Top 10 Things to Do in Arusha
Set in the foothills of Mount Meru, just west of Mount Kilimanjaro, the city of Arusha is a focal point of Tanzania's culture, history, natural beauty, and wildlife. Known as Tanzania's safari capital and the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park, Arusha is easily accessible by road and air.
So if you are wondering what other sights and activities to fit in after traveling across the Serengeti or staying alongside the Ngorongoro Crater, you've come to the right place. This blog will offer up our top 10 things to do in Arusha, the "Geneva of Africa," the northeastern Tanzanian hub for extraordinary adventures.
1.) Explore how coffee is made
Explore the lush green rolling hills of the coffee plantations in the foothills around Arusha. Visitors delight in the subtle sweetness of coffee blossoms on plantations dotted throughout the region's mountain slopes. Coffee being Tanzania's largest export crop, acres of picturesque coffee plantations blanket the foothills and form East Africa's largest and most productive coffee region, famous for its Arabica and Robusta varieties. So if you consider yourself a coffee aficionado, sign up for a tour of a coffee plantation and enjoy the rich sights, aromas, and interesting facts on just how coffee beans become a delicious cup of coffee.
2.) Trace the History of Humanity
The Museum of Natural History in Arusha offers exhibits on Tanzania's rich archeological history of human evolution, its historical and cultural influences, and an extensive collection of the region's plant and insect life. Located inside an old German fort, the Old Boma, dating from the early 20th century, visitors will find a photographic history of Tanzania's time under German colonial rule. And make sure you stop at the wildlife photography section for unrivaled shots of majestic beasts captured against the backdrop of gorgeous Arusha landscapes.
3.) Shop for Trinkets and Souvenirs at Kilombero and Maasai Markets
One of the best ways to soak up local culture and flavors is to go shopping. Arusha has a central market where you can buy fabrics, local medicines, spices, wood carvings, and other handmade crafts, art, and local jewelry. And you don't want to miss out on the local delicacies or the exotic fruit and vegetables.
Maasai Market Curios & Crafts is a favorite of visitors for shopping, everything from antiques and handmade carvings to fabrics and gemstones. Filled with small shops and vendors trying to outsell each other, be ready to bargain and go for better than the asking price. Who can resist buying at least one souvenir to mark the memories of a vacation in such an exciting destination?
4.) Visit Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park may be a lesser-known destination than the Serengeti, but it is one of the most accessible parks in Tanzania and is famous for its scenic lakes and volcanic craters.
You can hike the mountains, go on game drives, ride horses, ride bikes or just trek through the amazing scenery on a walking safari. But, the best way to experience Arusha National Park is to canoe through the lakes where the local wildlife frequents these lakes to beat the heat.
5.) Climb Mount Meru
For serious hikers, Mount Meru, the main attraction, is often the warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro—but this takes nothing away from Mount Meru. Hiking Mount Meru will take up to four days to cover high-altitude, challenging terrain. And the Mount Meru crater rim walk is one of the most spectacular treks in Africa, so don't forget your camera!.
6.) Buy Tanzanite Gems
If you are looking for a special gift for loved ones or as a unique take away of your time in Tanzania, Tanzanite is the answer. As the name denotes, Tanzanite is a rare (rarer than diamonds!), naturally occurring, precious gem specific to the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. It is found nowhere else on earth! Priced on average at US $600 per carat locally, this gem will sell for two to three times the local price outside of Tanzania. So, hone your haggling skills and negotiate your way to a custom-cut Tanzanite gem for your loved ones (or for yourself). And if you're worried about getting swindled, just buy a loose stone at wholesale and get it custom cut by a designer later.
You'll find many Tanzanite outlets spread across Arusha, and we will gladly take you to the most reputable ones.
7.) Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro
After conquering Mount Meru, if you're up for an even bigger challenge, Mount Kilimanjaro is calling. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro's Uruhu Peak is the highest point in Africa, at an elevation of 19,341 feet. A dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro rises from the valley floor, looming higher than any other standalone mountain in the world. It's a spectacular sight!
While a few of the seven routes to the peak are accessible to those reasonably fit, most routes require that you're mentally and physically prepared for a 7-9 day challenge. Hikers face altitude acclimatization issues, and spending an extra day on the mountain is essential for those without altitude training. Also, depending on your route to the peak, you could face challenging terrain, such as steep slopes and scree.
Most hikers choose their route based on when and how long they can hike and their fitness level. Six of the seven routes approach the mountain from the southern side, with only one route ascending from the north. The seven hiking routes to Uruhu Peak are:
1. Marangu Route - One of the shortest routes at 45 miles.
2. Machame Route - Best success rate, great scenery.
3. Lemosho Route - Decent success rate, better acclimatization, great views.
4. Shira Route - Steep route, moderate success rate.
5. Rongai Route - The northern approach route
6. Umbwe route. - Very steep, relatively short route.
7. Northern Circuit Route - Newest route, good success rate. One of the longest routes.
Whichever route you choose, be ready to be energized and inspired by the breathtaking views of misty forests, dense moorlands, and rocky landscapes throughout your journey.
For more details on how to best conquer Mount Kilimanjaro please visit Kilimanjaro Trekking: An Exciting Guide to the Roof of Africa
8.) Visit Meserani Snake Park
If you visit Meserani Snake Park, take a guided tour and learn about some of the most dangerous snakes in the world, from the Black and Green Mamba, Egyptian Cobra, Puffadders and many more. Your peek into the lives of snakes native to Tanzania will be both helpful and insightful. Capture your special moment and hold a real live snake. The park is also home to crocodiles.
And your entry ticket will get you into the nearby Maasai Cultural Museum to learn more about the history and traditions of the tribe.
9.) Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre
Established in 1994, the Cultural Heritage Centre mission is to showcase Tanzania's historical influences and multicultural society. For those interested in learning more about the customs and practices of Tanzania's many indigenous tribes, each tribe distinct from the other, an afternoon here will be time well spent.
Built to resemble Mount Kilimanjaro's Uruhu Peak, the building houses an extensive collection of local arts and crafts, including traditional masks, carvings, and paintings. The art gallery is home to an impressive body of work created by African artists and sculptors from across Tanzania. While there, don't miss the 18-foot high portrait of a family tree which took almost 20 years to complete.
There is a jewelry shop at the Centre, and you'll find a great collection of rare gems, including Tanzanite, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. And if you are into collecting antiques and other trinkets, you'll enjoy the shopping!
10.) Shanga Workshop
Do you love giving back to the community and the world at large? If so, you'll be happy you stopped by the Shanga workshop, located close to the Arusha airport. Since it opened in 2007, this community enterprise has been employing people with disabilities who create pieces of art and high-quality products from scrap (glass, plastic, and aluminum). Participating in their workshop will help support the foundation in its efforts to employ the disabled in underprivileged communities. And in return, you will receive an authentic handmade trinket, assembled with care and thanks, and a chance to bring home something special.
Gear Up
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Arusha and start packing. The suggestions we've listed here will hopefully fill in your itinerary with worthy adventures, depending on your preferences. Arusha is just around the corner from many of Tanzania's most exciting destinations.
So whether you're on your own or with friends or family, we at Sababu Safaris offer a wide range of safari options and guidance on making your trip memorable, safe, and rewarding. We'll help you get the most out of your trip to Africa.
Related Reads:
Top 5 Unique Things to Do in Tanzania