camp offers tranquil chalets overlooking glades with forest wildlife.

Arusha Safari Lodge Tanzania — Located just a few kilometers outside Arusha, this lodge has cottages set among volcanic hills, with views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

Arusha Coffee Lodge — A luxury eco-retreat amidst coffee plantations, blending comfort, style, and natural ambiance.

Mount Meru Game Lodge, Olerai Lodge, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, and more — these are all among the options listed in lodge/hotel listings for the region.

Choose based on your comfort preference, proximity to park gates, and whether you want to stay in a rustic camp or more upscale lodge.

Sample 1-Day Itinerary with Asante Travel Group

Here’s how a full day might unfold:

Time Activity

06:30 Pick up from your Arusha hotel

07:30 Arrive at park entrance; begin game drive

09:30 Stop at Momella Lakes to see flamingos & hippos

11:00 Walking safari through forest and river crossing

13:00 Picnic lunch in the bush

14:00 Resume game drive to Ngurdoto Crater

16:00 Exit park and drive back to Arusha

~17:00 Drop off at your hotel or next destination

During this schedule, you’ll experience both vehicle-based wildlife viewing and a walking safari segment — combining thrills, depth, and flexibility. Asante Travel Group ensures smooth transitions, safe guides, and local insights all day.

Tips & Insights for the Best Experience

Bring sturdy walking shoes — you’ll want comfortable footwear for trails, sometimes damp or uneven.

Neutral, earth-tone clothes are best (khaki, olive) — avoid bright colors.

Carry water, sun protection, insect repellent, a hat, and a camera — all essentials.

Time your visit — the dry season (June to October) gives clearer views and easier walking, while the wetter months offer lush landscapes and more birds.

Reserve early — lodges and walking safari slots are limited, especially in peak seasons.

Hire an experienced guide — local ranger knowledge transforms a safari into a storytelling journey. That’s what we do at Asante Travel Group.

Why Choose Asante Travel Group

We’re more than a tour operator — we’re your local partner in crafting magical experiences. With Asante Travel Group, your Arusha National Park safari becomes:

Seamless (transport, permits, logistics handled)

Tailored (you choose the pace, interests, walking vs drives)

Safe (experienced guides and rangers)

Memorable (local stories, hidden trails, insider views)

We believe a safari should feel personal, not generic. Let us weave the dreams you came with into the journey you won’t forget.

Final Thoughts

The BEST safari in Arusha National Park (2025) isn’t just about ticking wildlife off your list — it’s about slowing down, feeling the bush, chasing light across crater walls, and staying somewhere that feels like a peaceful wilderness retreat. Whether through an Arusha National Park day trip, day tour, or walking safari, with Asante Travel Group you’ll explore boldly yet thoughtfully.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Asante Travel Group now to plan your 2025 safari and make Arusha National Park one of your most cherished travel memories.