Tanzania Day Trips & Tours from Arusha

Tanzania Day Trips & Tours from Arusha

Are you dreaming of visiting Tanzania or have a long stopover in Arusha? If you’re searching for the best day trips and tours from Arusha, you’re in the right place! Tanzania offers incredible experiences, from spotting the Big Five and hiking Mount Kilimanjaro to immersing yourself in unique cultural encounters. One of the most unforgettable experiences is witnessing the Great Migration from a luxury safari camp.

Here are some of the best Tanzania day trips and tours starting from Arusha:

Serengeti National Park Day Trip

A visit to Serengeti National Park is one of the best ways to spend your time in Tanzania. As the country’s oldest and most famous national park, Serengeti is renowned for its vast savannahs, diverse wildlife, and the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. It is home to large herds of zebras, elephants, giraffes, and one of the highest concentrations of lions in Africa.

The Great Wildebeest Migration – A Must-See Experience

One of the park’s greatest spectacles is the Great Wildebeest Migration, a breathtaking event that takes place between June and October. Over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras journey from the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater to the Masai Mara in Kenya, then back again. This challenging 3,000-mile journey is a true test of survival, as predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow the migrating herds in search of easy prey.

The best time to witness the dramatic river crossings is during August and September, when wildebeests attempt to cross crocodile-infested waters. By late October, the herds begin their return journey to Tanzania as the rains start again.

Where to Stay in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly camps to luxury lodges. Depending on your budget and preference, you can stay at:

• Mwiba River Lodge
• Mwiba Wildlife Reserve
• Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge
• Singita Sasakwa Lodge
• Zawadi Serengeti Safari Lodge

Whether you prefer a luxury safari experience or a more rustic adventure, Serengeti has something for everyone.

Tarangire National Park Safari

Another fantastic day trip from Arusha is a visit to Tarangire National Park, which is located just a short drive from the city. Known for its large elephant population, Tarangire is second only to Serengeti in terms of wildlife concentration. If you’re an elephant lover, this is one of the best places in East Africa to see these magnificent creatures up close.

What to See in Tarangire National Park

Baobab Trees

One of the park’s most striking features is its massive baobab trees, which have a fascinating legend attached to them. According to local folklore, baobabs were once living creatures that roamed the earth. Their constant movement annoyed the creator, who punished them by planting them upside down, with their roots in the air.

Tarangire National Park’s beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife make it an ideal safari destination for those looking for a short yet memorable adventure.

Wildlife

Tanzania’s diverse landscapes provide a habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife. In Tarangire National Park, you can witness massive elephant herds—some numbering up to 300 individuals—alongside other animals such as wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, gazelles, hartebeests, zebras, and elands. The park is also home to the stately fringe-eared oryx and the uniquely long-necked gerenuk, making it a dream destination for wildlife lovers and photographers.

Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly safari camp or a luxury lodge, Tarangire offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Some top options include:

• Tanzania Baobab Tented Camp
• Kwa Kuchinia
• Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge
• Tarangire Treetops
• Oliver’s Tented Camp
• Maramboi Tented Camp
• Tarangire Sopa Lodge
• Tarangire Safari Lodge

Day Trip to Lake Manyara National Park

Nestled between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is a stunning destination known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The park is dominated by Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake formed in a Rift Valley depression at 960m above sea level.

Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare and fascinating behavior seen in very few places in Africa. The park is home to lush forests, woodlands, swamps, and open grasslands, making it a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, baboons, hippos, and flamingos.

Where to Stay in Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation options range from budget lodges to high-end luxury retreats. Popular choices include:

• Lake Manyara Tortillis Camp
• &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
• Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
• Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge
• Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge

Trip to Selous Game Reserve

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience, Selous Game Reserve is the perfect destination. Located in southeastern Tanzania, it is one of Africa’s largest and least crowded wildlife reserves, covering 5% of Tanzania’s total land area.

Selous is renowned for its remote and untouched landscapes, including miombo woodlands, riverine swamps, grasslands, rolling hills, and open plains. This vast and diverse habitat supports an incredible array of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic and exclusive safari experience.

Where to Stay in Selous Game Reserve

There are several excellent lodges and camps in Selous, ranging from budget accommodations to luxury safari lodges. Top picks include:

• Sable Mountain Lodge
• Selous Kinga Lodge
• Selous Great Water Lodge
• Selous Wilderness Camp
• Selous Luxury Camp
• Selous Mbuyu Safari Camp
• Mivumo River Lodge

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

• December to February – Excellent for wildlife viewing, with warm weather and clear skies.
• June to October – The best time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and enjoy game drives in pleasant weather.

The wet seasons (March to May and November) bring lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birdwatching opportunities, but some areas may be harder to access.

Why Book Your Tanzania Safari with Excursia Adventures?

Founded in 2019, Excursia Adventures specializes in professional and personalized safari experiences across Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Congo. Over the years, we have built a reputation as one of East Africa’s most reliable tour operators.

Why Choose Us?

Expert Team – Our experienced guides and travel specialists ensure a seamless safari experience.
Accredited & Trusted – We are full members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and work closely with the Tanzania Tourism Board.

Highly Rated – We are highly recommended on TripAdvisor and Trustpilot.
Reliable & Up-to-Date Information – Our website provides the most updated safari details to help you plan your perfect trip.
Local Expertise – We are a Ugandan-owned company that has extensively explored Tanzania, ensuring you receive first-hand knowledge and authentic safari experiences.

Start Planning Your Tanzania Safari Today!

Let us help you create an unforgettable Tanzania safari experience. Whether you’re interested in a wildlife safari, cultural tour, or luxury getaway, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you.

Contact us today to book your dream safari!