1. A Visit To Arusha National Park

Arusha is small and soon one figures out there isn’t much left to do in the city unless you are heading for safari

For those who have private or organized transport options are wider.

In one day in Arusha, there is enough time to go on a short half-day safari to Arusha National Park. Unfortunately, there is no Big 5, but the park offers different rewards. A typical day in Arusha National Park is combined with a canoe safari on Small Momella Lake and a walking tour.

Birdlife is amazing and lots of game wildlife. For a safari like this one needs 4 to 5 hours and back to the hotel. This kind of trip is not advised on the same day of departure to the next destination when you have to catch a flight from Kilimanjaro for example.

2. Ngorongoro Crater Day Tour

Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s ancient national parks. You can embark on a Day trip to Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, where I saw wildebeest, zebra, ostriches, and lions. The views from the top of the crater are awe-inspiring. Even a Day trip to Tarangire National Park or Day trip to Lake Manyara National Park is great if you want to get up close to wild animals.

3. Visit Meserani Snake Park in Arusha

Meserani Snake Park could be a shortstop for safari goers but otherwise is easy to reach on your own. Meserani Snake Park is close to Arusha, only 25 kilometers out of Arusha city. You will see a wide variety of snakes and reptiles. There are friendly staff employed and those who will have courage will have the opportunity to hold a snake or touch little crocodiles. However don’t have high expectations, Meserani Park is a simple park!

In front of the park, there is also a Maasai Cultural Museum, which is really interesting as you are guided by a real Maasai knowledgeable warrior. So along with snakes, you can learn something new about Maasai culture, definitely lots of detailed information as long as you are willing to listen!

4. Go Canoeing at Lake Duluti in Arusha

In case you are in the mood for canoeing but not in the mood for a safari to Arusha National Park, there is an easy short ten-minute ride out of Arusha, and you can find yourself in a canoe on Lake Duluti. A canoeing session on Duluti Lake takes an hour and a half, and all tour operators can arrange it.

Have you been to Arusha? Share your ideas on how to spend 24 hours in Arusha!

5. Buy Souvenirs in Maasai Market in Arusha

Before leaving this area, you must check out the Masai Market. Be prepared to bargain and negotiate for those interesting souvenirs. To get there from the clock tower roundabout, take Fire Road about 3 blocks and the entrance is on the main road. Each vendor has their own stall, and although some items repeat in many stalls, each seller has at least one item that you won’t find anywhere else. The stall owners are very excited to receive tourists and you will be greeted with friendly Swahili calls for your attention. “Rafiki” = friend, “Dada” = sister, or “Kaka” = brother. To get the best deals buy several items from one vendor. You can even ask for an item from another stall and they will work a deal to get you exactly what you are looking for.

6. The Tanzanite Experience, Blue Plaza, India Street in Arusha

The beautiful blue-violet gem, Tanzanite, is found only in northern Tanzania. First shown to tailor-prospector Manuel de Souza by Ali Juu ya watu, a Maasai tribesman, the gems were named by Tiffany & Co.’s Henry B. Platt, for the country of their origin and soon became highly sought after.

At The Tanzanite Experience, one can learn the history of this gorgeous, rare gemstone, and buy certified stones and jewelry.

7. Cultural Heritage Centre, Arusha-Dodoma Road in Arusha

This center, a little out of town, combines a museum, restaurant, coffee shop, spice center, and shops in which to buy art, curios, African antiques, tanzanite, and more. You can easily get all the gifts you need to take home for the family here.

Wander around the grounds marveling at the sculptures before heading into the spice center, which doubles as a book shop, filled with enticing aromas.

Don’t miss out on the Makonde Museum – a showcase of their masterful carved masks.

The center has hosted many famous people over its 20 years of existence, including Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea.

8. The Old Boma Museum (Fort), Boma Road in Arusha

The original fort, built by the Germans in the early 1900s, now houses the Natural History Museum. Learn about the colonial history of Arusha and marvel at the huge collection of stuffed animals.

Read up on the archaeological history of the area and see beautiful pictures of the diverse array of fauna and flora, before enjoying a cup of tea in the cafe.

9. Take a dip in the Kikuletwa Hot Springs

Located approximately 2 hours away from Arusha town, Kikuletwa Hot Springs is one of Tanzania’s many hidden gems. A beautiful natural pool hiding away among twisting fig trees in the middle of a dusty landscape, this little oasis is a great place for relaxing. The crystal clear waters are a lovely warm temperature and you can even enjoy a free fish pedicure with all the tiny fish that nibble away at your feet.

10. Try Baba Q or Fish in Local Restaurants in Arusha

Go out of your comfort zone, skip a Western-style restaurant’s pizzas and pasta in lodges, and eat some real local dishes! Chicken (in Swahili kuku), beef, and fish (Tamaki in Swahili) are marinated and grilled to perfection. And some ugali on the side!

There are plenty of local restaurants but we would recommend Tembo Club on Meserani Rd. Arusha or Milestone’s bar. Those who can not live without pizza, head to Blue Heron, known for wood fire pizzas and great spacious lush garden – ex-pat scene!

Getting to Arusha
As the base for safaris to Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater on the Northern Safari Circuit, Arusha features most of our Tanzania Safaris. To begin your East African safari in Arusha you can browse our upcoming tours starting in Arusha here.