Located at the base of Mount Meru and serving as the gateway to the northern safari circuit, Arusha, Tanzania is a vibrant city that offers an incredible mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re passing through on your way to Serengeti or Kilimanjaro, or staying longer to soak in the local charm, Arusha offers plenty of things to do. This guide covers the top attractions and activities that will make your visit memorable.
1. Explore Arusha National Park
One of the most underrated parks in Tanzania, Arusha National Park lies just 45 minutes from the city. Though smaller than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, it’s uniquely diverse with lush montane forests, lakes, craters, and even Mount Meru.
Here, you can spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, flamingos, and colobus monkeys. One of the highlights is a canoeing safari on Momella Lakes, where you can glide past hippos and birds in a peaceful setting.
2. Visit the Meserani Snake Park
A short drive from Arusha, the Meserani Snake Park is both educational and thrilling. It houses a wide range of venomous and non-venomous snakes, including the black mamba and spitting cobra. In addition, the park includes crocodiles, lizards, and tortoises.
The park also offers camel rides and has a Maasai cultural museum where visitors can learn about Maasai traditions, clothing, and tools, making it a family-friendly and informative stop.
3. Discover the Culture at a Maasai Village
To understand Tanzania beyond its landscapes, a visit to a Maasai village is a must. Many local tours offer half-day or full-day cultural visits to authentic Maasai communities. You’ll witness their daily lifestyle, traditional dances, livestock herding, and homes built from mud and cow dung.
It’s a respectful and enriching way to learn about this iconic East African tribe, who continue to preserve their ancient customs in the modern age.
4. Climb Mount Meru
While Mount Kilimanjaro gets most of the fame, Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, is a hidden gem for trekkers. The climb to the summit (4,566 meters) takes around 3–4 days and passes through diverse ecosystems, including rainforest, moorlands, and alpine desert.
Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Arusha and, on clear days, even Kilimanjaro in the distance. Unlike Kilimanjaro, the Meru trek is less crowded and more affordable.
5. Shop at Arusha Central Market
If you’re wondering what to do in Arusha Tanzania for a more local experience, a visit to Arusha Central Market is a must. This bustling marketplace is full of life and color, offering fresh fruits, spices, meat, souvenirs, and textiles.
It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture, bargain with vendors, and sample Tanzanian snacks like samosas and roasted maize. Just keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd.
6. Tour the Cultural Heritage Centre
For art lovers and history buffs, the Cultural Heritage Centre is a beautiful stop. The center features a vast collection of Tanzanian art, from tribal masks to modern sculptures and Tinga Tinga paintings.
The architecture of the building itself is impressive, resembling a grand drum and shield. There’s also a gemstone shop, restaurant, and curio shop to buy quality crafts, tanzanite stones, and souvenirs.
7. Coffee Tours in Arusha’s Highlands
Tanzania is famous for its Arabica coffee, and Arusha is one of the best places to explore how it’s made. Take a guided coffee plantation tour in the foothills of Mount Meru, where you can learn about the growing, harvesting, roasting, and brewing process.
Most tours end with a tasting session and an opportunity to buy freshly roasted beans. It’s a treat for coffee lovers and a great way to support local farmers.
8. Day Trip to Lake Duluti
Just a short drive from the city, Lake Duluti is a peaceful crater lake surrounded by forest. You can take a relaxing canoe ride, go birdwatching, or enjoy a nature walk on the trails around the lake.
It’s a great option for a quiet afternoon away from the city, with plenty of opportunities to spot kingfishers, eagles, and monitor lizards.
9. Experience Tanzanite Mining and Shopping
Arusha is the heart of the global tanzanite trade — a rare blue-purple gemstone found only in northern Tanzania. You can visit local shops or even tour small-scale mining areas to see how tanzanite is extracted and processed.
Certified gemstone dealers offer high-quality stones set in rings, necklaces, and earrings. For gem collectors, this is a unique opportunity to take home a precious piece of Tanzania.
10. Enjoy Arusha’s Culinary Scene
Food in Arusha is diverse, thanks to influences from Indian, Arab, and African cuisines. Try local dishes like Nyama Choma (grilled meat), Ugali (cornmeal dough), and Pilau rice. For international options, there are great restaurants and cafés catering to all tastes — from Italian to Indian and vegetarian-friendly meals.
Don’t miss out on trying local beers like Kilimanjaro and Serengeti, or a fresh fruit juice from one of the city’s juice bars.
Final Thoughts
From nature and wildlife to history and adventure, Arusha has it all. Whether you’re stopping by before a safari or staying for an extended cultural experience, you’ll never run out of things to do in this lively Tanzanian city.
What to do in Arusha Tanzania? The better question might be, “What not to do?” With so many diverse attractions, Arusha promises an unforgettable African experience.
