Best Tanzania Day Trips, One Day Safaris from Moshi & Arusha
The Best Tanzania Day Trips, One Day Safaris from Moshi and Arusha. Day trips in Tanzania often focus on safaris to national parks like Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, or cultural experiences such as Materuni Waterfalls and coffee tours, with options also available from Zanzibar to Stone Town, Jozani Forest, and spice farms. Other excursions include hot springs, island hopping, and exploring local villages to experience Tanzania’s rich wildlife, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Explore Tanzania through Kilimanjaro Trekking Services’ customised day treks and brief excursions originating from Moshi and Arusha. Regardless of whether you possess a single day or several, these excursions are crafted to highlight the finest aspects of Tanzania’s natural splendour and cultural legacy. Engage in remarkable safaris, cultural excursions, and picturesque walks, all conducted by our knowledgeable guides and comfortable, specifically outfitted cars.
Best Tanzania Day Trips
Tanzania has some of the finest safari experiences in Africa. To truly appreciate the offerings of this area, one must spend a minimum of several days in the wilderness. Each day on safari is unique, and the surprises of nature remain unpredictable. If you have only one day, a one-day Tanzanian safari may be precisely what you seek. Fortunately, numerous tour operators have recognised this demand, resulting in a plethora of excellent day trip options available. Many day visits require considerable driving time to reach the park and return, providing an opportunity to observe the countryside and the daily activities of local residents. Prepare for an exhilarating day filled with activities that will create lasting memories.
Questions About Tanzania Day Trips
Are there day trips available to Tanzanian parks and reserves?
Several Tanzanian parks and reserves are readily accessible for day excursions from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Arusha serves as the access point to the nation’s Northern safari circuit. A minimum of 4 to 5 days is required to complete the entire circuit; however, with an additional day, one can explore either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Parks. Despite the lengthy duration, a day excursion to the Ngorongoro Crater is feasible. Arusha National Park is in close proximity to the city. This compact yet picturesque park is ideal for a half- or full-day excursion with minimal driving time. This location offers game drives and walking safaris. A canoe excursion on the Momella Lakes is particularly remarkable, frequently attracting large congregations of flamingos.
Mikumi National Park is the most ideal option for a day safari from Dar es Salaam. It is advisable to pause at one of the waterholes to observe a continuous influx of animals, including substantial herds of buffalo, approaching to drink. Alternatively, you may embark on a day excursion to Saadani National Park, where the savanna converges with the ocean. The journey here requires around three hours, although a ferry transfer is also feasible.
Is it possible to see the Big Five on a 1-day tour?
Tanzania provides exceptional wildlife observation opportunities, and during a 4- to 5-day safari in the Northern circuit, there is a substantial likelihood of encountering the Big Five. This presents greater challenges for a day travel. Rhinoceros are largely absent from the majority of Tanzanian parks and reserves. The sole location to consistently observe black rhinos in their natural habitat is the Ngorongoro Crater, which is also the exclusive site where one may encounter the Big Five in a single day excursion.
Tarangire is renowned for its substantial elephant herds during the dry season. Buffalo are prevalent; yet, sightings of large cats are inconsistent. Lake Manyara provides excellent opportunities for animal observation and the possibility of encountering tree-climbing lions. Arusha National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including striking black-and-white colobus monkeys; however, sightings of the Big Five are improbable, with the exception of buffalo. Mikumi has excellent wildlife observation opportunities, featuring three of the Big Five readily visible, while leopard sightings are quite uncommon. In Saadani, one may observe elephants, giraffes, and many types of antelope; however, wildlife densities are relatively modest. A boat excursion down the mangrove-fringed Wami River is a unique experience. Mkomazi National Park hosts the Big Five. It provides thrilling close-up interactions with black rhinos in an enclosed sanctuary, while sightings of big cats are inconsistent.
Is it safe to book a day trip in Tanzania?
“In our view, day trips in Tanzania are quite safe, provided you book with a reputable tour operator.” The majority of day excursions commence in Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Numerous travellers navigate Arusha without issues; nonetheless, it is crucial to adhere to certain safety measures and steer clear of crowded locations, such as the market and bus terminal. Major urban centres globally are notorious for crime, with Dar es Salaam notably possessing a negative image. In an unfamiliar city, one may expose oneself to danger due to a lack of knowledge regarding which areas to evade and where potential threats may exist. Consequently, it is advisable to arrange a tour if you have a free day and like to explore. You will be transported to and from your accommodation or the airport. The mere existence of the guide will render you an improbable target.
What can I expect from a 1-day Tanzania safari
“During a standard one-day safari, you will be collected from your lodging at dawn or immediately following an early breakfast.” The journey to the park typically requires several hours. This provides an opportunity to observe the rural Tanzanian lifestyle beyond the urban environment. You will encounter several villages and individuals engaged in agricultural labour. Upon arrival at the entrance gate, your driver-guide will require a few minutes to complete the necessary papers, during which you may utilise the lavatory facilities. Your guide will raise the roof before you embark on a game drive in the park. You will dedicate the morning to searching for wildlife. When animals seek refuge in the shade, it is time to pause for lunch at a picnic location. This may occur near a picturesque overlook or a waterhole frequented by animals for hydration. The afternoon is dedicated to searching for further creatures before being returned to your hotel in time for supper.
Is a 1-day Tanzania safari worth it?
A real safari should ideally include many nights in the bush; yet, there are occasions when a one-day Tanzania safari is necessary. You may be a business visitor in Dar es Salaam, the largest city, seeking optimal ways to utilise a spare day. Alternatively, you may be in transit with sufficient time for a little excursion beyond the airport. Following an extended safari from Arusha, you may have an additional day to occupy. Alternatively, you may have reserved a beach vacation in Zanzibar and desire some excitement with a day excursion to the wilderness. Regardless of the conditions, it is always worthwhile to embark on a safari with a day to spare. One would be astonished by the extent of sights and experiences attainable inside a mere day.
How much will this safari cost?
“The majority of one-day safaris from Arusha or Dar es Salaam range in price from US$250 to US$500 per individual.” This encompasses transportation to and from your accommodation or the airport, as well as park admission prices. It often comprises a packed lunch and potable water. Day excursions to the Ngorongoro Crater commence at approximately US$450 per individual. The primary factors contributing to this elevated price are the substantial entrance cost to the Crater and, to a lesser degree, the extended travel distance. It is traditional to provide a gratuity to the guide at the conclusion of the day in addition to this.