ARUSHA: Best Things to do in Arusha Town

When you think about travelling in Tanzania, the first things that come to mind are the big bucket list of destinations like the Serengeti, Manyara, Ngoro Ngoro, the Zanzibar Island and Stone Town.

But there are a lot of other places to see too, so don’t forget to make some space in your Tanzania itinerary for the cities too.

Arusha is a bustling African city that often serves as the starting point for safaris to the Serengeti, Ngoro Ngoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.

Always, many people simply stay a night or two here before moving on, but if you have time, would suggest that you experience the stay for at least a few days.

Arusha is locally known as ‘A-Town’; it has charm of its own and is a great place to experience Tanzanian life. There is good fun party scenes, with probably one of the reasons it’s popular with the volunteer crowd only rivalled only by Moshi town, the base town of Mount Kilimanjaro.

I organize Kenya & Tanzania group trips. So here are my personal recommendations on the best things to do in Arusha.

Arusha Town is one stop end in the Northern part of this great country.

Arusha is a good place to do begin your holiday trips to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Manyara and Tarangire. Or even to Kilimanjaro.

If you don’t have the time to go further afield, you can always take a day trip to Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park

The park doesn’t have all of the ‘Big Five’, but it does have plenty of zebras, buffalo and giraffes and you may also see hippos, elephants, hyenas and leopards – although these last four sightings are more rare.

Walking safaris are also possible here and may be included as part of your package!

Inside Arusha National Park, you will also find Lake Momella, where you’ll find Arusha National Park’s flamingos hanging out! Lake Momella is a great place to take a canoe safari.

Lake Duluti: Take a Nature Walk at Lake Duluti

Lake Diluti is a volcanic crater lake in the foothills of Mount Meru, surrounded by a rocky escarpment and lush forests. The area attracts many beautiful birds, including egrets, grey herons, kingfishers and fish eagles, as well as butterflies, primates and reptiles, making it a great place for nature walks and birders.

Where you can also take a guided canoe trip out on the lake with views of Mount Meru and Mount Kiimanjaro in the background.

Meserani Snake Park: Visit theMaserrani Snake Park

The famous Meserani Snake Park, located just outside of Arusha town at a camp site The camp, run by BJ and Ma, is more than just a campsite.

They also have an overland truck workshop, cultural museum, Maasai market and as you might imagine, a reptile house with a large number of snakes.

There’s a fun and often raucous sports bar, which is adorned with all kinds of traveler outfits including t-shirts and curio shops,

National Natural History Museum, Arusha:

Visit the Museum also known as the Old Boma Museum, this old fort, which was built by the Germans in the early part of the 20th Century, is now home to the National Natural History Museum.

Divided into three parts, the museum houses an exhibit on the evolution of mankind, as well as displays of fossils, stuffed animals and plenty of historical photographs.

Maasai Market

Shop at the Maasai Market in the center of town, pretty touristic, but it’s still one of my favourite things to do in Ausha and you’ll find a great array of souvenirs on offer, such as paintings, clothing, jewellery and furniture.

Monday is the best market day: If you want to visit a ‘real’ Maasai market, you’re best heading to the Maasai markets just outside of town, which you can get to by taxi or dala-dala (minibus).

These are markets are that the locals visit and you’ll find a mix of good, not just souvenrs. You may be able to grab a bargain if your bartering skills are good.

The nearest ones are at Kisongo and Nanya, but there are also markets in Mto Wa Mbu Village (aka Mosquito River) near to Lake Manyara and Rudugai near to the hot springs.

Arusha food market.

The best way to experience any African city is by visiting the local market.

Shop at the Local Markets - this is one of the favourite things to do in Arusha. There’s the Central Market (Soko Kuu) and the Kilombero Market where you can buy anything and everything from wood carvings, to food, jewellery, animals and household items. Just always (keep your wits about you) the pickpockets are common in crowded places like markets.

Tanzanite experience

Buy Precious Stones at the Tanzanite Experience.

Tanzanite is a beautiful blue, violet gemstone found in Northern Tanzania. You will learn about the history of the stone in the museum at the Tanzanite Experience and buy certified jewelry.

The African religion and philosophy tells it for those interested in crystals and their healing properties, Tanzanite is a great stone for the throat, third-eye and crown chakras. It helps with communication, psychic abilities and facilitates communication with the spiritual realm.

Social Enterprise Support at Shanga

Shanga is a great initiative and social enterprise set in the grounds of Arusha Coffee Lodge that employs local Tanzanian’s with disabilities. Their mission is to support and empower people with disabilities to live independent lives.

In the shop they sell beautiful glassware, jewelry, homeware and clothing all made on-site and they hold workshops where you can try activities such as glass blowing, beading and even learn sign language.

Mount Meru Hotel

If you’re looking for a nice place to relax and unwind, head to the pool at the Mount Meru Hotel.

Swim and Chill at Mount Meru Hotel – as a Resident you have an access to amenities at no extra cost.

It’s free if you are staying there, but if you’re not, you can pay to use the pool facilities, it costs around $20 for the day and there are changing rooms and showers, plus a bar and restaurant for the pizza. Locals and expats are always here, hanging out at the weekends.

Cultural Heritage Centre

As you drive to the Serengeti, you’ll probably pass the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre which is an entire complex housing a museum, art galleries, antique shops, gift shops, a cinema, a spice centre, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a spa…

A place with lot of info about the culture of Tanzania’s many cultural groups so definitely worth a stop if you have time.

Refresh at the Machweo Wellness Retreat

Want to refresh and unwind after your safari or a trek up Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro? Then head to the spa at Machweo which is just on the outskirts of town on the way to Usa River and Moshi.

It’s located in the very lovely Onsea House, one of the most upmarket hotels in Arusha with incredible views of the Monduli Mountains.

They have many different types of massage on offer including Swedish, D-Stress, Thai, Hot Stone or Chocolate (yes really), as well as manicures, pedicures, steam bath, sauna and a few other treatments too. And an amazing restaurant.

Chemka Kikuletwa Hot Springs Tanzania

Swim at the Chemka (Kikuletwa) Hot Springs

If you’re on a budget but still want to spend some time at a pool, head to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs. Now, this one isn’t in Arusha and it’s actually a bit closer to Moshi than Arusha, but it would be wrong not to include it here as it’s a popular day trip from the city.

The Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs, also called Maji Moto, which is ‘hot water’ in Swahili, lie off the main road, in the middle of nowhere under the shade of fig trees. The water isn’t actually hot, in fact I wouldn’t say it’s even particularly warm, but it’s not cold.

It’s a beautiful oasis in an otherwise quite arid landscape and a great place to spend an afternoon, swimming, playing around on the rope swing and just chilling out.

There’s usually a mix of locals, tourists and volunteers here most days and it’s particularly busy at the weekends.

You can either take a picnic, or some companies can provide one for you or you can buy food and some drinks there (including alcohol). You can also stay overnight, but you’ll need to bring your own equipment.

Take a Village Tour in Usa River

Outside of Arusha, on the way to Moshi, you’ll find the busy village of Usa River (said like Oo-Sa River, not U-S-A River). This is a great place to take a tour and learn about Tanzanian village life and the vibrant culture in this area.

Visit the Maasai Tribe

Northern Tanzania and Kenya is where you’ll find the majority of the Maasai people, so if you’re interested to learn how they live, then this is a good place to do it.

I’ve never been fond of the Maasai visits that most safari companies take you to on the way back from the Ngorongoro Crater. These always feel like you are just bussed in, shown around as quickly as possible and then guilted into buying things you don’t want by people who really don’t want you there.

But there are quite a few more authentic/welcoming Maasai villages than you can visit as a day trip from both Arusha and Moshi.

Three I would recommend are:

Magofu Trails is a company run by my friend Frank. He can take you to his village, Engaruka, which is a few hours away from Arusha.

Oserok Trips by my friend Alpha (above). His village is located nearish to Chemka Hot Springs, so can be combined for a day trip.

Loiborsoit village located south of Arusha, find their info here.

Enjoy the Local Restaurants

There are so many nice restaurants and cafes in Arusha so you won’t go hungry! A few of my favourites include:

Fifi’s: A popular cafe in the centre of town, with salads, omelettes etc.

Africafe: Another cafe, with coffees, cakes, sandwiches etc and good wifi. If you’ve ever been to Nairobi Java House, it’s a bit similar.

George’s Tavern: Greek, Italian European-style food.

Bravo Pizza: Great pizzas.

The Mulberry: Bar and restaurant, popular with locals, volunteers and the expat crowd. They also have good bbq.

Fig & Olive: Mediterranean, Lebanese and Tanzanian fusion restaurant.

Le Patio: Restaurant, bar & nightclub serving international cuisine.

Pablo Picasso Cafe: Great little place serving a mix of cuisines, from pizza, to curry, sushi and burgers.

Khan’s Barbecue: One of my favourite places to eat is the garage by day/restaurant by night Khan’s Barbecue which serves a great selection of roasted meats (nyama choma) and accompaniments. The Mr Khan’s are lovely!

Street Food: There are lots of food stalls around town selling things like grilled chicken (Arusha has THE BEST chicken I’ve ever tasted in my life), chips mayai (chip omelette), miskaki (meat kebabs), samosas and mandazis (deep fried donuts).

Machweo at Onsea House: French style cuisine with an African twist.If you arrive before sunset, you should get nice views of the Monduli Mountains.

Rivertrees Restaurant: Gourmet restaurant at the Rivertrees Country Inn in Usa River (outside of town).

Arusha Coffee Lodge: There are four different restuants at this hotel, The Garden Buffet, The Grill Room, The Bistro and Jikoni African Restaurant at Trader’s Walk.

Empire Sports Bar Arusha

Party at the Bars and Clubs

Like Moshi, Arusha has a great nightlife scene and there tends to be a certain place that’s popular on a specific night of the week. For instance, if you go to Via Via on a Wednesday, it’s usually pretty quiet, but on Thursdays, it’s poppin’. For the latest info on where to go on what night, ask your safari guides or hostel.

Some of my favourite places to go out include:

Via Via: This is probably my favourite place to party in Arusha and gets busy, especially on Thursday nights. They also serve food and nyama choma bbq – the mishkaki (spicy beef kebabs) are awesome, especially after a night of dancing to Tanzanian ‘Bongo Flava’ and drinking a few Konyagis! There’s often theme nights, movie nights and karaoke.

The Mulberry: This is a great place to have a few casual drinks, food and shisha. Occasionally they have band/party nights and often show sports and movies on the big screen.

Lively Lady: A popular bar, which is always pretty fun and often very ‘lively’.

Le Patio: I’ve been to Le patio a few times and there’s always a fun party.

Rooftop at Grand Melia: Looking for a fancy place to have a drink? Then head to the rooftop bar at the Gran Melia and enjoy a cocktail with a view of Mount Meru. They also serve food.

Empire Sports Bar: Located in the Nakumatt Food Court, they often have bands or karaoke on.

Zeze Lounge: Popular bar in the centre of town.

Twiga Brewery: This brewery/bar is a great place to hang out and they also offer brewery tours too.

There are lots more though, so ask around when you get there as new places open all the time.

Rest Your Head at One of the Hotels

Waka Waka Hostel: Great hostel near to town with a good volunteering programme. Super-friendly and welcoming place to stay in Arusha – my home away from home. They can also organise safaris and activities. ($)

Lost in Africa Hotel: Great hostel where you are bound to meet other travellers! ($)

Mambo Arusha Hostel: Slightly outside of town but with great views of Mount Meru. Really nice, cosy and friendly place. ($)

Banana Farm Eco Hostel: One of the cheaper options but really cute and comfortable. 25 minutes from the town centre. ($)

Utamaduni House B&B: Lovely, intimate b&b.

Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa: I’ve stayed here a few times and the rooms are nice and they also have a pool. ($$)

Mount Meru Hotel: Bit more upmarket, business-type hotel in the centre of town with a nice pool and barbut quite expensive. ($$$)

Gran Melia Arusha: Modern Hotel in town with great views of Mount Meru, pool and a rooftop bar. ($$$)

Karama Lodge: Boutique chalet style accommodation with a pool. ($$$)

Rivertrees Country Inn: Charming place with a nice restaurant and pool, a bit further away in Usa River. ($$$)

Onsea House: Luxurious boutique hotel, wellness retreat and spa with a great restaurant. ($$$)

Arusha Coffee Lodge: Upmarket hotel with a few different restaurants and on-site shopping