10 tHINGS TO DO IN ARUSHA

A zeal of zebra in Tanzania. You will get to see many zebras in Arusha National Park. Game drives are one of the most popular things to do in Arusha.

The city of Arusha is widely known as the gateway to safaris that welcomes several hundred thousand visitors each year before they start their northern Tanzanian circuit safari. However, few people realize there are plenty of exciting things to do in Arusha.

From the exhilarating activities in Arusha National Park to the abundance of attractions in the town center, if you spend some time here, you'll notice this part of Tanzania is more underrated than you think.

So you get the most out of your time in Arusha, we've put together an insider's guide with our team of Tanzania package planners to show you the best places to visit during your stay.

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A stack of coffee bags. Visiting coffee plantations is one of the most interesting things to do in Arusha / Image: @juliancs

  1. Embark on a Game Drive in Arusha National Park

You may have decided to cut Arusha National Park out of your Tanzania itinerary if you're planning to visit nature reserves like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Lake Manyara. However, those of you with a little extra time to spare in Arusha should definitely consider making a day trip here for some action-packed game drives.

Arusha National Park isn't quite as synonymous with the Big 5 as some other parks, but it's much less visited and smaller in size. Though giraffes, zebras, and elephants are commonly spotted, this experience is a much more low-key, laidback take on the safaris you'll enjoy in other areas.

If you're eager to explore the park but looking for a more unique activity, walking safaris make for a wonderful alternative.

2. Hike to Mount Meru Waterfall

Many adventure-seekers begin their expedition to the summits of soaring peaks like Kilimanjaro and Meru in Arusha. Naturally, these are two of the most iconic hiking trails in Tanzania, but there are countless other fantastic trekking routes for those looking for something a little less daunting, like the Mount Meru hike.

Any outdoorsy travelers wondering what to do in Arusha have to add the hike to Mount Meru Waterfall to their bucket list. This hike starts just 30 minutes outside the city center. Over the course of around two hours, you'll walk amongst lush, green rainforests, traverse fast-flowing rivers, and explore deep gorges.

Mount Meru near Arusha might look daunting but the Mount Meru Waterfalls are easy to hike and beautiful to experience

3. Canoe Across Lake Duluti

Lake Duluti lies around a 30-minute drive east of Arusha, and it sits in a volcano crater with a depth of over 700 meters. Spending a few hours canoeing this peaceful area will be one of the most relaxing yet fun things you'll do during your trip.

It's especially appealing for bird watchers, as ospreys, grey herons, kingfishers, and fish eagles are just some of the feathered creatures you'll likely see here. Not only can you lap up the serene surroundings and encounter some intriguing wildlife, but on a clear day, you'll also be able to spot Kilimanjaro in the distance!

The Maasai Market in Arusha. Surround yourself with traditional items and immerse yourself into the true culture of Arusha.

4. Go Souvenir Shopping at the Maasai Market Curios and Crafts

The Maasai Market is the go-to spot in Arusha for quirky handicrafts, keepsakes, and artworks. Colorful jewelry, eye-catching canvases, tiny trinkets, carved wooden ornaments, and everything in between are available here, with upwards of one hundred stalls lining the bazaar.

Even if you're not the most enthusiastic shopper, simply browsing through the endless stalls of brightly-colored souvenirs is reason enough to visit. You'll need to arrive with your bargaining skills in tow, but be sure you're fair and reasonable with your offers, as the vendors have to come out with a profit at the end of the day.

5. Brush up on Local History at the Cultural Heritage Centre

There's no better way to familiarize yourself with Arusha's lengthy history and traditions than with a visit to the Cultural Heritage Centre. While there are a few places to visit in the city to captivate culture buffs, this is by far the best way to introduce yourself to the local customs and way of life.

Inside, there are four floors packed with paintings, sculptures, and artifacts showcasing the culture of northern Tanzania through the years. This magnificent museum is huge, so you'll want to give yourself at least a few hours to make it to each carefully curated level. Better yet, entry to this superb spot is entirely free.

An artist carving out his sculpture. Sculptures and artifacts are traditional in Tanzania and one of the most interesting things to do in Arusha / Image: @bloodbrother

6. Sample Fresh Produce at the Kilombero Market

Tanzania has incredibly favorable conditions for growing fruits, vegetables, and spices, and you'll find some of the finest produce available at the Kilombero Market. This is a local marketplace, making visiting an even more worthwhile experience if you're keen to get an insight into everyday life in Arusha.

You'll be in with the chance to pick up some of the most delectable avocados, mangoes, and guava you'll ever taste. Along the way, keep an eye out for lesser-known delights like bungo, kungu, and ubuyu, which are some peculiar fruits most people have never heard of!

7. Uncover the Coffee-Making Process at a Local Coffee Plantation

One of the top Arusha activities is stopping by a coffee farm and discovering the behind-the-scenes of coffee cultivation. Coffee is among Tanzania's most important exports, and the north of the country is home to some terrific plantations. Here, budding connoisseurs can learn the multi-step process that is involved in coffee production, all while sampling plenty of fresh brews, of course.

Numerous farms are open to visitors and are within easy reach of Arusha, such as Bakara Coffee Farm and Kingstone Asilia. For a more immersive experience, spend the night at Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana (one of the lodges we offer our guests to stay during our African Lion Safari). This lavish lodging is encircled by coffee plantations, meaning you can balance coffee tours and tastings with lazy afternoons by the pool or in the in-house spa.

Arusha is famed for its coffee plantation fields. Here is what a Coffee bean plant looks like / Image: @herickson7

8. Enjoy Arusha's Lively Nightlife Scene

When you're planning a trip to Arusha, you're most likely not coming here with nightlife in mind! However, if you're in the city for a few days and are looking for things to do at night, why not swing by some of the buzzing bars and clubs in the center?

There are far more late-night hotspots in Arusha than many people realize, including a diverse mix of casual bars like Rafiki Juice Bar and lively clubs such as the Hub. Whether you're hoping to dance until the sun comes up or soak up city views from a rooftop, you'll have a bunch of much-loved haunts to choose from. Certain spots are busier on select nights of the week, so it's best to do some research in advance, depending on the days you plan to be here.

9. Admire Handcrafted Jewels at the Tanzanite Experience

Tanzanite is a stunning mineral that's only found in a small district in Tanzania's Manyara district. This area is several hours south of Arusha, but there's a fabulous museum in the city's heart where you can learn how these extremely rare gems are mined, processed, and polished.

The Tanzanite Experience is a stellar spot for anyone searching for something unique to do, as it's an experience you won't find in any other part of the world. Should you be interested in picking up some tanzanite for yourself, there's a jewelry store onsite where beautiful, handmade pieces are for sale for surprisingly affordable prices. Most of the items you'll see in store were crafted by local Maasai women, who are part of one of Tazania’s biggest tribes, the Maasai. You’ll be happy to know that a substantial amount of the money earned goes back into their community with every purchase.

10. Take a Dip in the Kikuletwa Hot Springs

If you're someone who'd prefer to get out of the city during their one day in Arusha but are unsure of what to do, a trip to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs will be perfect for you. This gorgeous turquoise pool is tucked amongst the vibrant green fig trees and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

It's situated a little over 70 km outside of Arusha, so it can take over an hour and a half to get here. While it may be time-consuming, the natural beauty and unmatched tranquility are worth every minute of the journey. Despite the name, these springs are anything but hot, and the water tends to be lukewarm for the most part. Because of this, it's an ideal spot for a refreshing dip, especially if you're visiting when the weather is particularly hot and humid.

Herds of peaceful elephants are a regular sighting on an Arusha Game Drive in Arusha National Park / Image: @ray30

Add These Things to Do in Arusha to Your Tanzania Itinerary!

Unless you're on a super tight schedule, it's worth carving out time to discover the mix of fun things to do in Arusha. It's the perfect way to get acquainted with this area of Tanzania's vibrant culture and stunning scenery, something far too many visitors miss out on.

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