WHERE TO GO ON A DAY TRIP SAFARI IN TANZANIA?

A graceful Giraffe crossing a path in Saadani National Park. Giraffes are just one of the wild animals you will get to see on a Tanzania safari day trip / Image: @the_gallery

Do you want to do a safari but don't want to commit to a multi-day tour? There's a common misconception that wildlife-spotting excursions take a few days, but in Tanzania, there are options to suit everyone's availability.

Recently, we've noticed that there’s a big demand for day trip safaris in Tanzania; they allow people to enjoy an animal-tracking encounter with minimum commitment. It's an opportunity for travelers to see remarkable protected areas like Ngorongoro Crater while also being able to move on to their next destination the next day.

If you only have a day to spare on your vacation but would love to see some animals while you're here, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll show you the best places to go on a safari trip in Tanzania in a day, along with some tips and tricks to help you plan the experience.

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Baboons are easily seen on a safari trip in Tanzania. Here we see a mother baboon with her baby on her back manovering through the grasslands in Nyerere National Park / Image: @aronmarinelli

  1. Who Are One-Day Safari Itineraries Suited For?

Most travelers who visit Tanzania often organize a safari for several days; it's one of the main reasons why people come here. However, if you want to do a lot of activities in a tight timeframe, you might have reservations about committing to this amount of time.

Say you plan to spend some time in Zanzibar, want to see Kilimanjaro, and take a cruise on Lake Victoria; this all adds up. But with a 1-day safari option available, you can squeeze in some wildlife-watching time while also ticking off the main attractions from your Tanzania bucket list.

These are the reasons why people tend to book one of our one-day safari itineraries:

  • People who already have a packed itinerary and only have one day available to organize an independent excursion.

  • Individuals who are in Tanzania on business and have some extra time to spare.

  • People who are hiking Kilimanjaro and would love to do a 1-day safari.

  • Anyone who has extended stopover before catching their flight to their next destination.

  • Families with small kids who don't want to exert them with a multi-day tour.

  • Travelers who are on a tight budget and looking for an affordable package.

A traveler glances at a soaring giraffe in the forests. Lake Manyara is one of the most picturesque National Parks and is perfect for a Tanzania safari day trip. / Image: @etvoilaraissa

2. How to Plan a 1-Day Safari

A great deal of work goes into planning a 1-day safari. You've got to consider a few things to help you through the process:

#1 CHOOSING A LOCATION

You should choose a close destination for your safari based on where you'll be overnighting. So, if you're staying in Arusha, you can easily book an outing to the Ngorongoro Crater since it's only a 3-4-hour drive away.

#2 YOUR BUDGET

Everyone's budget will be different for their excursions, but the good news is that 1-day safaris are affordable compared to options where you camp or lodge overnight for multiple days.

#3 WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN TERMS OF WILDLIFE

Giraffes, cheetahs, zebras; what do you want to see? All of Tanzania's safari locations have different groups of wildlife residing in them, so it's essential to make sure there's a chance of seeing what you desire in the game reserve you want to visit.

#4 WHAT LEVEL OF COMFORT YOU NEED

Different safari providers offer different levels of comfort, but usually, the best safari companies provide more all-inclusive packages. Some people may want a luxurious private tour, while others prefer journying with other travelers for an economical price point.

#5 HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN YOUR GROUP

Due to vehicle capacity restrictions, there's often a group size restriction when you book with a safari tour operator. The number of passangers per vehicle is typically between 6-8 people depending on the size of the vehicle. If your group exceds 8 passangers then you will be split into two seperate safari vehicles.

Ngorongoro Crater is a hub for thousands of wild animals, here is a herd of elephants assembled againt the backdrop of the stunning crater walls / Image: @mvwilcox

3. Choosing a Location: The Best Places for a 1-Day Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

When booking a wildlife safari, you'll likely put a lot of thought into where you want to go. But since it will be one day, you might be limited with your options depending on your circumstances.

In our experience, some locations are better suited than others for one-day tours; for example, our most booked 1-day safari package is in the Ngorongoro Crater because of its accessibility and popularity.

Let's go through it with you:

OUR NGORONGORO CRATER 1-DAY SAFARI ITINERARY

Set on the Eastern Great Rift Valley Arm in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest locations in the country to see the Big 5.

Our 1-day tour begins with a pick up bright and early from your hotel in Arusha, Keratu or Ngorongoro to head straight to the Crater. As your driver spins you through the stunning rural parts of Northern Tanzania, our experienced local guide will be with you to prepare you for your action-packed day, tell you all about the Crater as well as the animals who reside there and answer any questions you might have.

You’ll arrive at the roughly 2.5 million-year-old ancient crater where you will descent down to the Crater floor to observe as many of the 25,000 different animal species that call it home, from majestic lions to fearless elephants; you're in for a treat.

Throughout your time in the crater, your local guide will be navigating the way through rugged savannahs and wetlands to give you the best possible chance to see the incredible wildlife. Although not as common, you might even spot leopards or the elusive black rhino.

Halfway through the day, there will be a lunch stop to help you refuel for the rest of the day’s adventure. Once you're ready, you will continue on your second leg of your Ngorongoro Crater safari adventure.

As the late afternoon starts to appear, your driver will start the jouney back to your lodge or campsite situated in either Arusha, Keratu or Ngorongoro.

4. Other Great Places for a 1-Day Safari

Can you see lions on a Tanzania safari day trip? Yes you can at Mikumi National Park. Here is a powerful lioness yawning amongst the bushes / Image: @escape_from_reality

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I TURN MY ONE-DAY SAFARI INTO A MULTI-DAY TOUR?

Absolutely! We offer lots of extension options to suit your needs. Maybe after a day in the Ngorongoro Crater, you want to visit the Serengeti or Arusha National Park, which is totally doable. Our itinerary planners will help you create an amazing adventure.

HOW MUCH DOES A SAFARI COST PER DAY IN TANZANIA?

Good question. The cost of a safari per day in Tanzania varies; many things can impact the price, whether it's the activities included in your package or the level of accommodation.

If you have an itinerary in mind and are wondering how much it will cost, feel free to get in touch with our travel team directly on our Contact Us page, and it will be our pleasure to give you a quote .

IS PICK-UP INCLUDED WHEN YOU BOOK A DAY TRIP SAFARI?

In most cases, pick-up from your accommodation will be included when you book a one-day safari. However, there are certain situations when a safari company will choose a meeting point to avoid traffic and save time too.

WHATS THE BEST 1-DAY SAFARI OPTION FROM DAR ES SALAAM?

While many of the top safari spots in Tanzania are located in the northern parts of the country, there are some places you can visit within one day from the central hub of Dar es Salaam. Some of these include Nyerere National Park, Saadani National Park, and Mikumi National Park.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK FOR A ONE-DAY SAFARI?

Since you won't be staying overnight in a lodge, you won't need to bring as many things with you on a one-day safari, but there are a few essentials you'll need, such as:

  • A bottle of water

  • Bug spray

  • A rain jacket

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Binoculars

  • A camera and a lens

  • Local currency (Tanzanian Shillings TZN) for any souvenirs or extra meals

  • Comfortable footwear

Should it happen that you've checked out of your hotel and you've got to catch your flight that night, notify us or the company you've booked with to ensure they've got storage space for your luggage.

Book Your Day Trip Safari in Tanzania Today!

It may come as a surprise to you, but day trip safaris are definitely a thing in Tanzania. Sure, you won't get to stay overnight in a nature reserve or get to experience multiple game drives, but it will give you a wonderful taster.

As long as you're at an accessible starting point, we'll easily be able to assist you with booking your one-day excursion. You can choose our popular Ngorongoro package or let us design a bespoke route in a different place of your choosing.

book your one day ngorongoro Crater Tour with us today!

Experience the beauty of Tanzania with our unforgettable 1-day safari in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater.

This private tour offers a chance to witness the legendary Big 5 during a thrilling 5-hour game drive.

Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest intact caldera, is a biodiverse haven. Enjoy a private tour in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, tailored to your interests.

Ideal for special occasions, this adventure promises a memorable day in breathtaking landscapes, designed just for you and your companions.