If you have an extra day before or after your big adventure of if you are just short on time, the following offerings are a great way to see the area and learn about the local culture. Contact Joining Safaris for full details.

Arusha National Park

  This small yet spectacular national park is located very close to Moshi and Arusha regions, and features many of Tanzania’s various terrains and wild life. Highlights include Mt. Meru, Ngurdoto crater and the Momela lakes. From 1500 m base camp to Mt. Meru’s summit at 4566 m, Arusha National Park exhibits several vegetation zones including grasslands, pine forests, valleys and rainforests. The land is alive with natural wildlife including 400 species of resident and migratory birds, including the famous flamingos (seasonal) that spend their leisure time in the awesome Momela Lakes. Resident mammals include hyena, buffalo, klipspringer, gerenuk, black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkey. Snakes, chameleons, alligators, tortoises and turtles are observed up close and personal at the reptile and snake farm. Walking safaris available for this trip, and is most ideal for a day’s trip from either Moshi or Arusha.

Lake Manyara National Park

  Another taste of Africa, Lake Manyara is a national park and forest dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. Two famous sights are unique to Manyara include the tree-climbing lions and the tree-climbing pythons. The lions can be spotted lounging across the branches of Acacia trees, often times as high as seven meters off the ground! The Great Rift Valley is noted for its incredible beauty. All visitors enter the park and drive immediately into the lush rainforest terrain, home to many families of baboons and blue monkeys. Beyond the rainforest lies many other terrains, including woodlands, grasslands, and swamps, thus it is home to many other animals. The park is noted for its huge herds of buffalo and elephant. You’ll also have a chance to spot giraffe, impala, hippo, and a variety of small animals. Bring your camera!

  After breakfast, meet with our professional tour guide/driver to receive a short safari information briefing. Following the briefing, travel west to the Great Rift Valley and the Lake Manyara National Park. Travel through agricultural Mto wa Mbu and witness the fresh produce market just prior to entering the park. There can also be time allowed for souvenir hunting, which is very proliferative in the town. Spend the day enjoying the park and a picnic lunch inside the gates, and end the day with a search for tree-climbing lions! Late afternoon departure to Arusha/Moshi where you are taken to your hotel for dinner and overnight.