Things To Do
in Arusha
Arusha is a vibrant city located at the foothills of Mount Meru in Tanzania. Known as the gateway to many of Tanzania's famous national parks, including Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, Arusha is a popular starting point for safari adventures. The city is also home to a mix of cultural influences, with a bustling market scene offering traditional crafts and fresh produce.
Visitors to Arusha can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to wildlife safaris, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Nzuri sana" - Very good
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with an early morning safari in Arusha National Park. Look out for breathtaking views of Mount Meru and stunning wildlife such as giraffes and buffalo.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature before taking a guided walking tour of the park. This is a great opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.
Return to Arusha and unwind at a local restaurant. Try traditional Tanzanian dishes like ugali and nyama choma while sharing stories of your experiences.
Start your day with a visit to the Cultural Heritage Center to discover the rich history of Tanzania. Explore various art galleries and local crafts that showcase the country's cultural diversity.
Savor lunch at the center's restaurant, featuring local cuisine. Afterward, continue exploring the craft shops and maybe pick up a unique souvenir.
Head back to your hotel and relax. Enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on the cultural treasures you've seen throughout the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with proximity to Mount Meru and the Serengeti National Park.
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, including the Maasai and Arusha's vibrant markets.
- Gateway to popular safari destinations, making it a prime location for tourists.
- Pleasant climate, typically warm and mild year-round.
- A growing economy with opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and business.
- Traffic congestion and limited infrastructure in some areas.
- Challenges with basic services such as healthcare and education in rural parts.
- Potential language barriers, with Swahili being the predominant language.
- Economic disparities, leading to poverty in certain communities.
- Climate change impacts, including changing weather patterns that affect agriculture.
Best Activities in Arusha
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience an exciting wildlife safari in Arusha National Park, home to a variety of animals and the stunning Mount Meru.
Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hiking adventure to the summit of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest peak, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore the Meserani Snake Park for an opportunity to learn about traditional Maasai culture, encounter wildlife, and enjoy educational snake presentations.
Tours
Uncover the best of Arusha with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Arusha
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is great for photography
Provides picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro and a variety of wildlife, ideal for photography
Scenic overlook with breathtaking views and excellent photography opportunities
Food in Arusha
Arusha Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This dish features succulent grilled meat, such as beef, goat, or chicken, seasoned with aromatic spices. It's a must-try for meat lovers. Visit Khan's BBQ for an authentic Nyama Choma experience.
Must-Try!
Ugali, a maize-based staple, is served with a flavorful fish curry. For an exquisite taste, try this dish at the Blue Heron Restaurant, known for its exceptional seafood.
Mandazi is a popular East African street food, similar to a doughnut. Enjoy these delectable fried delicacies at the local market stalls or bakeries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Arusha better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the vibrant Central Market, where you can indulge in a variety of fresh produce, spices, and street food. Try local delights like Samosas, Mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), and Kachumbari (salsa) here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Arusha, it is important to show respect for elders and those in positions of authority. This can be demonstrated through greeting them with a handshake and using respectful language.
Hospitality is highly valued in Arusha, and it is customary to be gracious and welcoming to guests. It is polite to accept offers of food and drink, and to reciprocate with gratitude.
When visiting public places or attending events in Arusha, it is respectful to dress modestly and appropriately. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and both men and women should consider the cultural norms when choosing attire.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Arusha with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Arusha
Ensure a smooth experience
In Arusha, Tanzania, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants, and to tip hotel staff, safari guides, and drivers for exceptional service.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Arusha, Tanzania. Some larger establishments may accept credit cards, but it is advisable to carry cash for most transactions. It's also important to note that bargaining is common in markets and for certain services.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Arusha.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Arusha, Tanzania when the weather is cooler and wildlife is easy to spot due to scarce vegetation and animals gathering around water sources.
Expect wetter conditions and lush landscapes during this period, with the chance to witness calving in the Serengeti and bird watching in the national parks.
Arusha at Night
Hiking in Arusha
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning volcanic mountain that offers challenging hikes with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
Features scenic trails that allow hikers to explore its rich flora and fauna, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
A beautiful crater with a circular hiking trail that provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
A serene lake offering easy hiking trails through lush forests, perfect for nature walks and bird watching.
An adventurous route to Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its stunning landscapes and varied ecosystems.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Arusha through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Arusha by plane.
The main airport serving the region, located approximately 50 km from Arusha. It offers both domestic and international flights.
Located in Dar es Salaam, this is the largest airport in Tanzania, about 500 km from Arusha. It serves numerous international and domestic routes.
Situated about 800 km from Arusha, Mwanza Airport serves domestic flights as well as some international services, mainly to regional destinations.
Located about 450 km from Arusha, it offers domestic flights and limited international connections, serving the capital city of Tanzania.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A Bantu ethnic group predominantly found in the Mwanza region but also present in Arusha.
The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists known for their distinctive customs and dress.
An ethnic group primarily found in the northern regions of Tanzania.
An ethnic group from the coastal region, but some have settled in Arusha.
An ethnic group that has migrated to Arusha from the central regions of Tanzania.
An ethnic group, originally from the Lake Victoria region, with a presence in Arusha.
A small ethnic group found in some parts of Tanzania, including Arusha.
One of the smallest demographic groups in Arusha, consisting of indigenous hunter-gatherers.
The Soul of Arusha
Discover the essence of Arusha through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Arusha, with various local leagues and community teams actively participating in matches.
Rugby has been growing in popularity, with several clubs and youth programs developing talent in the region.
Cricket enjoys a significant following, particularly among schools and expatriate communities, with local competitions held regularly.
Basketball is popular among youth, with various courts around the city where players gather for games and tournaments.
Athletics, including running and field events, is encouraged in schools and has seen successful regional competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arusha.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Tanzanian cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants and cafes in Arusha cater to vegetarians and vegans. Look for dishes like Mchicha (spinach stew), plantain dishes, and lentil soups for delightful meatless options.
Gluten-free dining options are available in some upscale restaurants and cafes in Arusha. Always communicate your dietary needs clearly, and consider dining at places offering international cuisines for more diverse gluten-free choices.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Arusha with these cultural adventures.
