Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and so, if you are venturing to one of Tanzania’s flagship safari destinations such as the majestic Serengeti, there’s a good chance that you’ll be passing through the vibrant city.
Many travellers are keen to simply pass through Arusha, without stopping to admire the city’s charm. However I think this is a mistake as if you stop and allow at least a day to explore Arusha, you’ll see that there are a host of wonderful things to do here.
In this article I’m going to dive into my absolute favourite things to do in Arusha!
1. Go on Safari in Arusha National Park
With the main gate being a mere 25 km northeast of the city, Arusha National Park is an obvious and popular tourist destination, not only for its convenience but also for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
The park may be practically devoid of predators, but it has a dense population of buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, warthogs, various antelope species and a vast array of birdlife including the graceful flamingos. The star of the show however is the black and white colobus monkey, which can’t be viewed anywhere else in Tanzania.
The lack of predators makes it conducive for relatively safe hiking and walking safaris within the park, which provide unique and exciting experiences. That is not, however, to say that buffaloes or hippos are not dangerous, which is why your hike is always led by an armed ranger.
Although the ideal way of seeing the park is embarking on a guided game drive, the well-maintained roads make it possible for self-drives through the park. The main requirements being having a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance and staying on the marked roads at all times.
As well as viewing the superb range of wildlife, be sure to visit the fabulous Tululusia Falls, the Ngurdoto Crater, the placid Momella Lakes and to drive through the spectacular Fig Tree Arch.
Due its small size, this park can be easily visited in a single day, but if you’re also planning to climb Mount Meru, you may need three to four days to do it true justice.
2. Climb Mount Meru
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, or a curtain-raiser to climbing Kilimanjaro, a hike to the summit of Mount Meru is a must-do if you’re anywhere near Arusha.
The climb involves a 3 – 4 day hike through open scrublands and lush forests, viewing various wild game along the way, before reaching the barren and steep volcanic slopes of the mountain. The route takes you to several view sites that offer nothing but panoramic views in every direction. The trek will include overnight stays in mountain huts accompanied by porters and an armed guide.
A fair portion of the climb takes place during the early hours of the morning in total darkness. The last section can be fairly challenging, requiring a steep scramble up the crater rim all the way to the summit.
Sitting at 4566 metres above sea level, Socialist Peak on Mount Meru is the second highest peak in Tanzania, from where Africa’s splendour lies spread out below. You can look straight down into the volcano crater, with Arusha and the wilderness of the park with the majestic snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop some 70 km in the distance.
3. Swim in Chemka Hot Springs
Situated less than two hours from Arusha, Chemka Hot Springs provide the perfect day trip to catch up on some rest and relaxation while contemplating your next Tanzanian safari experience.
Encompassed by lush tropical jungle, the sparkling clear pools are the epitome of an oasis in the middle of a desert. Two large pools joined by a narrow spring-fed canal provide a playground for visitors to swim, frolic, jump in from a jungle swing, float on tubes and even snorkel, under the shade of the jungle canopy.
Contrary to their name, the waters are not hot at all, but pleasant enough to allow one to cool down and have a picnic along the green shores and escape the hot African sun.
While the water gets fairly deep in certain areas, there are also a couple of shallow spots, ideal for young children to play in under the supervision of an adult. And if you’re needing a little extra pampering, just dangle your feet in the water and let the tiny doctor fish that live in the pools give you a free pedicure.
4. Hike to Tululusia Waterfall
Located inside the Arusha National Park not far from the Momella Gate, the Tululusia Waterfall is another gem worth driving just 50 km from Arusha. This picturesque waterfall lies about a kilometre from the gate and is reached by a short 30 minute walk while being accompanied by an armed guide.
A scenic walk takes you past light forested and open graze lands, where you’re bound to come across an abundant variety of wildlife. The main animals being buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, warthogs and perhaps an elephant or two.
Once you reach the dense forest, colobus monkeys and a wide selection of birds can be spotted within the canopy, before the sound of rushing water will guide you to the waterfall. Gushing through narrow creeks carved into the rocky gorge over the millennia, the water drops an impressive 28 metres to a small rocky pool on the forest floor. The cave-like surrounds of the falls provide a nesting site for hundreds of red-wing starlings.
Tululusia Waterfall can be visited on a separate excursion or on a stopover on the way to or from Mount Meru, as it shares the same route that the trekkers use.
5. Visit the Local Markets
To experience the essence of Tanzanian life, there are no better places to visit than the local markets, several of which are right here in the heart of Arusha. From exquisite Tanzanite stones and eclectic jewellery to barbecue goat meat and everything in between, are all found in Arusha’s local markets.
A word of advice though – be prepared to haggle fiercely and, being a foreigner, you’ll get a lot of attention. A good ploy is to keep rejecting their offered price until they lower it no more – you’ll be surprised at how inflated their opening prices can be.
The Maasai Market on Fire Road in the city centre is a real gem to wander around and buy colourful fabrics, paintings, beadwork, and other typical Maasai cultural goods, plus tons of other unique goodies.
A little further up, the Tanzanite Experience in the Sheraton complex and another outlet within a museum two blocks away on India Street, offer ethically mined stones and classy Tanzanite jewellery.
The bizarre-looking Cultural Centre is the place for art lovers to come to admire or buy quality artworks, paintings, animal carvings and other cultural souvenirs.
A kilometre away, the Shanga Gift and Workshop within the Arusha Coffee Lodge is another must-visit. Employing individuals with disabilities, they produce a truly magnificent range of glassworks, beadworks, fabrics and other handmade arts and crafts that are also sold around the world.
6. Go on a Coffee Tour
Many people may not know that coffee is the second highest agricultural export of Tanzania, producing no less than 50 000 tonnes every year. The fertile volcanic soils around Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro are ideal for the cultivation of this globally sought-after commodity, resulting in Arusha being surrounded by coffee plantations.
Some local tour operators now include relaxing coffee tours along with their normal Tanzania safari itineraries. Guests may choose between going on a specific coffee tour lasting for a few hours or combining it with a full day tour visiting other attractions as well.
On a typical coffee tour on Kilimanjaro, a guide normally takes you through a plantation, where you get to learn how they plant, cultivate, nurture and harvest the crops. You then see how the beans are graded, roasted and ground to create the numerous blends and flavours we see on our supermarket shelves. Basically it’s a most complete and fascinating bean to cup experience, and the best part is that you get to make your own cup of coffee and savour the flavour. Some tours include lunch or snacks and drinks and transport to and from your hotel or lodge.
7. Meet the Chagga Tribe
If you want to combine a little culture and enjoy Tanzania’s beautiful scenery at the same time, a two hour trip to a Chagga tribe on the lower foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro will be a day well spent.
Starting off as a number of small clans hundreds of years ago, the Chagga tribe has emerged as perhaps the wealthiest and economically powerful ethnic group in Tanzania.
One of the reasons for their economic success is that despite them clinging onto their ancient traditions, they have also embraced aspects of western life, producing many highly respected and prominent figures over the decades in the fields of politics, business and arts.
Most of their wealth has been due to their good work ethic, especially in agriculture, where they still apply ancient terracing and irrigation methods to this day. Farming bananas and coffee are their forte today, and you’re sure to visit a few of their plantations and villages and meet prominent elders, where you can learn more about their culture and traditions.
Many tours head to the region around the town of Moshi just south of Kilimanjaro. As this area is dotted with spectacular waterfalls among dense forests and plantations, Chagga Tribe tours may include a short scenic hike to a waterfall or two, where you could even take a refreshing dip.
8. Dine at a Local Restaurant
It may come as a surprise to many first-time visitors to Arusha to find so many restaurants offering some of the most diverse and international cuisines in the middle of the African bush.
But perhaps it shouldn’t, when you consider that Arusha provides the perfect base for foreigners to explore many of Tanzania’s attractions situated in such close proximity.
Although many tourists dine at their hotels or lodges, the city also has an impressive collection of dining venues that cater for virtually everyone’s palates.
From sophisticated candle-lit dining venues to burger joints, pizza parlours and barbecued meat on the pavement, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Arusha. Cuisines range from Italian, Chinese (Chinese Whispers boasts incredible reviews), Indian (Five Chutneys is a great choice), European, Middle Eastern, African and everything in between, or a unique fusion of all these culinary influences on one plate.
They say nothing exposes the heart and soul of the people better than their local food. For an authentic Tanzanian culinary experience, be sure to visit one of Arusha’s many popular BBQ joints that lie hidden in its streets which provide a truly unforgettable experience. It may be best to take a local along to help you find the best one. I highly recommend Khan’s barbecue and his finger-licking grilled chicken.
9. Spend Time with the Maasai Tribe
Undoubtedly the Maasai are the most famous tribe of Tanzania and perhaps in the whole of Africa too. Known for their fearless warriors, their vividly clothed women and traditional jumping dance, they are also perhaps the most welcoming and fascinating people you may ever get to meet.
Spending time with the Maasai tribe has become a must-do for many visitors to Tanzania and Kenya and most tour operators and lodges offer Maasai village tours as part of their overall safari itineraries.
A typical Maasai village tour will take you into their houses and you get to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, their skills and traditions. No doubt you will be treated to a traditional dance and you may also be invited to participate. Guys, don’t try to out jump them – you don’t stand a chance. All in all, it will be a most memorable experience that you’ll never forget.
10. Canoe on Lake Momella
Situated on the north-eastern corner of Arusha National Park, a series of lakes provides an extra sense of adventure and an opportunity to view game from a different vantage point.
The shallow waters of the smaller Lake Momella are safe and ideal for a relaxing paddle via canoe round its shores, even with children, allowing you to get really close to animals, without the fear of being charged.
Buffalos, giraffes, various buck species and tons of water birds can all be viewed along the lake’s shoreline. On the water, you’ll be accompanied by a canoe guide, who will keep you within a safe distance from the hippos that wallow in these lakes.
If that is not enough, you can enjoy a picnic along the shore, completely enveloped by spectacular scenery with views of Mount Meru on one side and the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro on the other. Africa at its finest.
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So there we have it. Spectacular scenery, majestic wildlife, serene and adventurous activities, superb dining options and accommodation with all the creature comforts at your fingertips – all in and around the city of Arusha!
For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:
- How to ride a dala dala in Tanzania
- The best things to do in Zanzibar
- Unique things to do in Tanzania
- Camping in Serengeti National Park
- What to expect from a budget safari in Tanzania
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