Begin your grand northern Tanzania tour with a short drive to Arusha National Park — a wonderfully diverse park in the shadow of Mount Meru. Canoe the Momella Lakes, walk among colobus monkeys, and gaze into the Ngurdoto Crater before your overnight in Arusha.
Morning
Morning drive from Arusha to Arusha National Park (35km, 45 minutes). Morning game drive through the fig tree forest spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys, giraffes, and zebra. Visit the Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint — a miniature Ngorongoro filled with buffalo.
Afternoon
Canoe excursion on the Momella Lakes — paddle among flamingos, pelicans, and waterfowl with Mount Meru reflected in the still water. Guided lakeside walk spotting waterbirds and hippo tracks. Picnic lunch at the lake shore.
Evening
Return to Arusha by late afternoon. Check into your lodge. Welcome dinner and briefing on the nine days ahead.
WildlifeBlack-and-white colobus monkey, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, bushbuck, waterbuck, dik-dik, hippo, flamingo, pelican, African fish eagle, augur buzzard, silvery-cheeked hornbill
SceneryMount Meru's dramatic volcanic cone reflected in the Momella Lakes, the lush fig tree forest canopy, Ngurdoto Crater panorama with wildlife far below, the mountain moorland above the tree line
Arusha National Park offers a fantastic introductory safari — easy terrain, diverse habitats, and great wildlife in a compact area. The canoeing experience on the Momella Lakes is unique in northern Tanzania.