15 Best Things to Do in Arusha: The Ultimate Local Guide

Thanks to its proximity to world-famous game reserves, Arusha is widely known as the starting point for northern safaris in Tanzania. However, labeling this bustling city as a mere gateway does it a massive disservice. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is a green, vibrant cultural hub that deserves to be explored in its own right.

Whether you have a day to spare before your safari or are planning a dedicated stay, here is our ultimate guide to the best things to do in and around Arusha, curated by our expert local trackers and guides.

Nature & Wildlife Adventures

1. Float and Swim in Chemka (Kikuletwa) Hot Springs

Located an hour and a half outside the city, Chemka Hot Springs is one of Tanzania’s best-kept tropical secrets. Fed by underground geothermal water from Mount Kilimanjaro, these crystal-clear, warm turquoise pools are surrounded by lush fig trees and swinging roots. It’s the perfect place to swim, jump off the rope swing, or simply relax your muscles after a long trek.

2. Take a Walking Safari in Arusha National Park

Experience the African bush without the rumble of an engine. Accompanied by an armed park ranger, a walking safari lets you step directly onto the soil and walk alongside zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, and the park's iconic black-and-white Colobus monkeys. You will also learn about the medicinal properties of local plants and track animal footprints.

3. Go Canoeing on Momella Lakes

Also located inside Arusha National Park, the Momella Lakes offer a serene setting for a guided canoe tour. As you paddle across the calm waters, you’ll get up close to hippos, buffaloes grazing on the shoreline, and thousands of pink flamingos painting the water. The views of Mount Meru rising in the background are absolutely breathtaking.

4. Hike to the First Camp of Mount Meru (Miriakamba)

Often overshadowed by its neighbor Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a magnificent volcano offering incredible day-hiking opportunities. The trek to Miriakamba Hut takes you through mossy montane forests, across scenic clearings, and gives you a taste of the challenges and beauty of high-altitude mountain climbing.

5. Chase the Mount Meru Waterfall (Napuru Waterfall)

For a shorter but rewarding hike, the trail to Napuru Waterfall winds through a lush rainforest canyon for about an hour. Reaching the cascading 80-foot waterfall is an incredible reward, where you can feel the cool mountain spray and enjoy a quiet picnic surrounded by nature.

6. Explore Crater Lake Duluti

Lake Duluti is a deep volcanic crater lake located just 20 minutes from the city center. Surrounded by a thick forest reserve, it is a haven for birds (including nesting eagles and giant kingfishers). You can hike the peaceful nature trail that loops around the crater rim or rent a canoe to explore the lake from the water.

7. Climb Mount Longido

For seasoned hikers looking for a challenging day trek, Mount Longido (8,651 ft) offers a strenuous 6-hour climb. Starting through forests where you might spot antelopes, the trail turns rocky and steep, culminating in 360-degree panoramic views stretching all the way to Kenya and Kilimanjaro.

Cultural & Historical Treasures

8. Marvel at the Cultural Heritage Centre

The Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is an architectural masterpiece shaped like a traditional African shield. It houses one of the largest and most impressive collections of African art, sculptures, masks, and jewelry on the continent. Even if you are not buying, walking through the multi-level gallery is an educational and inspiring museum experience.

9. Visit a Lush Coffee Plantation

Arusha’s volcanic soil and highland climate produce some of the finest Arabica coffee in the world. Taking a coffee plantation tour lets you follow the entire bean-to-cup process. You will pick ripe coffee cherries, grind them using traditional methods, and finish by tasting a freshly brewed, aromatic cup of Tanzanian coffee.

10. Discover the Tanzanite Experience

Tanzanite is a rare, sparkling blue-violet gemstone found in only one place on Earth—the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro near Arusha. At the Tanzanite Experience museum, you can learn about the complex mining process, the history behind its discovery, and browse a stunning gallery of certified gemstones and custom jewelry.

11. Visit Meserani Snake Park & Maasai Museum

A fun and educational stop, the Meserani Snake Park hosts a collection of Africa’s most venomous snakes and reptiles. Adjacent to the park is the Maasai Cultural Museum, where local Maasai guides share rich insights into their tribe's traditional weapons, clothing, and nomadic lifestyle.

12. Shop at the Arusha Maasai Market

If you are looking for authentic souvenirs, the Maasai Market near the Clock Tower is the place to go. Hundreds of local artisans sell beautiful beaded jewelry, hand-carved ebony sculptures, and vibrant woven textiles. Friendly bargaining is expected here, so bring a smile and negotiate respectfully.

13. Take a Guided Arusha City Tour

To truly understand the rhythm of Arusha, take a guided walking tour of the city. You’ll visit the historical Clock Tower (the midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town), walk through the bustling central food markets smelling local spices, and learn about the city’s colonial history.

Local Culinary Experiences

14. Indulge in Authentic Tanzanian Food

No visit is complete without trying local dishes. Seek out a local eatery to enjoy Nyama Choma (slow-roasted marinated goat or beef), Chipsi Mayai (a comforting French fry omelet), and Ugali served with fresh greens and beans. For a premium dining experience in a beautiful garden setting, visit the Arusha Coffee Lodge.

15. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

End your day by heading to a rooftop spot, such as the Gran Meliá rooftop bar, to enjoy a refreshing drink as the sun sets behind Mount Meru, painting the sky in deep shades of gold and violet.

Practical Arusha Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Arusha is great year-round due to its temperate highland climate, but the dry season (June to October) offers the best weather for trekking and wildlife viewing. The short rains occur in November and December, while the long rains fall from March to May.

Getting Around Safely

While local minibuses (dala dalas) are incredibly cheap and offer a colorful local experience, they can be crowded and confusing. For comfort and safety, we recommend hiring registered, negotiated taxis (recognized by their white license plates) or arranging transfers directly through your tour operator.

Adhimu Concierge Tip:

We recommend spending at least two nights in Arusha before heading out on safari. This gives you time to recover from long international flights, adjust to the altitude (4,600 ft), and experience the rich cultural side of Tanzania that most tourists completely miss.