Arusha is the safari capital of northern Tanzania and the gateway to some of Africa’s most famous national parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Located at the base of Mount Meru and surrounded by lush landscapes, Arusha offers much more than just a starting point for safaris.
Visitors can enjoy wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, coffee tours, waterfalls, and vibrant local markets. At Big Life Safari, we encourage travelers to spend at least one or two days exploring Arusha before or after their safari adventure.
Below are the top things to do in Arusha, recommended by our local safari experts.
1. Visit Arusha National Park
4
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks and is located just about 45 minutes from Arusha town. Although smaller than Serengeti or Tarangire, it offers spectacular landscapes and unique safari experiences.
The park is famous for:
- Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain
- The Momella Lakes, where flamingos are often seen
- The Ngurdoto Crater, sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro”
Wildlife commonly seen includes giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, monkeys, and many bird species.
Recommended duration: Half day or full day safari.
2. Walking Safari in Arusha National Park
4
Arusha National Park is one of the few parks in Tanzania where guided walking safaris are allowed.
Accompanied by an armed ranger, visitors walk through open plains and forest areas while learning about animal tracks, plants, and the ecosystem.
Wildlife sightings may include:
- Giraffes
- Buffalo
- Zebras
- Colobus monkeys
Walking safaris provide a completely different perspective compared to vehicle game drives.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours.
3. Visit a Coffee Plantation in Arusha
4
Arusha lies in one of Tanzania’s major coffee-growing regions. The fertile volcanic soil around Mount Meru produces high-quality Arabica coffee.
Coffee tours allow visitors to see the entire process from bean to cup.
Experiences include:
- Walking through coffee plantations
- Learning how coffee beans are harvested and roasted
- Tasting freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee
Coffee tours are often combined with local cultural experiences.
Recommended duration: 2 hours.
4. Visit Materuni or Mount Meru Waterfalls
4
Several beautiful waterfalls are located near Arusha and on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
One of the most popular is Materuni Waterfall, located in a lush forest environment near Moshi.
Visitors enjoy:
- Scenic hikes through coffee farms
- Views of Kilimanjaro on clear days
- Swimming in natural pools near the waterfall
Recommended duration: Half day excursion.
5. Explore Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre
4
The Cultural Heritage Centre in Arusha is one of the largest art galleries in East Africa. The center showcases African art, sculptures, jewelry, and historical artifacts.
Visitors can see:
- Traditional masks and carvings
- Tanzanite gemstones
- African paintings and sculptures
- Cultural exhibitions from across the continent
It is also a good place to buy high-quality souvenirs.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours.
6. Visit Local Maasai Communities
4
A cultural visit to a Maasai village provides insight into one of East Africa’s most iconic communities.
During these visits travelers can learn about:
- Traditional Maasai houses (manyattas)
- Maasai customs and traditions
- Livestock-based lifestyles
- Beadwork and handicrafts
Many visits include traditional dances and storytelling.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours.
7. Visit Serval Wildlife Sanctuary
4
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique wildlife experience located near Mount Kilimanjaro. The sanctuary allows visitors to interact with certain animals in a natural environment.
Guests may see:
- Serval cats
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Other rescued wildlife
The sanctuary is also known for its popular “breakfast with animals” experience.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours.
8. Explore Arusha Local Markets
4
Arusha’s markets provide an authentic look into daily Tanzanian life.
Popular markets include:
- Maasai Market – famous for handicrafts and jewelry
- Arusha Central Market – local fruits, spices, and vegetables
These markets are ideal for buying souvenirs such as beadwork, textiles, and handmade carvings.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours.
9. Visit Lake Duluti
4
Lake Duluti is a small volcanic crater lake located about 20 minutes from Arusha town.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Canoeing on the lake
- Bird watching
- Walking around the forest trail
- Relaxing in peaceful natural surroundings
It is a great place to unwind before or after a safari.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours.
10. Start Your Tanzania Safari from Arusha
4
Arusha is the starting point for Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit, which includes:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
From Arusha, travelers can begin multi-day safari adventures exploring Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
Many safaris start with an overnight stay in Arusha before heading into the parks.
Plan Your Arusha Safari Experience with Big Life Safari
Arusha is the heart of Tanzania’s safari industry and the perfect place to begin your adventure. At Big Life Safari, we organize tailor-made travel experiences including:
- Wildlife safaris in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Cultural tours around Arusha
- Coffee and waterfall excursions
- Safari and Zanzibar beach holidays
Our expert guides and comfortable safari vehicles ensure an unforgettable journey through Tanzania.
Contact Big Life Safari
To plan your Arusha safari and Tanzania adventure, contact our team:
Email: info@biglifesafari.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +255 754 834 152
Our travel specialists will design a custom safari itinerary tailored to your travel style and budget
0 Comment