Best things to do in Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is a major African business and diplomatic hub that hosts international bodies like the Africa Court, and the African Union. In addition to being a major capital for commerce and diplomacy, Arusha’s location at the edge of the Rift Valley, also makes it Tanzania’s launch-point for safaris into Tanzania’s famous destinations for wildlife viewing – like Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

I travelled to Arusha after completing my Kilimanjaro trek in order to prepare for a 5 day safari covering Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Manyara Lake. In order to give myself some buffer time between my Kilimanjaro Trek, my Safari, and my flight out of Tanzania; I spent one full day both before and after my Safari in Arusha.

This post is a guide on some of the best things to do in the city of Arusha.

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Content:

• Go on a Free Walking Tour
• Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre
• Visit the Arusha Clock Tower
• Visit the Maasai Market
• Visit the Central Market of Arusha
• Book a Safari on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit
• Climb Tanzania’s only Active Volcano – Ol Doinyo Lengai
• Visit the Holy Hill of the Masaai
• Climb Mount Meru
• Where to stay in Arusha
• Final thoughts on Arusha

Rush hour in Arusha

Go on a Free Walking Tour:

I did a free walking tour to get to know Arusha. It was a great experience. I was the only one on my tour, and the guide actually came to my hotel to pick me up and drop me off! Hervin was my guide and we went to see things at my own pace. The tour typically covers the Masaai Market, The Arusha Clock Tower, the Cultural Heritage Centre, as well as the Central Market. The walking tour is quite customizable – especially if your group size is very small. After having lunch at the central market – Hervin asked if I would like to see his village. Of course I said “yes!” and we took a Dala-Dala (collective public bus) – less than $1USD each way, to his village around 30 minutes outside of Arusha. It was amazing to see life outside of the city, and I was grateful for the unique experience. The experience is free of charge but please leave a fair tip to your guide.

Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre:

Designed to look like a drum, shield and spear; Arusha’s Cultural Heritage Centre is a very striking building complex that houses the largest private collection of African art from across the continent. The centre is free to visit, and is an amazing place to buy authentic Africa souvenirs that range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars for various painted masterpieces and carved works of art.

Visit the Arusha Clock Tower:

The Arusha Clock Tower is believed to be located in the “centre” of Africa as mid-point between Cairo and Cape Town. It is also believed that the clocktower sits as the center-point between the three countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania;

Visit the Maasai Market:

This centrally located market, steps from the Arusha Clock Tower primarily sells art, crafts and non-food souvenirs. Vendors are very motivated make sales – so be prepared to bargain. Start at 50% of the cost you are quoted and go from there – but only bargain if you are truly interested in buying.

Visit the Arusha Central Market:

This food and vegetable market offers a truly local experience. This primarily local market sells all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood and spices. There are also stalls that sell meals that cater to locals – meaning fresh, and very cheap compared to how much it costs to eat out at a restaurant. My guide for the Free Walking Tour took me here for lunch and I was absolutely the only foreigner – everyone watched in good humour as I tried – rather clumsily – to try to eat with my hands. The lunch lady kept adding food to my plate even though I was already stuffed – it was a fabulous experience – definitely recommend coming here with a local or ask your walking tour guide to take you as I would not know where to start if I tried coming here by myself.

Book a Safari on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit:

Arusha proximity to the Rift Valley has made it the basecamp for Safaris on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. I did an excellent 5 day budget safari covering the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, from Arusha. 4 day, and 3 day safari variations from Arusha are also available.

If you’re looking for just a quick day trip, both Tarangire National Park, and Arusha National Park can be easily visited in just a day from Arusha.

Climb Tanzania’s only Active Volcano – Ol Doinyo Lengai:

Standing at 2962 meters, Ol Doinyo Lengai or “Mountain of God” in the Masaai Language is Tanzania’s only active volcano, and the world’s only carbonatite volcano. Climbs to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai typically start at midnight and take anywhere between 6 – 12 hours for average hikers to complete the out and back trek. Due to the very steep elevation profile of the trail – at times in soft volcanic ash and loose scree – this is a very challenging trek.

In contrast to Kilimanjaro – this is not a trek where elevation adaptation is the most important aspect for success – but rather one where physical fitness, grit and at times bravery – in light of some of the vertical drop-offs is going to be required for success. This hike is not for the faint-hearted. At the top, you’ll be able to peer into the cone of an active volcano – and catch glimpses of active lava on the narrow rim of the volcano’s cater – amazing, but very high stakes with regards to any slips or falls.

Visit Ol Doinyo Landaree Holy Hill of the Masaai:

A few companies will take you on day trips from Arusha to Mount Mukuru or Ol Doinyo Landaree with the local Maasai. Ol Doinyo Landaree or “Hill of God” is a much less intensive visit compared to its big brother Ol Doinyo Lengai “Mountain of God”. At 2100m Ol Doinyo Landaree is hardly just a hill, but compared to Ol Doinyo Landaree which is at nearly 3000m and an extreme vertical climb up an active volcano, this day trip more manageable for most people to partake in.

Where to stay in Arusha:

There are a range of different accommodations available in Arusha – from beautiful eco-lodges in the outskirts of the city, to upscale hotels in the city centre. If you plan to be visiting different sights within Arusha, there are excellent options within the city that are walking, or easy transit distance to major sights in the city (ie: Central market, Cultural Heritage Centre etc.).

Luxury:

The Gran Melia Arusha is luxury option that is an oasis of beauty and tranquility conveniently located in the city centre. The hotel features beautiful views of Mount Meru from some of its rooms and is located in an upscale part of town close to some of Arusha’s best shops and services. The nearby Four Points by Sheraton Arusha Hotel, is another luxury option that is centrally located right next to the Arusha Clock Tower.

Mid-range:

The Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha is in the same central location as some of Arusha’s luxury hotels – but is priced lower for roughly the same breadth of amenities and convenience. A little further out, the Njiro Legacy Hotel is a very affordable mid-range option offering beautiful rooms in tranquil setting. There are nightly communal fires as well as a pool.

Budget:

Wakawaka House is a well-reviewed, and centrally located accommodation option featuring both private rooms and cheaper dorm options. Arusha Backpacker Hotel is another budget option that is centrally located and very affordable.

Climb Mount Meru:

Mount Meru is located less than 60KM from Arusha, and is a popular training route for those planning to climb Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is Tanzania’s 5^th highest mountain and offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro as you climb. A successful climb of Mount Meru can have marked acclimatization benefits for those attempting Kilimanjaro (so long as the two treks are done back-to-back), but be aware that Mount Meru despite being at a lower elevation 4650M than Kilimanjaro (5950M), is a more technical climb. Mount Meru can be summited in 3-day or 4 day treks.

Final thoughts on things to do in Arusha:

While most tourists will visit Arusha as a quick stop-over as start and end points for Safaris in Tanzania’s famed wildlife parks like Serengeti National Park; there are plenty of activities to do in and around Arusha itself. If you arriving in Arusha from your home country in preparation for a safari or a major climb (ie: Mount Meru and/or Kilimanjaro) – I would highly recommend having at least 2-3 day buffer in Arusha in case of flight or baggage delays. The activities highlighted in this blog post should provide more than enough ideas of things to do in Arusha as you relax into Tanzania ahead of a safari or other adventure in Tanzania.