Arusha city is located in the northern part of the country. The city is well known as the country’s main safari hub. It is a starting point for the very popular northern safaris, Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation area, Lake Manyara, and the Tarangire. Arusha has a great view of the highest second Mountain in Tanzania, Meru as well as the famous Kilimanjaro all standing above the city.
Did you know? Arusha is located halfway between Cape Town and Cairo.
When in Arusha, you will find an intriguing blend of cultures, such as Swahili, Indians, Europeans, Americans, and local native peoples like the Waarusha, Wameru, and Maasai. The presence of museums and historic sites within the city allows you to explore almost endlessly.
Things to do in Arusha
If you are visiting Tanzania for your vacation it is highly likely you will stay a day or two in Arusha, which is the safari hub for the popular northern Tanzania parks. So you will surely be interested in things you can do while you wait or return from your safari
- Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre is the place to see Tanzanian culture through art and artifacts. Beautiful exhibits tell the past and present stories of Tanzania and its people. There are lots of items for sale from the local artist, giving you the opportunity to contribute to the ever-growing artistic expression you will find throughout the country
- Visit & shop at the Masai Market. This market is very popular among tourists visiting Arusha, in this market, you can go shopping for local crafts. Be prepared to bargain and negotiate for those interesting souvenirs. If you are a laid-back shopper you can avoid the market as the seller will be persuasive trying to make a deal which does not go well with some who are used and prefer shopping in peace & quiet
- See the clock tower, located in the center of Arusha. It also marks the midway from cape town to Cairo. There are a lot of great restaurants and stores nearby
- Kahawa coffee tour. Tanzanian coffee is famous around the world for its rich flavors, so why not go straight to the source and try it for yourself? You can visit a plantation where you’ll have the chance to roast and grind your beans and enjoy a hot cup of the freshest coffee you’ll ever have.
- Meserani snake park. You can head for the Meserani Snake Park, where you can feed baboons, hold wild tortoises and get up close with dozens of slithering snakes. Expert guides explain the difference between each of the species protected at Meserani and explore the necessary steps to protect people from their poison.
- Shanga. Shanga, meaning ‘bead’ in Swahili, is a heart-warming project dedicated to supporting and empowering community members with disabilities. Abiding by a commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices, Shanga comprises a bustling workshop that creates works of art often from recycled goods and a trendy boutique. Shanga has grown exponentially from what started as one beaded necklace and a desire to help those in need.
- Visit local vegetable markets, visiting a local market is something not to miss. Here you get a chance to experience a different way of shopping unlike the common self-service vegetable shopping in supermarkets you are accustomed to. Also learning about various vegetables present in the markets.
- Go hiking to the Meru waterfalls, these falls are just outside of the city the adventurous path leading to the falls makes this journey interesting, you will also see a lot of vegetation and nature.
- Visit the Kikuletwa hot springs, these hot springs are one not to miss with clear and clean waters it is the perfect place to go for a swim. This spring however is about 60km from the city. We do offer a full-day trip going to Materuni waterfalls & coffee plantations in Moshi then visiting these springs for a swim before going back to Arusha
- See lake Duluti, this lake is just 13km from the city you can go canoeing, walking tour on its forest reserve, or just lay back and chill to enjoy the views
- Arusha nightlife, there are not many clubs & hot spots in Arusha however the few spots available are safe, ex-pat & tourist-friendly with eclectic music mix and languid vibe. Zeze Lounge is a great spot for Thursday, a mix of The Hub, The don’s & Billys Rivers on the weekends
- Volunteering in child care centers.
- Arusha declaration museum & the Boma Museum Art center.
Arusha city is a year-round touring destination, it is where you will find comfortable accommodations and plenty of things to do for one or two days before you head out on your safari.
Getting to Arusha
There are multiple ways to get to Arusha depending on where you are, for international travelers we recommend you fly internationally to Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) from there you can take a taxi to Arusha, alternatively, you can fly to dar es salaam international airport or Zanzibar international airport and from there take a local flight to Arusha airport (ARK)
If you are already in Tanzania, we recommend you take a local flight to Arusha airport (ark) or you can take a bus from any region in the Tanzania mainland to Arusha.
