Awesome Things to Do In Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha City situated on the foot of the beautiful Mount Meru is a popular town / city in Tanzania known as the safari capital of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. While head to a safari to Northern Circuit Safari parks that is Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. It is hard to avoid staying a day or two in Arusha Town.

Arusha is a bustling city filled with an interesting mixture of markets, chaotic traffic, old colonial building and modern structures.  Arusha is not just a stopover for a safari to the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit, there is many things to do in this beautiful city.  Here are the most awesome things to do in Arusha, Tanzania 

CLIMB MOUNT MERU 

Mount Meru is a bit smaller volcano compared to Mount Kilimanjaro, still it offers a very challenging and rewarding hike. Mount Meru climb is usually done over 3-4 days with a day of acclimatization and recover either side, the volcano stands at the altitude of over 3000 m and on clear days. You will get incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro which is about 50 miles away near the Moshi Town.  The Arusha Twon lies on the base on Mount Meru. 

Visit Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a wonderful wildlife destination to visit in Arusha City, though it does not have all the Big Five, it still offers a rewarding African wildlife experience.  Arusha National Park is home to plenty of zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, elephants, hyenas and leopards which you will see on game drives and walking safaris. 

Canoeing on Lake Momella 

The Momella or Momella Lakes are a chain of 7 shallow lakes located within Arusha National Park, these lakes include Big Momela, Small Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro and Tulusia. Each of these lakes has a source of spring water separated from the others and also has a different colors depending on different minerals contained in individual lakes, each of these lakes has a particular composition of minerals that makes them different from one another. Also, there are different algae that grows there and responsible for the different colors.  The Momella Lakes are habitat for many aquatic birds such as the greater pink flamingoes, lesser pink flamingoes, pelicans, Egyptian geese, guinea fowls, African fish eagles, African jacanas and many others.  A canoe safari on Lake Momella offers you great sights of many birds hosted on the lakes. 

Nature walks at Lake Duluti 

Lake Diluti is a volcanic crate lake situated on the foothills of Mount Meru surrounded by a rocky escarpment and lush forests, this area attracts many colorful birds including egrets, grey herons, kingfishers and fish eagles and well as beautiful butterflies, reptiles and reptiles making it a great place for nature walks and birding experience.  Also, you can take a guided canoe trip on the lake. As you sail on the lake you will enjoy scenic views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Visit the Meserani Snake Park 

The Meserani Snake Park is located just outside of Arusha Town, the Meserani Snake Park was established in 1993 near Arusha and founded by Wade Bale and Deon Naude.  The park offers a number of activities including guided tours in the Maasai Cultural Museum led by a Maasai warrior, guided tours in the snake park itself on which you will learn some of the most dangerous snakes in the world. 

Visit The National Natural History Museum Arusha 

The National Natural History Museum Arusha also known as The Old Boma Museum is an old fort built by the Germans in the early years of the 20th Century and is now home to the National Natural History Museum.  The Museum is divided into three parts that is the Museum housing an exhibit on the evolution of mankind and displays of fossils, stuffed animals and plenty of historical photographs. 

Shop at the Maasai Market 

The Maasai Market is situated in the centre of Arusha Town, shopping at this market is one of the favorite things to do in Arusha by tourists. At this market, you will find a great array of souvenirs such as paintings, clothing, jewellery and furniture. If you wish to have a real Maasai Mara experience, head to the Monday Maasai markets situated just outside of Arusha town and can be reached by taxi or dala – dala. The nearest markets are Kisongo and Nanya, there are also markets in Mto Wa Mbu village aka “Mosquito River” situated near to Lake Manyara and Rudugai near the hot springs.

Shop at the Local Markets 

Shopping at the local markets is one of the favorite things to do in Arusha City by travelers and the best way to experience this African city, in Arusha there is the Central Market “Soko Kuu” and the Kilombere Market where you can buy anything and everything from wood carving, to jewellery, fresh fruits, animals and household items.  While in this market which is mostly crowded, be very alert and keep an eye on your pockets are pickpocketing is common in crowded places such as local markets. 

Buy Precious Stones at the Tanzanite Experience 

The Tanzanite Experience takes you a tour of the world’s only Tanzanite Museum – a world of pure beaty and elegance where you can explore the finest Tanzanite gemstones and jewelry. Tanzania is a beautiful blue/violet gemstone found in Northern Tanzania, on this experience you can learn about the history of the Stone in the Museum and buy certified jewellery. For travelers interested in crystals and their healing properties, Tanzania is a great stone for the throat, third – eye and crown chakras. This crystal helps in communication, psychic abilities and facilitates communication with the spiritual realm. 

Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre 

The Arusha Cultural Heritage is a place where the past and the present of the Tanzania’s 120 and more tribes can be viewed, the center is located on the Western edge of Arusha long Dodoma Road. This center is the first African institution to focus only on studying the wealth of knowledge contained within African Cultural traditions. The Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is an entire complex housing a museum, art galleries, antique shops, a cinema, a spice center, a restaurant, a coffee shop and a spa.  The center has a lot of information about the culture of the many cultural groups of Tanzania worth experiencing. 

Where to stay in Arusha, Tanzania 

There are various accommodation options ranging from budget, midrange and luxury accommodations. Here are the best accommodations to stay at in Arusha 

• Gran Melia Arusha 
• Arusha Coffee Lodge 
• Wakawaka Hostel 
• Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa 
• Kibo Palace Hotel 
• Mount Meru Hotel 
• Four Points by Sheraton Arusha 
• Fun Retreat Resort among others.