Best Things to Do in Arusha, Tanzania

We’re exploring the best things to do in Arusha, a major city in northern Tanzania and a gateway to some of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.

It is situated at the base of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, and enjoys a temperate climate due to its elevation.

With a population of over 400,000 people, including indigenous tribes like Arab, Indian, and Swahili, Arusha offers a diverse cultural experience.

Explore Arusha National Park

Just 45 minutes from Arusha’s city center, Arusha National Park provides a condensed safari experience perfect for day trips or short stays. The park’s key features include:

Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes

The park has stunning landscapes, including the Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes. The lakes are often pink with flamingos, adding a unique visual element to the scenery.

Activities at the lakes include:

• Canoeing and kayaking
• Birdwatching
• Picnicking on the shores

Activities in the Park

Visitors can enjoy various activities such as:

• Game drives to spot wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras
• Walking safaris for a more intimate nature experience
• Canoeing on the Momella Lakes

The park’s proximity to Arusha makes it an excellent option for those with limited time or as an introduction to Tanzania’s natural wonders.

Discover Local Culture

Arusha’s rich cultural scene offers numerous opportunities to experience local traditions and arts.

Arusha Central Market (Soko Kuu Arusha)

Located in the heart of the city, this market offers a variety of goods including exotic fruits, spices, coffee, nuts, vegetables, clothing, and handmade souvenirs.

Cultural Heritage Centre

This family-owned complex showcases Tanzania’s artistic and cultural legacy.

The center has an extensive African art collection, including sculptures, paintings, and textiles.

The center also displays tanzanite and other gemstones and offers on-site workshops demonstrating local artisanal skills.

Maasai Market

The Maasai Market in central Arusha sells many souvenirs, including Maasai items and crafts. It’s near the Clock Tower, Njiro Complex, and the International Conference Centre.

The market has over 100 stalls with local art, souvenirs, and jewelry. Bargaining is expected and necessary for good prices.

It’s a vital economic space for Maasai artisans and provides a cultural experience for those interested in traditional Maasai craftsmanship.

Arusha Declaration Museum

This museum showcases Tanzania’s political history, including:

• Information on “Ujamaa” or African socialism
• The struggle for independence
• Formulation of the self-reliance policy
• Exhibits on the Arusha Declaration of 1967

Experience Nearby Wildlife Sanctuaries

Arusha’s strategic location provides easy access to several world-renowned wildlife parks.

Tarangire National Park

About a two-hour drive from Arusha, Tarangire is known for:

• High density of elephants and distinctive baobab trees
• Seasonal wildlife migration involving approximately 150,000 animals
• Diverse predator population including lions, leopards, and cheetahs
• Over 500 bird species, making it a prime birdwatching destination

Lake Manyara National Park

Located 126 kilometers west of Arusha, this park is renowned for:

• Tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior observed in only two lion populations worldwide
• Diverse ecosystems including groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and grassy floodplains
• Large elephant herds and hippo pools
• Birdwatching opportunities with over 400 species
• A treetop canopy walkway offering a unique perspective of the forest

Activities in Tarangire include:

• Game drives
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Guided nature walks
• Night safaris

Day Trips to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

While a bit further from Arusha (about a four-hour drive), the Ngorongoro Crater is worth a visit. Known as the “Garden of Eden,” it offers:

• Opportunities to see the Big Five mammals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
• A unique ecosystem within the crater
• Rich biodiversity and concentrated wildlife viewing

Activities include:

• Olduvai Gorge archaeological site tours
• Game drives in the crater
• Walking safaris on the crater rim
• Visits to Maasai villages

Outdoorsy Things to Do in Arusha

For those seeking active experiences, Arusha and its surroundings offer various options.

Mount Meru Climb

Mount Meru Hiking and Wildlife Viewing

Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest peak at 4,566 meters, offers a less crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro for trekking enthusiasts.

The mountain provides diverse ecosystems and wildlife sightings during the ascent, with views of Kilimanjaro from the summit.

Hiking options include:

• Day hikes to lower elevations
• 3-4 day climbing itineraries with hut accommodations
• Guided tours combining wildlife viewing and hiking

Lake Duluti Activities

This crater lake near Mount Meru offers:

• Canoeing and kayaking opportunities
• Nature walks in the surrounding thick forest
• Birdwatching, with various water birds and reptiles in the area
• Coffee plantation tours in the vicinity

Napuru Waterfall Hike

Located on Mount Meru’s foothills, Napuru waterfalls offer an economical nature walk near Arusha. Features include:

Potential wildlife sightings, including chameleons and vervet monkeys

• A relatively easy trail, suitable for most fitness levels
• Options to walk barefoot along parts of the stream
• Swimming in the pool below the falls

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

For a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife, hot air balloon safaris are available in some nearby parks, offering breathtaking views of the Tanzanian wilderness.

Unique Arusha Experiences

Arusha offers several distinctive experiences that set it apart from other destinations.

Coffee Plantation Tours and Tastings

Arusha’s surrounding areas are known for coffee production. Many plantations offer tours and tastings, providing insights into the region’s coffee culture and production methods.

Meserani Snake Park

The snake park, 25km west of Arusha on the way to Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater, offers fun for locals and tourists.

Activities include guided tours to see dangerous snakes like Black and Green Mambas, Egyptian Cobras, and Puff Adders. You can hold a live snake and watch crocodile feedings.

The park also has a Maasai Cultural Museum and camel rides to a nearby village.

Shanga Foundation

This social enterprise employs people with disabilities to create handmade items from recycled materials.

A visit here supports local community development and offers unique, sustainably-produced souvenirs.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities

For travelers looking to explore beyond the typical tourist experiences, Arusha offers several unique options.

Kikuletwa Hot Springs

Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also called Maji Moto or Chemka Hot Springs, is a natural geothermal oasis in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region.

It’s in the Masama Rundugai ward of Hai District, about 40 km from Moshi town. “Chemka” means “boiling” in Swahili, describing how the water comes out of the ground.

The springs feed into the Kikuletwa River, which flows to the Pangani River. The site is accessible by public transport and tuk-tuk, making it a budget-friendly option for relaxation.

Hadzabe Tribe Cultural Exchange

The Hadzabe tribe lives near Lake Eyasi in northern Tanzania. They’ve kept their hunter-gatherer way of life for over 10,000 years.

Their culture shows how to live with nature, which interests anthropologists. The Hadzabe speak Hadza, a rare click language linguists find interesting due to its complex vocal clicks.

Lake Natron Excursion

This shallow alkaline lake near the Kenya border is known for its flamingo breeding grounds. Activities include:

• Photographing the unique landscape and wildlife
• Swimming in the lake
• Cultural tours in nearby Maasai villages
• Walking safaris in the surrounding area

Culinary Exploration

Arusha’s food scene offers a mix of traditional and modern culinary experiences.

Local Tanzanian Cuisine

Try traditional dishes like:

• “Nyama choma” (roasted meat)
• Ugali (a staple made from maize flour)
• Various greens known as “mboga”
• Pilau (spiced rice dish)
• Mandazi (East African doughnuts)

Many local restaurants offer these dishes in a lively atmosphere with African music.

Street Food Highlights

Don’t miss trying roasted maize, a popular and affordable street food in Arusha. It’s a simple yet delicious way to experience local flavors.

Other popular street food options include:

• Mishkaki (meat skewers)
• Chipsi mayai (chips omelet)
• Zanzibar pizza (a stuffed pancake)

Arusha’s Evolving Café Scene

The city’s café culture is growing, with establishments like Kitamu Coffee offering modern ambiance and cuisine.

These cafes often showcase the region’s locally-grown coffee.

Practical Travel Tips

To make the most of your visit to Arusha, consider the following tips:

Transportation Options

• Local “daladala” buses provide an authentic experience of city life
• Bicycle taxis (boda bodas) offer a quick way to navigate the city
• For longer trips, consider hiring a car with a driver

Accommodation Choices

Arusha offers a range of options from budget hostels to luxury lodges. Many hotels provide amenities like fitness centers and wellness facilities.

Budget Travel Strategies

• Consider using platforms like Couchsurfing for a more immersive local experience
• Explore local markets for affordable meals and souvenirs
• Use public transportation when possible
• Look for free attractions like some sections of the Cultural Heritage Centre

Wrap-Up

Arusha offers a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife adventures and cultural explorations to unique wonders and culinary delights

Its strategic location, comfortable climate, and mix of urban amenities and natural beauty make it an ideal base for exploring northern Tanzania.

The best times to visit Arusha are during the dry seasons: June to October and December to February. These periods offer ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.