Safari & Outdoor Adventures

1. Visit Arusha National Park

• Great for a day safari near the city
• Home to Mount Meru, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys
• Activities: Walking safaris, game drives, and canoeing on Momella Lakes

2. Explore Serengeti National Park (Few hours from Arusha)

• One of the most famous wildlife destinations in Africa
• Witness the Great Migration (best from December to July)
• Spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino

3. Discover Ngorongoro Crater (Few hours from Arusha)

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to dense wildlife populations
• Stunning crater views and a high chance of spotting rhinos

4. Safari in Tarangire National Park (2-hour drive from Arusha)

• Famous for large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
• Excellent for birdwatching and predator sightings

5. Visit Lake Manyara National Park (1.5-hour drive from Arusha)

• Home to tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos
• Canoeing on the lake and cultural village tours

6. Walking Safari Experiences

• Available in Arusha National Park, Tarangire, and surrounding areas
• Get close to wildlife with an experienced guide

7. Cultural Experiences with Local Tribes

• Visit a Maasai village to experience their traditions and warrior dances
• Engage with the Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes in Lake Eyasi, learning hunting and metalwork skills
• Explore Mto wa Mbu, a diverse cultural town with banana plantations

8. Hike Mount Meru (Tanzania’s second-highest mountain – 4,562m)

• A less crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro with breathtaking views
• Wildlife encounters along the trekking route

9. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Nearby Moshi – 1.5-hour drive)

• Africa’s highest peak (5,895m), attracting climbers worldwide
• Choose from different trekking routes (Marangu, Machame, Lemosho)

10. Visit Hot Springs & Waterfalls

• Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs – A hidden paradise for swimming
• Napuru Waterfall – A scenic and relaxing spot near Arusha

Things to Do in Arusha City

11. Explore Arusha Clock Tower

• The symbolic center of Arusha, said to be the midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town
• A great starting point for a city tour

12. Visit Arusha Central Market

• A lively local market for fresh fruits, spices, and souvenirs
• Taste Tanzanian street food like Mandazi (fried dough) and Chips Mayai (fries with eggs)

13. Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre

• A must-visit for African art lovers
• Features sculptures, paintings, Maasai artifacts, and Tanzanite jewelry

14. Visit The Tanzanite Experience Museum

• Learn about the rare Tanzanite gemstone, found only in Tanzania
• Discover how it’s mined, cut, and sold

15. Tour Shanga & Shanga Foundation

• A social enterprise supporting people with disabilities
• Watch artisans create beautiful recycled glass beads, textiles, and jewelry

16. Relax at Themi Falls Leisure Park

• A hidden natural park within Arusha
• Great for hiking and picnicking near waterfalls

17. Visit the Arusha Declaration Museum

• Learn about Tanzania’s independence movement
• Exhibits on the Arusha Declaration of 1967

18. Explore Old Boma Museum (Natural History Museum)

• Showcases Tanzania’s wildlife, archaeology, and human evolution
• Learn about early human fossils from Olduvai Gorge

19. Enjoy Local Food at Arusha Restaurants

• Try Nyama Choma (grilled meat) at Khan’s BBQ
• Sample Ugali, Pilau, and Tanzanian coffee at local cafés
• Enjoy international cuisine at high-end restaurants

20. Walk Around Soko Kuu (Main Market)

• Buy fresh produce, Maasai crafts, and textiles
• Experience local daily life

21. Visit the Maasai Market

• Best place to buy handmade Maasai jewelry, carvings, and souvenirs
• Practice your bargaining skills

22. Experience Arusha’s Nightlife

• Visit Via Via, The AIM Mall Lounge, and Pazuri Bar
• Enjoy live music, cultural dance performances, and DJ nights

23. Attend Events at Alliance Française

• Hosts music concerts, art exhibitions, and film screenings
• A great place to meet local artists and creatives

24. Take a Coffee Tour Near Arusha

• Visit coffee plantations on the outskirts of the city
• Learn about coffee production, from picking to roasting
• Enjoy fresh Tanzanian coffee with Mount Meru views

25. Birdwatching & Nature Walks at Lake Duluti

• A peaceful lake near Arusha, ideal for canoeing and spotting birds
• Great for a relaxing nature walk

26. Visit Meserani Snake Park

• See a variety of snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles
• Learn about Maasai culture in the on-site museum

27. Try Horseback Safaris

• Available in Arusha and nearby areas
• Experience a unique safari on horseback