Best 1 Day Tanzania Safaris Trips Tours 2025

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness, our 1 Day Tanzania Safari Packages are the perfect solution. These day trips offer a thrilling opportunity to explore world-famous national parks and encounter the Big Five — all in a single day. Whether you're staying in Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, or Moshi, we offer a wide variety of one-day safari options that suit your travel schedule and budget.

These safaris are ideal for travelers on tight itineraries, business visitors with a free day, or those looking to combine a wildlife adventure with other travel plans like beach holidays in Zanzibar or cultural experiences in northern Tanzania.

Top 1 Day Safari Destinations in Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Day Safari

This is one of the most popular 1-day safaris in Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Big Five — lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. The safari starts early in the morning from Arusha, Moshi, or Karatu, followed by a full-day game drive on the crater floor. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views, a rich variety of animals, and a picnic lunch by the hippo pool. It’s a compact safari experience packed with adventure.

Tarangire National Park Day Trip

If you love elephants and picturesque baobab trees, this is the safari for you. Tarangire is located just a couple of hours from Arusha, making it perfect for a one-day trip. It's especially rewarding during the dry season (June to October) when large herds of animals gather near the Tarangire River. You can expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and a range of bird species.

Lake Manyara National Park Day Safari

Located between Arusha and Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara offers a stunning mix of lake scenery, forests, and wildlife. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and rich birdlife. A day trip to Lake Manyara is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxed game-viewing experience. Safaris to this park can start from Arusha, Mto wa Mbu, or Karatu.

Arusha National Park Day Safari

This park is the closest to Arusha city, making it ideal for visitors with very limited time. Though smaller than other parks, Arusha National Park offers a unique mix of experiences, including walking safaris, canoeing on Momella Lake, and views of Mount Meru. Expect to see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and possibly colobus monkeys — all just 45 minutes from the city.

Serengeti Day Safari from Mwanza

If you’re based in Mwanza, you can explore the western corridor of the Serengeti on a full-day safari. This area is rich in wildlife and provides a chance to witness parts of the Great Migration, depending on the season. The safari starts early from Mwanza and enters the park through the Ndabaka Gate. It’s a rare opportunity to experience Serengeti in a single day without the long drive from Arusha.

Mikumi National Park Day Safari from Dar es Salaam

For those in Dar es Salaam or Morogoro, Mikumi National Park offers a true bush experience close to the city. The park is known for its open plains and abundant wildlife, including lions, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants. A day trip from Dar es Salaam requires an early morning departure, but the reward is an authentic safari experience.

Saadani National Park Day Safari from Zanzibar or Bagamoyo

Saadani is the only national park in East Africa that borders the Indian Ocean. From Zanzibar, you can take a boat or short flight, or drive from Bagamoyo. The park combines bush and beach, giving you the chance to see elephants and hippos near the shoreline. It’s a unique experience perfect for those seeking something off the beaten path.

Types of 1 Day Safari Packages Available

Budget Camping Day Safari – Starting from $180 Per Person

The Budget Camping Day Safari is ideal for travelers seeking an affordable yet immersive wildlife experience in Tanzania. This option involves joining a shared group and traveling in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional guide. It includes park entry fees, bottled water, and a packed lunch. Budget safaris are available to destinations such as Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara. Prices start at USD 180 per person, making it an excellent choice for those on a limited budget.

Private 1 Day Safari – Starting from $270 Per Person

The Private 1 Day Safari offers a personalized experience tailored to your interests and schedule. You will travel in a private safari vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide, allowing for greater flexibility in choosing your destination and pace. This safari is suitable for couples, families, photographers, or anyone who values comfort and privacy. Common destinations include Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. The cost begins at USD 270 per person.

Group Sharing Day Safari – Starting from $190 Per Person

The Group Sharing Day Safari is a cost-effective and social option, perfect for solo travelers or small groups. Participants share a safari vehicle and guide, making it a budget-friendly alternative without compromising the wildlife experience. These safaris frequently visit parks such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, or Ngorongoro Crater. Pricing for the group sharing safari starts at USD 190 per person.

Luxury 1 Day Safari – Starting from $680 Per Person

The Luxury 1 Day Safari is designed for travelers who prefer premium service and amenities. This option includes travel in a high-end 4x4 vehicle, gourmet meals, and exclusive access to select areas. For those based in Zanzibar, fly-in luxury safaris to Serengeti or Ngorongoro are available, featuring early morning flights, full-day game drives, and VIP service. Prices for luxury day safaris start at USD 680 per person, offering a refined way to explore Tanzania’s natural wonders.

Where Can Your 1 Day Safari Start From?

Our 1-day safaris are designed to be flexible and accessible no matter where you're located in Tanzania. Whether you're in the north, central, or coastal regions, we offer day trip safaris that let you experience the wonders of Tanzania’s national parks without the need for overnight stays. Here’s a closer look at where your adventure can begin:

• Day Trip Safari from Arusha: Arusha is the perfect gateway for several stunning national parks. From here, you can explore the wildlife-rich Tarangire National Park with its iconic baobabs and elephants, visit the scenic Lake Manyara known for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions, enjoy a full-day tour in the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, or take a short drive to Arusha National Park for a walking or canoeing safari near Mount Meru.
• Day Trip Safari from Moshi: If you're based in Moshi, you're just a few hours away from incredible wildlife experiences. We offer day safaris to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and even the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater. It's a great option for travelers who want to combine a Kilimanjaro trip with a short wildlife excursion.
• Day Trip Safari from Karatu: Karatu is conveniently located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara. From here, you can quickly access the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive or visit Lake Manyara for a scenic safari experience.
• Day Trip Safari from Mwanza: In western Tanzania, Mwanza is an ideal starting point for a day trip to the Western Serengeti. Enjoy a fly-in or drive-in safari and explore a less crowded side of the Serengeti, especially during the migration months when herds cross the Grumeti River.
• Day Trip Safari from Zanzibar: Staying on the island? You don’t have to miss out on a safari. We offer fly-in day trips from Zanzibar to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park. It’s an unforgettable combination of beach and bush – all in a single day.
• Day Trip Safari from Dar es Salaam: From the bustling city of Dar es Salaam, you can escape into nature with a full-day safari to Mikumi National Park, often called the "mini Serengeti" for its diverse wildlife and open plains.
• Day Trip Safari from Morogoro: Just a short drive from Mikumi, Morogoro is perfect for spontaneous day safaris. Visit Mikumi National Park for sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and even lions.
• Day Trip Safari from Bagamoyo: Explore a rare combination of beach and wildlife with a day tour to Saadani National Park – the only park in Tanzania where the savannah meets the sea. It’s an excellent option for coastal visitors looking to see wild animals and relax by the Indian Ocean.

No matter where you’re staying, our team can help arrange transportation and logistics to ensure you make the most of your one-day safari experience. Let us know where you are, and we’ll take care of the rest!

What’s Included in the Safari?

All our 1-day safari packages typically include the following:

• Return transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
• Park entry fees
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Packed or hot lunch
• Bottled water throughout the safari
• Wildlife viewing and scenic photo stops

Fly-in safaris from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam also include return domestic flights and airport transfers.

Best Time to Go on a 1 Day Safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. However, the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October when animals gather near water sources. The green season from November to May is also beautiful, with lush landscapes and fewer tourists — ideal for birdwatching and photography. Parks like Arusha and Manyara are great to visit at any time of the year.

Is a 1 Day Safari Worth It?

Absolutely! A one-day safari gives you a taste of Tanzania’s wilderness, even if you’re only in the country for a short time. You’ll have a chance to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and even lions, depending on the park. With our experienced guides, quality vehicles, and carefully planned itineraries, your single day in the wild will feel like a complete adventure.

Ready to Book Your 1 Day Safari in Tanzania?

Whether you're in Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza, or Dar es Salaam, we can help you plan a memorable one-day safari that fits your schedule, budget, and interests. From budget group trips to exclusive fly-in luxury experiences, we have something for every kind of traveler.