10 Best Things to Do in Arusha, Tanzania

Often overlooked for its more famous neighbors, Arusha National Park is a 45-minute drive from town and offers an incredible “safari in miniature.” This is the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife, packed into a stunningly diverse landscape. The park is a green gem, with misty forests, an alkaline crater, and shimmering lakes, all set against the backdrop of the majestic, 4,566-meter Mount Meru.

While you won’t find lions or rhinos here, the park is famous for being the best place in Tanzania to see the elegant black-and-white colobus monkey. You’ll spend your game drive looking up into the canopy, watching these acrobatic primates leap between branches. The park is also home to herds of buffalo, zebras, shy bushbuck, and families of giraffes—which are often more relaxed here than in the busier parks. A highlight is the Ngurdoto Crater, a “mini-Ngorongoro” caldera that provides a natural sanctuary for wildlife. You can also drive to the Momella Lakes, where thousands of pink-hued flamingos wade in the shallow waters.

Pro Tip: An Arusha National Park trip is unique because you can combine your game drive with a walking safari (accompanied by an armed ranger) or a canoeing safari on the Momella Lakes.

For a truly unique and intimate wildlife experience, Aya Sophia Wildlife Villa offers something you can’t get on a traditional safari. This villa provides a safe, natural environment for animals, allowing you to get closer than you ever thought possible. The main attraction here is the chance to interact directly with the animals in a respectful, ethical setting.

The highlight for many visitors is the chance to feed the giraffes. The Villa is also home to zebras, wildebeest, ostriches, elands, and other antelope. The Villa’s mission is conservation and education, and the staff are passionate about sharing the stories of each animal. The most magical part? You can arrange to have lunch with the animals surrounding you. Imagine enjoying a beautiful meal on a shaded patio while giraffes and zebras roam freely just yards away. This is an unforgettable, “Instagram-perfect” experience, especially for families.

Pro Tip: Book your visit in advance, especially if you want the special lunch experience. It’s a fantastic, low-impact way to spend a half-day.

This is, without a doubt, one of the most popular and rewarding day trips from Arusha. The Chemka Hot Springs, also known as Kikuletwa, are a crystal-clear oasis hidden in the middle of a dry, dusty, and remote landscape. The drive itself is an adventure, taking you about two hours from Arusha, past local villages and acacia scrubland. The moment you arrive, you’ll be stunned by the vibrant, fluorescent blue water, which is almost unbelievably clear.

This is not a “hot” spring in the volcanic sense, but a geothermal spring with pleasantly warm, constant-temperature water. It’s surrounded by a lush forest of fig trees, with winding roots creating a magical, “Avatar”-like setting. You can spend hours swimming, exploring the winding channels, or just floating peacefully. For the adventurous, there’s a rope swing for making a splash. Don’t be surprised if tiny “doctor fish” nibble harmlessly at your feet! It’s the perfect place to relax your muscles after a long flight or a strenuous Kili climb.

Pro Tip: Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes (the bottom can be rocky). There are basic changing facilities and local food stalls, but bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea.

This full-day trip is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and activity. Located on the green slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the village of Materuni is home to the Chagga people, Tanzania’s third-largest ethnic group. The day begins with a beautiful, moderately strenuous hike, lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll walk through lush banana and coffee plantations, crossing small streams until you hear the roar of the falls.

The Materuni Waterfall itself is a spectacular 80-meter (260-foot) cascade of icy-cold glacial melt from Kilimanjaro. You can stand in the spray, and brave swimmers can take a refreshing (and chilly!) dip in the deep pool at its base. After the hike back, the second part of your adventure begins: a full-blown Chagga coffee experience. You won’t just taste the coffee; you’ll make it. Local villagers will guide you through the entire process, from picking the red coffee berries to shelling, roasting, and grinding them by hand, all while singing traditional Chagga songs. The day ends with a delicious, massive lunch of traditional Chagga food.

Pro Tip: Wear good hiking shoes with grip. Bring a swimsuit and a light rain jacket, as the weather on the mountain can change quickly.

For those who want a more serious, off-the-beaten-path hiking adventure, the waterfalls on Mount Meru are a fantastic choice. This is a more strenuous and less-visited alternative to Materuni, perfect for active travelers. The journey begins with a drive to the base of Mount Meru, Arusha’s “little brother” and Africa’s fifth-highest peak. From there, you’ll embark on a guided hike deep into the dense montane forest.

This is a true nature-lover’s hike. You’ll scramble over rocks, cross wooden bridges, and be surrounded by the sounds of the forest. The trail can be steep in places, but your reward is a series of beautiful waterfalls, with the Napulu Waterfall being the stunning finale. It’s a powerful cascade in a secluded, lush grotto. This trip is less about a single viewpoint and more about the immersive journey through a rich and diverse ecosystem. It’s a great way to stretch your legs, especially if you’re preparing for (or recovering from) a long safari.

Pro Tip: A guide is essential for this hike. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, as the trail can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain.

Just 30 minutes from the bustle of Arusha town lies the tranquil Lake Duluti, a volcanic crater lake. This is the perfect half-day activity for a peaceful morning or afternoon. A canoeing safari here is the complete opposite of a dusty game drive. There are no motors, just the sound of your paddle dipping into the still, forest-fringed water.

The lake is a sanctuary for birds. As you glide across the water, your guide will point out giant kingfishers, fish eagles, darters, and cormorants. The banks of the crater are covered in a thick forest that is home to wildlife, and you can often spot colobus monkeys in the trees and even monitor lizards sunning themselves on the banks. The local guides will also share the legends and myths surrounding the lake, which is said to be incredibly deep. This is a serene, relaxing, and beautiful way to spend a few hours connecting with nature without traveling far.

Pro Tip: The best time to go is in the early morning or late afternoon when the birdlife is most active and the light on the water is at its best.

Get out of the safari vehicle and explore Tanzania on two wheels. An Arusha cycling tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and see the “real” Arusha that tourists often miss. These are not typically strenuous mountain biking trips (though those are available) but guided cultural tours that take you through the backroads, suburbs, and surrounding villages.

You’ll pedal through bustling local markets, past banana and coffee plantations, and through small villages where children will run out to greet you with a chorus of “Jambo!” Your guide provides context, explaining the local way of life, stopping at a local farm, or even visiting a small school. You might stop for a local-style lunch or a fresh juice at a small shop. This is a fun, active, and ground-level way to engage with the community, get some exercise, and see the beautiful countryside all at once.

Pro Tip: Tours can be tailored to your fitness level, from a simple 2-hour city ride to a full-day adventure into the foothills of Mount Meru.

To truly understand Tanzania’s safari culture, you must explore its capital. An Arusha town tour is the best way to get your bearings and feel the pulse of this energetic city. It’s highly recommended to go with a local guide who can help you navigate, share the city’s history, and show you the hidden gems.

A tour will almost certainly take you to the famous Clock Tower, which is (apocryphally) the halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town. You’ll also dive into the sensory overload of the Kilombero Market, the main central market where locals shop for everything from vibrant fruits and vegetables to spices, fish, and household goods. For souvenirs, you’ll visit the Maasai Market, a more tourist-focused area with hundreds of stalls selling beadwork, carvings, and paintings. A guide is invaluable here to help you bargain respectfully. This is the perfect activity for a half-day, giving you a real appreciation for the city’s history and vibrant daily life.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded markets, and always ask for permission before taking a photo of a person or their stall.

A day trip from Arusha provides a fantastic opportunity for a cultural encounter with Tanzania’s most famous ethnic group, the Maasai. Many reputable tour companies have relationships with local villages, allowing for a respectful and authentic visit. Upon arrival, you are typically greeted with a powerful welcome song and the “adumu,” the famous jumping dance performed by the warriors (morans).

You’ll be invited into a “boma”—a traditional family compound—and shown the inside of a home built from mud and cow dung. Villagers will explain their semi-nomadic, pastoralist lifestyle, their deep connection to their cattle, their social structure, and their traditions. This is a chance to learn about a culture that has coexisted with wildlife for centuries. While there is often an opportunity to buy handmade jewelry, a good tour focuses on genuine interaction, not just a sales pitch. It’s an eye-opening experience that provides deep context for the human side of the Tanzanian safari.

Pro Tip: This trip is often combined with a day trip to Chemka Hot Springs or as a stop on the way to Tarangire/Lake Manyara.

For a dose of history and context, spend a few hours at the Boma Museum, located in a historic German fort right in town. This is the best place to get a deeper understanding of the two things that define the region: its natural history and its people. The museum is a great activity for a “rest day” or a rainy afternoon.

One wing is dedicated to the natural history of Tanzania, featuring impressive exhibits on human evolution (with ties to the nearby Olduvai Gorge) and the region’s diverse ecosystems, complete with skeletons and taxidermy of the animals you will see (or have already seen) on safari. The other wing is dedicated to cultural heritage, showcasing beautiful artifacts, traditional clothing, tools, and musical instruments from the various ethnic groups in Tanzania. It provides a fascinating look at the country’s human diversity. There is also a small but vibrant art gallery featuring works by local artists.

Pro Tip: You can comfortably see the entire museum in about 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s an easy walk or short taxi ride from most hotels in town.

As you can see, Arusha is so much more than a gateway. It is a destination brimming with vibrant culture, unique wildlife, and breathtaking natural wonders.

Whether you’re canoeing on a quiet crater lake, hiking to a thundering waterfall, or feeding a giraffe by hand, Arusha provides the perfect, adventure-filled start or end to your great Tanzanian safari.

Ready to explore Arusha? Contact our safari experts today to build these incredible day trips into your personalized Tanzania itinerary! Read our TripAdvisor Reviews