Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Things To Do In Arusha And Around Arusha
The top 10 best things to do in Arusha include; canoeing, birding, hiking, biking, rock climbing, visit Meserani snake park, sky diving, autum activities, volcano tours, kilimanjaro day trip, maasai cultural interactions
Arusha is a city in located in the northern part of Tanzania Arusha. This city is one of the largest in the cities in Tanzania and also the capital city. Arusha was the capital city of East African Community until 1977 and its situated at the foot of mount Meru on the eastern edge. Arusha city is an attraction in its own right with countless things to do and is also a very close to the Maasai Mara.
This city is a one of the destinations you can visit for different kind of tours ranging from safaris in national parks like Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation area, boat tours, honey moon tours among others. Arusha is a multi cultural city with a population of mixed backgrounds the city is relatively small and residents lead a more laid back kind of life. Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are the main religious denominations,
Arusha has a lot to offer to different persons while one vacation. The top 10 best things to do in Arusha include the following;
1. Canoeing In Arusha
While in Arusha, canoeing should be put on your to top 10 things to do in Arusha. This one of the breathtaking things one needs to engage while in Arusha. Canoeing is done on water bodies and when you try it in Arusha, you will get a whole new experience of canoeing on fresh waters.
Canoeing in Arusha can be done on Momella lake in Arusha national park and it takes about 2:30 hours of the canoes and you can view different water animals while canoeing which include: buffaloes, bushbucks, hippos and other birds living in and close the water. Canoeing can also be done on lake Duluti were a glide across the smooth surface surface of the small crater lake and view bird life like Seldon seen, fish eagle, darters and many more surrounded by forested crater walls this is a very special and it takes for about 1:5 hours for a canoeing experience on lake Duluti.
2. Visit Meserani Snake Park
Meserani snake park is also among the visited places in Arusha and it is located 25kilometers west of Arusha on the routes of Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. There are approximately 48 snakes you can view while in the park, You can also view other reptiles at the park which include: lizards, tortoises, crocodiles among others.
3. Birding
Birding is one of the top ten things to do in Arusha. With about 1125 bird species in Tanzania were by some are residents, endemic and others migrate regularly, Arusha city is one of the best places in east africa which offers a good view for bird watching, there are different places and parks were bird watching can be practiced which include: Serengeti national park with over 500 bird species, Tarangire national park with over 550 bird species, Ruaha national park with over 350 bird species and Arusha national park with over400 bird species and particularly the momella lakes offer gorgeous bird watching opportunities national parks inhabited by over 400+ different migrant and resident bird species.
Arusha national park is good for birding around November- April migratory birds from Europe and north Africa are also present. Birding can also be done in Nyungwe forest cause it has more than 300 species of birds. In case you want to do birding you have to travel with the following which included the; Binoculars, Camera, Portable voice recorder, Drinking water, Insect repellant etc.
4. Volcano tours
In Arusha, the most active volcano is the Ol Doinyo lengai with two craters 120 kilo meters north west of Arusha, and there are six different volcanoes in a remote territory and economic zone and they include: kyejo, Meru, Rungwe, Ngozi, Igwisi Hills. Arusha volcano tours are to explore the northern circuit of Tanzania during your holiday and discover the Ngorongoro crater worlds largest intact volcanic.
The Ol Doinyo Lengai Its known for its unique low temperature lava. Its an active volcano in Tanzania and it consists of volcanic cone with two craters, it lies in Tanzania 16 kilometers south of lake Natron and 120 kil0meters northwest of Arusha and its also known as the mountain of god.
Tarangire national park got its name from Tarangire river that flows through the center of the park and in the dry season it’s a refuge for wildlife especially elephants and it lies about 120km southwest of Arusha city and it is also good for birding, there are some things to do in Arusha at night which include: nightclub, funs and games, dance clubs and discos, pub tours among others.
Visit Tarangire national park, lake Manyara national park, lake Natron and a stay over night in comfortable accommodations. A program to trek this active volcano mountain can be arranged independent or as part of the safari program, Ngorongoro highland trekking, wild animals can be spotted such as hyena, olive baboon, grant gazelle, Impala, zebra etc.
5. Hiking
Top hiking trails in Arusha include; Mountain Kilimanjaro, mount Meru, Kikuletwa hot springs, Themi falls leisure park among others.
Mount Kilimanjaro is most known for its highest peak in Africa and it is located about 100km from Arusha and offers one of the best hiking experiences. Its a dormant volcano that springs up above the sea level and it has seven trekking routes and the routes may take 7-10 days for completion.
Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania with abundant wild life sightings on day with great acclimatization climb before hiking with ascent and descent routes via momella the hike to mount Meru starts from Arusha national park and it takes only three days to hike.
Kikuletwa hot springs is also a leisure place in Arusha looking for a place to relax your mind well these hot springs should be your next destination, Kikuletwa hot springs also called Maji moto which means hot water, Themi falls leisure park is located on waterfall road in Arusha and provides some adventurous hiking trails in Tanzania and enjoy the scenic views that this water fall has to offer.
6. Sky diving
Sky diving is one of the activity a person can’t miss to carry out while in Arusha and enjoy the life changing thrill of freefall and it is carried out in Moshi, Moshi is a place were you sky dive from and it is found in Kilimanjaro resort areas, sky diving is done for at least 5-8 minutes and the items to walk with while preparing for a sky dive are parachutes, googols, jump suites, closed shoes, drinking water among others.
7. Rock Climbing
Among the out door activities in Arusha, rock climbing is one of the most liked activity and it is a sport were participants climb up to the rocks and it is practiced on different climbing trails which include longido, themi falls among others. Rock climbing is an activity that will help u starch your legs, arms and it is normally done by either ropes or hands but most especially ropes. The climbing is done for approximately 3-4 hours and its done on any day of the week.
8. Biking
Looking for short time activity to do will in Arusha the best activity is biking. Biking is a short and easy activity done on bikes and its mostly a 1 hour and 30 minute ride mainly done on single track trails through villages on the outskirts of Arusha there are thousands of single track routes to explore most of the path looks nice, smooth and easy riding the ride mainly goes round the rim of the crater with stunning views.
9. Kilimanjaro Day Trip
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5.985m and you can take a week to climb to the summit but if you head to the less visited western side of the mountain you can do a one day excursion which incorporates some hiking on the moorland most days you’ll need to hike for around 4-5 hours but on a summit day which begins at midnight you’ll need to hike for 12-16 hours this is because you hike to Uhuru peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro takes around six to seven hours but you must then descend along way to reach that night’s campsite.
The average cost to climb Kilimanjaro is $2000-$6000 the price varies from cheap budget operators to large western travel agents selling outsourced climbs at an inflated price.
10. Maasai Cultural Interactions And Maasai Museum Tour
Maasai cultural museum is an authentic looks at Maasai culture and traditional and it is located 53miles from Arusha. This day trip will take you up to the Olpongongi Masai cultural village and museum to experience Masai culture and traditions after seeing the village you’ll head of on a walking trip to learn about age of old hunting techniques and the Masai’s natural medicines.
Maasai village is located in west of Kilimanjaro Masai-land about 2hour drive and 85kilometer from Arusha town and if you use the Moshi route it will take 74kilometer from after arriving at the Masai village you will be served a traditional Masai lunch and after the lunch you will have a guided foot safari in the Masai territory.
11. Boat Cruise
Arusha is a land of many lakes and rivers traversing land rich in wildlife with water bodies which provide an excellent natural setting for boat cruise and canoeing as an added activity on a boat cruise itinerary, while at the boat guest would expect to approach different bird species and sea mammals.
Boat safaris is conducted on the momella lake with in Arusha national park and lake Duluti. While going for a boat cruising on lake Duluti you will see a beautiful lake in all its glory and the guide will tell you some little history while cruising around the lake and you see view different bird species and if you choose to cruise in Arusha national park cruising will be done on momella lakes which is found inside the park and you will view some wildlife in their natural surroundings while at the boat.
12.Swim At Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Kikuletwa hot spring is a perfect small oasis in the middle of the dry land surrounded by stunning fig trees. Kikuletwa hot springs is also a leisure place in Arusha, looking for a place to relax your mind well these hot springs should be your next destination, Kikuletwa hot springs also called Maji moto which means hot water when your at Kikuletwa you can swim in crystal clear water you just have to sit, relax and enjoy the free pedicure outside the hot springs, after swimming at the hot springs one can relax under the shady trees.
13. Visit The National Natural And Historical Museum
The Museum is one of the most visited places in Arusha and it has 80million objects around Tanzania and the time for visiting the museum is about 3-4 hours but even a person can spend a full day in the museum and the natural history museum has house has 12permanent galleries that exhibit the biological and geological diversity. Museum exhibits human evolution with evidence from different insects of economic importance, ecology of large mammals skinning and mounting of wild animal species and the collections found at the museum are paleoanthropological, paleontological, archaeological from different sites of Tanzania and other services offered include: workshop, seminar rooms and cultural cafe and there are some things to do in Arusha at night and there include: cocoriko club, Moivaro cultural tourism, Lucas African adventure, Arusha comedy club, Sana African projects and deeper Serengeti safari among others.
Top 10 best things to do in Arusha at night include:
There are many hot night life spots around Arusha and some of the most popular are via via, Maasai camp, lively lady, sports lounge, karaoke, cocktail bar among others.
Accomodation places around Arusha.
Arusha have a number of lodges/hotels varying from budget to luxury
Budget hotels
- Serengeti Villa
- Kizumba House
- Utamaduni House B&B
- Kutoka lodge
Midrange
- Mvuli Hotel
- The African Tulip
- Mount Meru Game lodge
- Hotel Flamingo
- Arusha planet lodge
Luxury Hotel
- Siringit Villa
- Hamerkop House by Lemala
- The Green Side
- Arusha Centre Tourist Inn
Different routes to use while going to Arusha
There are four means of transport to use if u want to enter in Arusha they include ;by Bus, plane, taxi, shuttle among others.
- Bus: You can take an express coach from Nairobi to Arusha.
- Car: You can choose to drive in from Nairobi to Dar-el-salaam via the Nairobi Mombasa road.
- Plane: Visitors getting in to Arusha can enter via Kilimanjaro international airport or the Arusha airport.
- Shuttle: Shuttle service is available from Nairobi airport to Arusha via the Impala shuttle service and the cost is 30 USD one way and tickets should be booked at least a week in advance.
Best time to visit Arusha
The best time to visit Arusha is during the months of June-October in the dry season when the animals are easier to observe as the congregate near fresh water sources rainfall is minimal foliage dense and mosquito level are reduced.
Things to do in Arusha for a day include;
Walking safaris, game drives, natural walks. cultural tours. and there are some picnic places in Arusha and they include; Karama lodge and Spa, Napuru picnic site, premium park, picnic Bar among others.
Considering Arusha as one of the largest cities in Tanzania and it being the capital city of the wider Arusha region, it is strategically located in the northern part of the country in an area with some of the East Africa’s best national parks, there a free things to do in Arusha which include: visiting malls, visiting the Twiga brewery, Masai market, House of gems Tanzania, Isle of jewels, Swahili art group among others.
Arusha is a multi cultural city with a population of mixed backgrounds the city is relatively small and residents lead a more laid back kind of life of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are the main religious domination in Arusha, when you arrive in Arusha city there are some things to do in Arusha town include: excursions, biking, visiting the cultural heritage center, cultural art Centre, cultural tours among others.
Frequently asked questions.
1. What is Arusha city famous for?
Arusha is known for being the safari capital of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and a popular stop over for adventurers who are preparing for a Kilimanjaro trek. There are a number of romantic places in Arusha
2. what are the top attractions to visit in Arusha?
- Materuni water falls and Kikuletwa hot springs
- Cultural Heritage centre
- Ol Doinyo lengai
- Ngurdoto crater
- Meserani snake park
- Cultural arts centre
- Masai Mara
3. Is Arusha Tanzania worth visiting?
It has many popular attractions including cultural heritage centre, mount Meru, making it worth a visit. Arusha is a city in Tanzania and it has many popular attractions and with no doubt its one of the most beautiful city in Tanzania to visit with so many stunning attractions such as the Arusha national park which is a home to many wildlife making it worth to be visited.