Top 10 things to do around Arusha : Many of the best safaris in Tanzania start and come to the conclusion in the bustling town of Arusha, which is located in the country’s north.
When visiting Arusha, there are plenty of things to see and do. The town is situated at the base of Mount Meru. When on a safari in Tanzania, travellers can travel by car or by plane to get to Arusha. Airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport can be utilised to reach this region of Tanzania.
Among the several activities available in the Arusha area for Tanzanian safaris are the following:
1. Go to Arusha National Park
The closest national park to Arusha town is Arusha National Park, which boasts stunning scenery in addition to fantastic animal viewing.
You may enjoy seeing things like Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and a key attraction at the area, during a day trip to Arusha National Park from Arusha town. In addition, the national park offers access to the Momella lakes, waterfalls, and the Ngurdoto crater, among other bird and mammal species.
Tours to Arusha National Park offer opportunities to view a variety of wildlife species, including antelopes, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, zebras, giraffes, buffalos, and antelopes. Arusha is the starting point for climbs to Mount Meru, which takes approximately four days to reach the peak and return.
2. The Lake Duluti
You may visit Lake Duluti, which is around 13 kilometres from Arusha town, while you’re in the city.
Cranter lake Lake Duluti is an excellent spot for canoeing and for hikes in the forest where you can spot several bird species. This lake, which is surrounded by dense trees, is almost 700 meters deep.
Hiking around Lake Duluti is another activity that may be done during tours of the lake; this takes approximately one hour, whereas seeing Lake Duluti requires a half-day engagement.
3. Cultural heritage centre and museum experience
Visiting the cultural heritage centre is one of the top ten things you should do whilst in Arusha.
Locally carved items and a variety of arts and crafts are on display in the Cultural Heritage Centre. On a Tanzanian tour, you can also spend time at the several museums located in and around Arusha town.
4. Arusha tower
One of the town’s icons, the Arusha tower, is another location to visit while visiting the area around Arusha.
It is stated that this clock tower is located halfway between Cape Town and Cairo. This tower is accessible, and it’s located next to the primary post office in Arusha.
5. visiting the Maasai market
Another location to visit while exploring Arusha town is the Maasai market. Here, you can engage with the Maasai and learn more about their culture and way of life while perusing their handcrafted goods, such as vibrantly beaded jewellery.
While taking a tour of the Maasai market, you may also sample some of the regional cuisine. A visit to one of the neighbourhood restaurants, where you may savour a range of reasonably priced local specialities, is another way to get a flavour of the food.
6. Hot springs in Chemka
There are hot springs all throughout Arusha. During a town tour, you can visit the Chemka hot springs, also called Kikuletwa hot springs.
When visiting Arusha, these naturally heated hot springs are a great spot to unwind and swim. You can hear birds chirping among the trees and get a sense of closeness to nature in the area surrounding the hot springs.
7. Maserani Snake Park
While in Arusha town, you should also visit the Maserani Snake Park, where a variety of reptiles can be seen.
The Maserani Snake Park is home to more than fifty species of snakes, as well as other reptiles like crocodiles and monitor lizards. A tour of the snake park allows you to get up close and personal with the reptiles while learning more about how to care for each species and discovering which snakes are poisonous and which are not.
You can visit the snake bar and have some refreshments after your tour of the snake park.
8. Visiting Coffee farms
Tanzania grows a variety of cash crops, including coffee, and you can witness the entire process of growing coffee—from the plantation to the cup—by taking a tour of the coffee fields.
You can take these coffee excursions in Arusha on a private or group basis. You can sample coffee cultivated in the rich volcanic soils surrounding Arusha after the coffee tour.
9. Tanzanite experience
If you have an affinity for jewellery, you should participate in the Tanzanite Tour while in Arusha.
Tanzania is home to a variety of minerals, including tanzanite, which gives this jewel its blue-violet hue. While on this journey, you can also buy jewellery in Arusha town.
10. Shopping
Visiting Arusha town also offers the opportunity to go shopping, which is possible in a variety of locations.
There are several ways to move about the town of Arusha, including walking, cycling, taking private transportation, and using taxis.
