Arusha

Written by Andreas Keller, Harry Mboya, Sarah kelly
10/08/2025
Aerial view of a main road in Arusha, Tanzania, with overcast skies and surrounding greenery.
I am Alex, Pexels

Arusha serves as Tanzania's principal gateway to the renowned Northern Safari Circuit, offering direct access to premier wildlife destinations. Beyond its role as a safari hub, the city provides opportunities for mountain trekking, engaging cultural experiences, and exploring diverse natural landscapes.

Arusha presents several areas for tourists and backpackers to socialize. The city's nightlife features a vibrant scene with various bars and clubs, some notably lively on specific nights. Local markets like the Central Market and Maasai Market offer dynamic environments for interaction and observing daily life. Additionally, cafes such as Kitamu Cafe are known meeting points where both locals and international visitors gather, and the Cultural Heritage Centre also provides a communal space with shops and dining.

Top 7 Things to do in Arusha

Arusha offers a blend of wildlife encounters, mountain adventures, and immersive cultural experiences.

1. Arusha National Park Safari

Embark on a day safari within Arusha National Park, a diverse landscape featuring open savannah, montane forests, and the alkaline Momella Lakes. Visitors can spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and various antelope species. The park is also home to black and white colobus monkeys and over 400 bird species, including flamingos. It is one of the few places in East Africa where walking safaris are offered, allowing a closer connection with nature.

Cost: Park entrance fees for foreign adults are approximately $45 USD per person per day. A full-day trip with a tour operator, including park fees, guide, vehicle, lunch, and transfers, typically ranges from $209 to $776 per person, varying by group size and inclusions.

Transport: The park is about 29 km from Arusha. Tour operators usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off in air-conditioned vehicles. A taxi to Momella Gate (the park's starting point) can cost approximately $50-$100 USD round-trip from Arusha.

2. Mount Meru Day Hike or Multi-Day Climb

Engage in a hike on Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak, located within Arusha National Park. A one-day hike allows visitors to experience the lower slopes, offering breathtaking greenery and opportunities to see animals. For a more challenging adventure, a multi-day trek (3-4 days) leads to the summit, providing stunning views and serving as excellent acclimatization for Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife sightings, such as giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes, are common on the lower trails.

Cost: A one-day hike can cost between $300 and $500 per person. A 3-day climb typically ranges from $830 to $1,250 per person, while a 4-day climb can be $1,200 to $1,650 per person, including park fees, guides, porters, and meals. Separate park fees for a 4-day climb can be around $455 per person.

Transport: Transportation to Momella Gate, the starting point, is usually arranged with tour operators. Expect to pay around $50-$100 USD round-trip for a hired car or taxi from Arusha.

3. Maasai Cultural Village Tour

Immerse oneself in the rich traditions of the Maasai people by visiting an authentic village. This experience offers insights into their semi-nomadic lifestyle, customs, and daily activities like milking cows, collecting wood, or crafting traditional items. Visitors can witness vibrant cultural displays, including song and dance, and interact directly with the community to learn about their history and way of life. Opportunities to purchase handcrafted souvenirs are typically available.

Cost: Full-day tours generally range from $70 to $240 USD per person, often including transfers, an English-speaking guide, local lunch, and village fees.

Transport: Maasai villages are typically located 45 minutes to 2 hours' drive from Arusha, with transportation usually included in tour packages.

4. Cultural Heritage Centre Exploration

Discover Tanzania's diverse cultural tapestry at the Cultural Heritage Centre. This complex houses an extensive art gallery showcasing Tanzanian art, carvings, and jewelry. Visitors can explore shops offering a wide array of local crafts, gemstones, and souvenirs. It serves as a unique space where the past and present of Tanzania's more than 120 ethnic groups converge, providing opportunities to learn about indigenous cultures and even observe live cultural performances or workshops.

Cost: Entrance to the Cultural Heritage Centre is often free.

Transport: Located on the outskirts of Arusha, it is accessible by taxi or local minibuses (dala-dalas).

5. Tanzanite Experience Museum Visit

Delve into the captivating world of Tanzanite, a rare gemstone found only in Tanzania. The Tanzanite Experience Museum provides a guided journey through the history, mining complexities, and intricate processes of cutting and polishing this precious stone. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of its significance, view exquisite jewelry, and even explore exclusive gemstone workshops.

Cost: Entrance to The Tanzanite Experience museum is free. Guided tours with private transportation can start from $35 USD per person, often including hotel pick-up.

Transport: The main location for The Tanzanite Experience is in Arusha's city center (Blue Plaza, India Street). It is often included in city tours or easily accessible by taxi within the city.

6. Arusha Central Market Exploration

Immerse oneself in the vibrant daily life of Arusha at the bustling Central Market (Soko Kuu). This sprawling marketplace is a sensory experience, offering an array of fresh produce, spices, textiles, and household items. It provides an authentic glimpse into local life and is an excellent place to sample traditional Tanzanian street food. While some stalls cater to locals, visitors can find unique items and experience the lively atmosphere, though bargaining is expected for goods.

Cost: Entry to the market is free.

Transport: The Central Market is located in the heart of Arusha city on Bondeni Street, making it easily accessible on foot from many city center accommodations.

7. Coffee Plantation Tour

Discover the journey of coffee from bean to cup with a guided tour of a local coffee plantation. Visitors learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of Arabica coffee, Tanzania's significant export. The tour typically includes a tasting session to savor different roasts and understand the nuances of Tanzanian coffee, often set against scenic views of Mount Meru. Some tours combine this with visits to nearby waterfalls, adding to the natural experience.

Cost: Tours typically range from $45 to $100 USD per person, often including transportation and coffee tasting.

Transport: Many tours arrange pick-up from central Arusha points, such as the Mount Meru Hotel, and use local transportation like 'dala-dalas' to reach the farms, which may involve a 40-minute walk to the plantation itself.

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