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Best Things to Do in Arusha and Around

Ultimate Guide

Located at the foothills of Mount Meru and a stone’s throw from some of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa, Arusha is not just a safari gateway—it’s a lively, culturally rich city with much to offer on its own. Known as the safari capital of Tanzania, Arusha is the launching point for expeditions to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, but spending time in and around the city reveals a world of adventure, history, art, and natural beauty.

This ultimate guide explores the best things to do in Arusha and its surroundings—ideal for first-time visitors, safari-goers, or anyone looking to experience Tanzania beyond game drives.

Top Outdoor & Nature Experiences

1. Arusha National Park

Just 45 minutes from the city, this underrated park is perfect for a half- or full-day trip.

Highlights:

  • Canoe safaris on Momella Lakes (with flamingos and hippos)

  • Walking safaris with armed rangers

  • Wildlife: giraffes, zebras, buffalo, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and leopards

  • Stunning views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro (on clear days)

Tip: This park is less crowded than the Serengeti, offering a peaceful introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.

2. Hike Mount Meru

Often overshadowed by nearby Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566 m.

Why climb Meru?

  • Fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro

  • Spectacular views of Kilimanjaro at sunrise

  • Rich wildlife on the lower slopes: giraffes, monkeys, antelope

  • A good acclimatization hike before attempting Kilimanjaro

Duration: 3–4 days. Requires a guide and park ranger (mandatory).

3. Lake Duluti

This volcanic crater lake lies just 30 minutes outside the city.

Activities:

  • Canoeing across the calm, emerald-green waters

  • Birdwatching: kingfishers, eagles, herons

  • Short forest hikes around the lake

  • Local lunch or picnic by the shore

Best for: A peaceful day trip or picnic escape from the city.

Cultural & Urban Experiences

4. Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre

This expansive complex is more than a curio shop—it’s an African art museum, jewelry gallery, and cultural emporium.

What to explore:

  • Africa’s largest collection of art, carvings, and antiques

  • Tanzanite jewelry (Arusha is the global hub of tanzanite)

  • Sculptures, beadwork, and high-quality souvenirs

  • On-site café and tranquil garden

Don’t miss: The life-size animal sculptures and the majestic gallery tower with panoramic views.

5. Explore Arusha City Center

Take a walking tour with a local guide through the vibrant downtown area.

Highlights:

  • Clock Tower: Believed to mark the midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town

  • Central Market: Full of tropical fruits, spices, fabrics, and local street food

  • Maasai Market: An open-air craft market with traditional beadwork, leather, and carvings

  • Museums: Arusha Declaration Museum (political history), Natural History Museum (fossils and paleoanthropology)

Tip: Hire a guide to get authentic insights and avoid inflated tourist prices.

6. Maasai Cultural Experience

The Maasai are one of Tanzania’s most iconic ethnic groups, known for their colorful attire and pastoral traditions.

Where to go:

  • Authentic Maasai bomas outside the city (in Monduli or Longido)

  • Learn about traditional medicine, dance, and livestock herding

  • Participate in storytelling and bead-making workshops

Note: Choose ethical tourism programs that support the community and are not “staged” for tourists.

Eco & Farm Experiences

7. Coffee Farm Tours

Arusha’s volcanic soil is ideal for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. Many local farms open their doors to visitors.

Activities:

  • Guided walks through coffee plantations

  • Learn how beans are grown, harvested, roasted, and brewed

  • Enjoy tastings and a locally prepared farm-to-table lunch

Top places:

  • Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana

  • Tengeru Village Coffee Tours

  • Shanga Foundation (also includes a disability-inclusive artisan workshop)

8. Themi Living Garden

A green oasis in the city operated by local women’s groups.

What to do:

  • Stroll through flower and vegetable gardens

  • Enjoy organic meals at the Rivertrees Café

  • Support community-led sustainable agriculture

Best for: Eco-conscious travelers and lunch in a quiet, scenic setting.

Day Trips & Short Excursions From Arusha: 

Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater,etc.

 

 

🍴 Where to Eat and Drink in Arusha

Arusha’s growing food scene offers everything from traditional Tanzanian meals to international cuisine.

Local dishes to try:

  • Ugali with nyama choma (grilled meat)

  • Chapati with beans or vegetables

  • Ndizi Nyama (banana and meat stew)

  • Fresh passionfruit, mango, and sugarcane juice

Travel Tips for Arusha Visitors

  • Airport: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic flights

  • Weather: Mild all year round; cooler from June to August; short rains in November and long rains March–May 

  • Safety: Arusha is generally safe but take standard precautions—avoid unlit areas at night and use reputable taxi services

Conclusion

Whether you’re gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime safari or just soaking in Tanzanian culture, Arusha is more than a starting point—it’s a destination in its own right. From coffee tours and Maasai encounters to art galleries and volcano hikes, the region blends nature, adventure, and authenticity like few others.

Stay a few extra days, explore beyond the guidebooks, and you'll discover that Arusha holds some of Tanzania’s most rewarding and memorable experiences.