Day Tour to Arusha National Park: Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater & Forest Game Drive
A full-day excursion from Arusha that combines forest walks, crater rim vistas and relaxed game drives around the Momela Lakes. Ideal for travelers who want wildlife and varied terrain without a long trek.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early for active wildlife
Morning departures give you cooler temps and better chances to see grazers and predators moving near the lakes and plains.
Layer for elevation changes
Temperatures drop as you move into higher forest and crater rim areas—bring a light insulated layer and a wind shell.
Bring binoculars and a mid-zoom lens
Animals are often seen at medium distances around the lakes and crater—binoculars make sightings more rewarding; a 70–300mm lens captures good detail.
Respect wildlife distance
Stay in the vehicle unless your guide indicates a short, safe walk; keep noise low and avoid flash photography near animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ngurdoto Crater rim walk for close views of marsh habitat
- •Quiet shorelines of the smaller Momela Lakes for bird photography at dawn
Wildlife
- •Black-and-white colobus monkey
- •African buffalo
Conservation Note
The park’s small footprint concentrates visitor impact; follow park rules, avoid leaving any waste, and use local guides to support conservation and nearby communities.
The area served as a filming location for mid-20th-century safari movies and has long been used by local Meru and Maasai communities for grazing and cultural ties to the land.
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Clarifies distant shorebird and ungulate sightings around Momela Lakes.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Provides traction on crater rim paths and forest trails with roots and loose gravel.
Sun hat & sunscreenEssential
Essential for exposed picnic sites and lakeshores under strong equatorial sun.
Light waterproof jacket
Useful during sudden afternoon showers or cool winds at higher elevations.
Common Questions
How long is the drive from Arusha to the park?
Most hotel pickups take 20–40 minutes depending on location in Arusha; the park entrance and game areas are accessed by short drives on gravel roads from the main gate.
Will I see the Big Five on a day trip?
Arusha National Park supports buffalo and other mammals but is not the best place to reliably see all Big Five animals; expect giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and a wide variety of birds and primates.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Many operators offer accessible vehicles and the park has some wheelchair-accessible areas; check with the provider about specific accessibility needs before booking.
What food and water provisions are included?
Most day tours include bottled water and a picnic or boxed lunch; confirm any dietary requirements when booking so the operator can accommodate you.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–8 hours
Location
Arusha, Arusha Region
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people in reasonable health; vehicle-based driving with short, easy walks on uneven forest or crater trails.
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