Best Full Day Tours from Moshi or Arusha 2025-2027

Northern Tanzania is a land of breathtaking contrasts from wide-open savannahs teeming with wildlife to lush rainforests, sparkling crater lakes, and ancient cultures. Whether you're staying in Moshi, the charming town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, or Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s famed northern safari circuit, there are unforgettable day trips that you can enjoy, all in just a single day.

Here’s a hand-picked list of the best full-day tours you can take from 2025 to 2027, perfect for travelers short on time but big on adventure. These trips are ideal for solo explorers, honeymooners, families, and small groups looking to experience the heart and soul of Tanzania in just one incredible day.

1. Tarangire National Park Safari

Departure: From Moshi or Arusha
Travel Time: 2.5-3 hours each way
Tour Type: Wildlife Safari
Recommended for: First-time safari-goers and wildlife lovers

Step into the wild with a full-day safari in Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. Known for its giant herds of elephants, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Tarangire is a haven for wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather along the Tarangire River. You’ll also spot towering baobab trees, elegant giraffes, graceful zebras, playful monkeys, and if you're lucky elusive lions and leopards. A professional guide will take you deep into the heart of the park, sharing insights about animal behavior and the delicate ecosystems of East Africa.

Travel Tip: Don’t forget your camera. Tarangire is especially photogenic in the golden light of morning and late afternoon.

2. Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Departure: From Arusha or Moshi (early departure required)
Travel Time: 4-5 hours each way
Tour Type: Premium Wildlife Safari
Recommended for: Big Five seekers, photographers, and nature lovers

Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Africa. Formed by a collapsed volcano, this massive caldera is home to over 25,000 animals, including all of Africa’s Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare and endangered black rhino.

The landscape is like something out of a dream green plain, soda lakes full of flamingos, acacia forests, and steep crater walls all around you. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can see such a diversity of animals within a compact area.

What’s Included: Full-day game drive, crater entry fees, packed lunch in a scenic picnic spot.

Note: Best done as a long day from Arusha or an overnight trip from Moshi due to travel distance.

3. Materuni Waterfalls & Chagga Coffee Experience

Departure: From Moshi (short drive)
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Tour Type: Nature + Cultural Experience
Recommended for: Hikers, cultural travelers, and coffee enthusiasts

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature combined with authentic cultural interaction, this tour is for you. Start your day with a short hike through lush green hills and banana plantations to the stunning Materuni Waterfalls, a spectacular 80-meter drop hidden in the rainforest near Mount Kilimanjaro. After soaking in the views and snapping some photos, head to a nearby Chagga village to learn how Tanzanian Arabica coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted, all done the traditional way. You'll even get to grind your own beans and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Bonus: Enjoy local food and storytelling from Chagga villagers, a truly enriching cultural exchange.

4. Chemka Hot Springs (Kikuletwa Springs)

Departure: From Moshi or Arusha
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Tour Type: Relaxation + Nature
Recommended for: Families, couples, and swimmers

Tucked away in a hidden oasis between Moshi and Arusha lies the magical Chemka Hot Springs also known as Kikuletwa Springs. This geothermal spring boasts crystal-clear turquoise water, surrounded by tall palms and wild fig trees. The water is warm and slightly bubbling, making it perfect for a rejuvenating swim. Whether you’re floating lazily under the trees, swinging into the pool from a rope, or simply enjoying the peaceful setting, this is a perfect way to unwind and recharge. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town.

Tip: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and maybe even a picnic!

5. Lake Chala Crater Lake Experience

Departure: From Moshi
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Tour Type: Scenic + Soft Adventure
Recommended for: Nature lovers, photographers, and quiet adventurers

Nestled on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, Lake Chala is a volcanic crater lake with surreal blue and green waters. Often overlooked by mainstream tourists, it’s a true hidden gem, serene, untouched, and rich with natural beauty. You can walk along the crater rim, take a kayak out onto the lake, or just sit and take in the stunning views. Birdlife is abundant, and the peaceful atmosphere makes this an ideal escape from the crowds.

 Don’t Miss: Sunset over the lake, absolutely magical and a must for photographers.

Why Choose These Full-Day Tours?

• Perfect for short stays; You can return the same day
• Convenient departures from Moshi or Arusha
• Incredible photo opportunities at every stop
• Experience real Tanzania - wildlife, nature, and culture in one trip
• Guided by experts where knowledgeable local guides ensure a safe and enriching experience
• Available year-round, rain or shine, from 2025 to 2027

Plan Your Adventure Today!

Whether you're preparing for a Kilimanjaro trek, finishing a business trip, or just passing through, these full-day tours let you experience the best of Tanzania in a single day. From epic safaris to cultural encounters and hidden springs, each journey offers a new perspective and unforgettable memories.

Ready to book your day trip for 2025, 2026, or 2027?
Reach out now to check availability and customize your adventure.