10+ Things to See and Do in Arusha, Arusha is a popular place to start a trek in Tanzania because it is close to some of the country’s most famous game parks. However, the city is more than just a stopover; it has a lot to offer on its own. Arusha has a lot of fun things to see and do, like interesting markets and thrilling hikes and boat rides. We’ve put together a short list of our favorite places to visit. To do this, all you have to do is pick your favorite(s) and begin your journey. Thanks.

How to Spend Your Time in Arusha, Tanzania

Take a hike to Mount Meru’s First Camp (Miriakamba).
Even though Mount Meru isn’t as well known as its bigger brother, Kilimanjaro, don’t forget about it. It has its own quiet beauty and fun tasks for hikers.

The way to Miriakamba Camp is like a fairy story for people who love nature. Walk through mossy woods one minute, and then step into clearings where you can catch a glimpse of Meru peak the next.

Don’t forget about the animals either. You’re not just taking a walk in the park; this is a live show of your favorite nature show. From cheeky monkeys swinging through the trees to the occasional majestic buffalo giving you the stink eye, these interesting animals make your trip even more exciting and unpredictable.

You can hike to the Mount Meru Waterfall.

For anyone who loves the outdoors, the walk to the Mount Meru Waterfall (also called the Napuru Waterfall) is a dream come true. It takes about an hour to walk this trail, which goes through a lush rainforest where cheeky monkeys will meet you. In the distance, you might also see zebras, antelopes grazing, or even a buffalo looking at you with a mild interest. Keep your eyes open.

The best part of this tour is getting to the falls itself. You’ll gasp for air when you see the water falling about 24 meters (80 feet) into a clear pool. Would you like a cool shower? You deserve it, so go ahead and do it!

And if you want to eat outside with a picnic, these beautiful falls are the perfect background. Just take a deep breath, relax, eat, and repeat.

In Arusha National Park, you can go on a walking safari.

There won’t be any engine noise on this one-of-a-kind tour; you’ll only hear the sounds of nature. You’ll walk through the park with a guide and get up close to zebras, giraffes, different types of deer, and the famous black-and-white Colobus monkeys that live there. A nice bonus is that your guide will also tell you more about the plants and animals in the area.

The park also has the beautiful Ngurdoto Crater, which is sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro.” Its lush, green floor is a haven for many animals, both two-legged and two-winged. The Momela Lakes are another great thing about the park. They are a peaceful place that stands out against the wild scenery around them. In these lakes, many flamingos have made their home. If you like birds or the color pink, this is the place to be.

In movies, relationships with animals look a lot smoother than they are in real life. Also, being the star of “I Petted a Lion (and Lived to Regret It)” is probably not on anyone’s bucket list 😉 Because of this, please do exactly what the book says. Thanks.

In Arusha National Park, you can go canoeing.

We should spend a little more time in Arusha National Park because it’s so beautiful! A canoe tour could add a bit of excitement to your trip. You can paddle your problems away on the calm water of Momela Lakes. The peaceful lake views, colorful wildlife, and fresh mountain air will make you feel like you’re a million miles away from the noise and chaos of the city.

Climb up Longido Mountain

Mount Longido is a beautiful 2,636-meter (8,651-foot) volcanic peak just outside of Arusha that offers stunning views of the nearby area. If you’re looking for a challenging day hike close to Arusha, Longido is a great choice. Most people need about six hours to hike up Longido. The trail goes through lush woods at first, then it opens up to more rocky ground. When you get higher, you’ll be able to see Mount Meru, Namanga Hills, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and if the weather is really clear, Kilimanjaro.

Tip: It’s not easy to climb this mountain, so make sure you bring your drive with you.

Museum of Tanzanite

The Tanzanite Museum in Arusha is a one-of-a-kind spot that you should not miss if you’re nearby. There are a lot of beautiful tanzanite diamonds in the museum that will make your eyes sparkle. Read about the background of this very rare and valuable stone and see some of the most beautiful examples in person. And if you fall in love with the shiny stones, you can buy tanzanite jewelry at the museum’s gift shop.

Ride your bike on the mountains in and around Arusha.

Find out more about the area around Arusha by riding a bike instead of a car. You’ll burn some calories too! You can see the area’s different landscapes on a mountain bike, which comes with trails for riders of all skill levels and stunning views.

Here are some hotspots:

With its forest trails and chances to see wildlife, Mount Meru is a great place for intermediate to expert bikers.
With its mix of natural dirt roads and forest tracks, Arusha National Park is a great place for wildlife lovers of all skill levels to go biking.
Along the cultural USA River Trails, you can see coffee farms and small towns.
The loop walk around Lake Duluti is great for both beginners and people who like to watch birds.

In Arusha, you should visit a coffee farm.

Some of the best coffee beans in the world are grown in Tanzania. Did you know that? Yes, it does, which is why you have to go to the coffee fields in Arusha. This is both a fun and useful way to learn about how coffee is grown, picked, and processed in Tanzania. Beautiful rolling hills with neat rows of coffee plants cover them. Your guide will tell you everything he knows about growing coffee while you are taken aback by their beauty. Of course, you’ll end the day with a cup of freshly made coffee.

You can have fun with your family at the Meserani Snake Park, which has shows that teach kids and adults alike. Also living there are crocodiles, lizards, and, strangely enough, birds. Some of the snakes that live there are puff adders, green and black mambas, and the Egyptian cobra.

The cultural Boma on-site has a museum called the Maasai Museum that shows native items. Discover the traditions and ways of life of the semi-nomadic Maasai people here. You can learn about the interesting way of life of these native people by looking at their traditional weapons, beads, gourds, and other everyday items. You shouldn’t miss this chance to learn about other cultures.

Take a tour of the city

A guided city walk is a great way to see many of Arusha’s interesting sights and historical sites. A half-day or full-day city tour is a quick and fun way to see the best of the city. The best part is that you don’t have to make plans or figure out how to get there. Take it easy and enjoy the mood, stories, and scenery. Done.

Arusha Maasai Market is a great place to buy gifts.

Arusha’s Maasai Market is a well-known place to buy gifts for family and friends or for yourself. In the middle of Arusha, near the clock tower, there is a market that is open seven days a week and is where native Maasai items are sold. People are allowed and expected to bargain at the market. If you see something you like, don’t be afraid to ask about the price. When you bargain with a smile, you’re more likely to get the best deal.

Some of the best things about buying at the Maasai Market are:

The bright Maasai jewelry was made with beads and often had colors and patterns that had cultural meaning.
Wood carvings of wild animals and Maasai soldiers made from ebony and other local woods.
brightly colored shukas and other fabrics that are hand-dyed and freely woven.

How to Get Around Arusha

Part of the fun is getting around this lively city and its surroundings. With so much beautiful scenery, the trip between each adventure will be an adventure in itself.

By bus or public transit

If you take one of Arusha’s colorful (and usually busy) buses or shared minivans, called dala dalas, you can see how people live and what they do. It can be hard for first-timers to figure out the routes and times, but the tickets are very cheap, and you can talk to friendly locals. How’s that for real?

Drive Yourself

In Arusha, nothing beats having your own set of 4×4 wheels. Spend a lot of money on a rental car or 4WD vehicle so you can go when you want. You can go to more remote places and find hidden gems at your own pace when you drive yourself. Just be ready for rough, dirt roads, and make sure you know how to do simple things like change a tire.

Take part in a planned tour

Arusha has a lot of different tour choices, ranging from cheap day trips to high-end, custom-made safaris. Take a trip with a small group to make things easier and safer, and get advice from expert guides. Let the pros take care of the details while you enjoy the show.

What did we learn today? Yes, you should not just quickly pass through Arusha. You should look around and see everything from the busy markets to the lush green areas. Contact us right away, and we’ll help you plan your trip to Arusha. We can help you find the right tour, whether you want a fancy safari or an adventure that won’t break the bank.