10 Best Things to Do in Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is more than just the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, it’s a vibrant, cultural, and ecological gem that deserves your full attention. Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, this lively city offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re spending a few days before your Serengeti safari or simply passing through, you’ll find that Arusha has a variety of attractions that make it a destination worth exploring in its own right.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked the top 10 things to do in Arusha, ideal for first-time visitors, nature lovers, and cultural explorers alike. These activities can easily be incorporated into your Tanzania safari holiday to create a truly immersive experience.

1. Explore Arusha National Park

Located just 30 kilometres from the city centre, Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible and underrated parks. Though small compared to Serengeti or Tarangire, it offers a surprisingly diverse range of habitats, including lush montane forests, alpine meadows, volcanic craters, and tranquil lakes.

Visitors can enjoy traditional game drives, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and guided walking safaris with armed rangers, something that’s rare in most national parks. The park is home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and a rich variety of birdlife, including flamingos. If you’re lucky, you may spot the elusive leopard or colobus monkey swinging through the trees. Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, provides a dramatic backdrop for photos and treks.

2. Visit the Maasai Market in Arusha City

For a true taste of local life and culture, head to the Maasai Market, where artisans and traders showcase their traditional wares. This colourful open-air market is the best place to buy authentic souvenirs like beaded jewelry, wood carvings, paintings, leather bags, sandals, and the iconic red-and-blue Maasai shuka.

Bargaining is part of the fun, and interacting with the vendors gives you a deeper understanding of the local community. Beyond shopping, the market is a cultural experience, it’s where tradition meets creativity, and every item tells a story.

3. Discover the Cultural Heritage Centre

The Cultural Heritage Centre is one of Arusha’s most visited landmarks, and for good reason. It’s not just a museum or gallery; it’s a multi-purpose complex that brings Tanzania’s rich tribal history and artistic expression under one roof.

You’ll find everything from ancient artifacts and Tanzanite gemstones to contemporary African sculptures and paintings. The architecture itself is stunning, and the expansive galleries make it easy to get lost in the stories of over 120 ethnic groups that make up Tanzania. You can shop for high-end souvenirs or simply soak in the history and artistry.

4. Take a Coffee Tour on a Local Plantation

Tanzania produces some of the finest Arabica coffee in East Africa, and Arusha’s fertile volcanic slopes are a key growing region. Just a short drive from the city, you can join a guided coffee tour at a local farm where you’ll learn how coffee is planted, harvested, dried, roasted, and ground, all using traditional techniques.

Many tours also include a farm-to-cup tasting session, giving you the chance to Savor rich, organic Tanzanian coffee in its freshest form. It’s an educational, delicious, and highly photogenic experience, perfect for slow travellers and coffee lovers.

5. Visit Lake Duluti for a Nature Escape

If you’re looking for peace and natural beauty, Lake Duluti is a perfect half-day or full-day escape from Arusha. This serene crater lake is surrounded by thick forest and is ideal for kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking.

The lake is home to kingfishers, cormorants, fish eagles, and monitor lizards. You can take a guided canoe trip on the calm waters, enjoy a picnic by the shore, or take a walking tour around the lake’s edge while learning about local flora and geology.

6. Experience a Walking Safari with a Maasai Guide

Unlike a traditional game drive, a walking safari gives you the chance to experience wildlife and nature up close, from tracking animal footprints to learning about native plants used in traditional medicine.

Several conservancies and areas near Arusha National Park and the Maasai Steppe offer these safaris, often guided by local Maasai warriors. You’ll walk through open savannah, past termite mounds and acacia trees, hearing firsthand stories about Maasai traditions and their coexistence with wildlife. It’s one of the most authentic and humbling experiences you can have in Tanzania.

7. Climb Mount Meru

Towering at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, but it’s a spectacular trekking destination on its own. The climb takes 3 to 4 days and is a physically challenging but rewarding experience for trekkers. You’ll pass through dense forest, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, all the while spotting wildlife like giraffes, monkeys, and antelope.

The views from the summit are breathtaking, with Kilimanjaro looming in the distance and a sea of clouds beneath your feet. Because Meru is less crowded, it’s a quieter, more intimate mountain adventure and also serves as a great acclimatization climb before attempting Kilimanjaro.

8. Visit the Arusha Declaration Museum

This lesser-known gem offers a fascinating look into Tanzania’s post-independence history. The Arusha Declaration Museum chronicles the political and social journey of the country, particularly the role of the 1967 Arusha Declaration in shaping Tanzania’s socialist policies under President Julius Nyerere.

Through documents, photos, and exhibitions, visitors learn about the ideals of Ujamaa (familyhood), nation-building, and how Tanzania sought to remain independent from foreign influence. It’s an enlightening experience for history buffs and anyone wanting to understand the soul of the nation.

9. Tour the Shanga Foundation

Located within the grounds of Arusha Coffee Lodge, the Shanga Foundation is a socially-conscious enterprise that employs people with disabilities to create beautiful handmade crafts. The project promotes inclusivity and creativity, and your visit helps support their mission.

Guests can watch artisans at work, blowing glass, weaving fabrics, beading jewelry, and even try their hand at making something themselves. The on-site boutique is full of unique souvenirs that support a great cause. Shanga isn’t just a stop; it’s a heartfelt experience.

10. Taste Traditional Tanzanian Cuisine

Your time in Arusha wouldn’t be complete without trying the local food. From street vendors to mid-range restaurants and upscale lounges, the city offers a variety of dining experiences. Taste nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali (a maize meal staple), mishkaki (skewered meat), ndizi nyama (banana and meat stew), and chapati (flatbread).

Some recommended restaurants include Khan’s BBQ, George’s Tavern, Blue Heron, and Themi Living Garden, which offers vegetarian and vegan options. Dining in Arusha is more than a meal—it’s a window into Tanzanian hospitality and flavour.

Plan Your Arusha Adventure with Tanzania Beauty Safaris

Whether you’re in Arusha for a short stay or using it as a base to explore Tanzania’s famous national parks, this dynamic city offers plenty to see and do. From mountain treks and wildlife adventures to immersive cultural encounters, Arusha is the perfect blend of nature and tradition.

At Tanzania Beauty Safaris, we specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that combine the best of Arusha with unforgettable safari experiences across Tanzania. Our knowledgeable local guides and curated activities ensure that your journey is smooth, enriching, and tailored to your interests.

Ready to explore Arusha?

Contact us today to build your custom itinerary and turn your Tanzania safari into the adventure of a lifetime.