Safaris in Tanzania are indeed a sight to behold. They are blessed with a widely diverse ecosystem that ranges from golden savannah and plains, mountains and forests, to waterfalls and islands that offer a tropical paradise of exquisite proportions. Beyond the enthralling sightings and activities of a safari trip, however, Tanzania also delivers some unforgettable experiences thanks to the many delights that Arusha has to offer.
Arusha is the biggest city in northern Tanzania and is located at the foot of Mount Meru. While it is often regarded as the starting point for safaris and trekking tours, the city offers so much more. At first glance, it may look as if there are only a few parks or relaxing areas, or it may seem more like a tiring and chaotic city, but if you look closely, you would find lots of small oasis of relaxation and peace just off the loud and busy streets. If you plan on staying a few days before or after your safari adventure, we have some tips for what you can do in Arusha on your own or via a tour operator. Here’s a list of what to do in Arusha in-between safaris:
Visit a Coffee Farm
Visiting a coffee farm in Arusha makes for an amazing and exciting tour that will give you a better understanding of how the famous Tanzanian coffee is made. While in the coffee farm, you will only find the fine Arabica coffee that grows best on high altitude with a lot of rain. Arusha lies 1400 m above sea level, thereby Moshi and Ngorongoro are the most favourable Arabica coffee areas. After the long rains, there is usually plenty of sunshine and it is during this period the fields are full of locals who carefully handpick the red fruits from the trees. You can find more than 300 pickers a day working for over a period of four months to harvest the whole fine Arabica coffee. An interesting and informative tour in the middle of nature that will surely stimulate your senses and leave you with the tasteful aroma of coffee.
Museum Tour
Boma Natural History Museum
Showcasing the natural history, wildlife, culture, and artifacts of the Arusha region, the Boma natural history museum is housed inside of what was an old German military outpost and has three separate buildings that are open to the public, an outdoor mini botanical garden, and an outdoor art and crafts gallery. The three buildings include one for wildlife, the other for archaeological history, and the third for the history of the region’s events. The Boma natural museum is part of the national museums of Tanzania, including the Dar es Salaam, Sukuma, Mwalimu, Nyerere, and Makumbusho village museum. You can find artifacts from excavations of neighboring areas and other dead wildlife, a history of the region of Arusha and its people, a wildlife section with photographs and taxidermy, a small pond with freshwater fish, a mini zoo with some of the regions rare animals, etc.
Coffee Shops and get Masala Tea (Africafe, Kitamu, etc…)
Kitamu Coffee
If you feel like relaxing after an amazing but exhausting trekking tour or safari, instead of returning to the bustling city life right away, visit one of the coffee shops in Arusha where the atmosphere invites you to relax and refuel your energy with the some of the best coffee from americano to caffe latte, Masala tea etc… And often you can order nice pastries, especially at Kitamu cafe and Africafe.
Restaurants (local foods, grillery on the street)
Amani Restaurant
Arusha boasts a wide range of restaurants relative to its size, and if you are looking for a quality meal during your visit to Arusha, you will be spoiled for choice here. You will discover amazing western-styled menus with daily specials that would thrill your tastebuds, get served dinner buffet style with a variety including African, Indian, and western dishes, authentic BBQ grilled charcoal on the streets, get served with amazing soups, salads, fruits, and deserts.
Bar / Nightlife (Via Via, etc…)
Arusha is not only known for the fascinating and memorable safari adventure it offers, but it is also a place where you can let loose for the night and party till you drop in the club, or even enjoy chilled beers with your friends in a relaxed bar. The bustling city boasts a good nightlife scene, so whether you want to go dancing, drink a cocktail, or chat with your fellow travellers in between your safari, Arusha has got you covered.
Lake Duluti
In the shadow of Mt Meru lays a crater lake just 20 minutes drive away from Arusha. Given the name Duluti by the Watamu tribe, Lake Duluti is formed inside a volcanic crater and has water throughout the year, mainly from groundwater and seasonal rainfall. Visitors can go canoeing to explore the marsh areas of the Lake where huge papyrus plants are a noisy colourful nesting ground for many birds. A canoe trip takes around 2-3 hours. Visitors can hike around the crater as a small path leads through the forest that provides enough shade for visitors to even in the hottest time of the day.
Tanzanite Museum
Tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania
Experience the history and mastery of the amazing gemstone that is unique to Tanzania and a thousand times rarer than diamonds. With museums in both Dar es Salaam and Arusha, the Tanzanite aims to create greater awareness to visitors how rare and precious tanzanite is through a visual and interactive tour. Visitors learn everything about how tanzanite was created and discovered, how it is mined, as well as the cutting and polishing of this precious stone.
Take a Boda Boda around the city
Boda-boda terminal
Take advantage of the moto-taxis also known as boda-boda or piki-piki. Though not the most comfortable, it is the fastest and one of the cheapest ways to get around and explore the town.
Climb Mt. Meru if you have a lot of energy!
The summit of Mount Meru
Located in the heart of Arusha National Park 50 miles west of Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru is a massive volcano reaching 14,980 feet. Hikers must climb with an armed ranger due to the wide range of wildlife living on the mountain. Hikers sleep in designated huts along the trail throughout the climb.
Arusha is not just a springboard from which you can explore the top safari destinations in Tanzania, but also a magnificent destination with an out-of-the-way urban feel and a unique atmosphere. if you’re looking to visit or learn more about Arusha, get in touch with us today to discuss your itinerary ideas.
Buying of Souvenirs
Workshop at Shanga from shanga.org
Buying local souvenirs is always a great way to remember a place you visited and Arusha has a number of great places. One that we really recommend is called Shanga. It’s a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities and they create unique, high-quality, handmade jewelry, glassware, and homewares out of recycled materials. That way, you get high-quality unique souvenirs and support a good cause at the same time.
The Cultural Heritage Center is a well-known place, a bit on the pricey side, but you can basically find any souvenir you like from Tanzania. Another great option is to buy local paintings. There are plenty of options in Arusha or along the road towards your safari. Otherwise, Tinga Tinga Arts is another great option to buy locally made African paintings, though you won’t find them in Arusha, they will ship their paintings to you. The last thing we often find of good use ourselves is to buy locally made blankets from various destinations. And in Tanzania, the ones made by the Maasai people, Maasai Shuka, often a color-rich mostly red-colored thin blanket that you can easily use as a shoal, blanket, towel, and more.
