Arusha, being famously known the entry-point to some of the most breathtaking natural marvels of the East African region, is a bustling city that aptly blends the bustling energy of the urban world with the calmness of nature. Arusha is located at the foot of the mountain Meru in a unique mixture of cultural, historical and natural point of interest. Arusha offers numerous activities whether you are an adventurist, a history buff or just a tourist willing to take a trip to the local culture.
This guide will take you through the things you must do the best in Arusha so that you can use the best of time in this city of the beautiful Tanzania.
1. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater
Visiting the Ngorongoro Crater which is among the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa is arguably one of the best things to do in Arusha. The site is a huge caldera in this UNESCO World Heritage site created millions of years ago when a huge volcano collapsed. The crater also hosts several wildlife species, the so-called Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), which can be considered one of the best safari spots in Tanzania.
The crater will be visited in a guided tour where you will be able to observe these animals in the wild. Its bushy landscapes, diverse wild animals and spectacular scenery makes it an attraction site whenever visiting Arusha.
2. Visit arusha national park.
Another tourist attraction site is Arusha National Park which is next to the city. Arusha National Park, a comparatively small park in relation to other, more well-known parks, such as Serengeti or Ngorongoro, is a relationshipsal quiet down on visitors who want to enjoy a more casual and intimate stay in the safari wilderness.
It is also characterized by its wide ranges of landscapes such as being lush rainforests, volcanic craters, and fresh lakes. Wildlife that can be spotted includes giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and various species of birds. The second-highest peak in Tanzania, Mount Meru has been regarded as one of the finest places to visit in the park and is very favourable to hikers. There is also the walking safari which is an exclusive chance to explore the park on foot with a professional guide.
3. Cultural Heritage Centre
The Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is worth visiting in case you are interested in the Tanzanian cultural heritage. This attraction demonstrates the richness of tradition and culture of the Tanzanian nation and specially of Maasai people and other tribes of Tanzania.
The centre is endowed with a great variety of artifacts, such as traditional Maasai clothes, jewelry, and hand made wood carvings. It also has a contemporary African art gallery which is a good place to visit when one is an art lover. You will also have a nice sculpture garden and a gift shop where you can buy real Tanzanian crafts and souvenirs.
4. Materuni Waterfalls
The Materuni Waterfalls is very good to those who like walking nature and taking hikes. The waterfalls are found at the base of the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro that is only a short distance outside Arusha.
The climb to falls is also not very strenuous and it is a one-hour walk. You will also be passing through the fertile forests, coffee plantations, and original Chagga villages. The last point of attraction is the spectacular 80 meter waterfall where you can either soak in the cool water or simply sit and look at the falling waterfalls. This trip is a calming break of the city and an opportunity to see the natural beauty of the area.
5. Take a Coffee Tour
Tanzania enjoys a reputation of producing coffee of supreme quality and this region, Arusha, is in the middle of the coffee producing area in the country. One of the Best Things To Do in Arusha, if one is a coffee lover is to take a coffee tour. In such tours, you will usually visit local coffee plantations where you will be enlightened on the process of coffee growing, how the beans are planted to maturity, and how they are harvested and processed.
You will get to take part in picking coffee, roasting them and taste fresh coffee made by beans picked right in the farm. Lunch is also supplied by many tours and is often savory with typical Tanzanian food. It is also a flavorful educational experience, which makes it the ideal opportunity to get to know more about the agricultural history of the region.
6. Visit the Maasai Market
Maasai Market Arusha is a must be-stop destination, whenever one is interested in the culture and arts of Tanzania. This colorful market is flooded with stalls that sell Maasai beadwork, clothes, jewels and other craftwork that is made hand and hand.
The market place is a good place other than just to buy some unique souvenirs, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to meet the friendly locals, who are usually more than willing to share their stories and their culture. Can you bargain the market and thus, it is not necessary to fear haggling on the best rate. This is a colorful trading area that gives the real picture of the local life and is renowned among people who need something of special in Arusha.
7. Visit the Old Boma Museum
The Old Boma Museum is a mandatory attraction to history lovers. The original German colonial military outpost Boma has been turned into a museum where the history of colonialism in Arusha as well as its cultural development are narrated.
The museum provides displays on history of the region such as the influence exerted by colonialism, the emergence of the Tanzania as a sovereign state, and the evolution of Arusha city. The Old Boma Museum is another place where one can find several artifacts, photographs, and documents that emphasize the cultural heritage of the region.
8. Matilda Goes to Tarangire National Park.
The other great safari in Arusha outside the town is the Tarangire National Park that is two hours away in the city of Arusha. Tarangire, one of the Best Things To Do in Arusha, is a region of wild animals; it is a home to massive herds of elephants and traditional baobabs.
In the dry season, the game found in the park concentrate around the Tarangire River which makes it an ideal place to see animals. Besides the elephants, one can see lions, leopards, zebras and many bird species. Tarangire has never been crowded with a large number of people like other Tanzanian parks; therefore, it provides more familiar and close safari experience.
9. Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park.
It is slightly away, but another popular safari that cannot be ignored when visiting Arusha is a hot air balloon safari in Serengeti National Park. Although Serengeti is best known because of the amazing wildlife and the great migration, flying over the enormity of the savannah at sunrise is an experience that can never be forgotten.
The panoramic view of the park can be majestically seen through the balloon where you will get to view wildlife found at the bottom of the balloon as you drone in the airstrips gracefully. This is a one-time and unique experience because of the tranquility of the balloon safari coupled with the natural splendid scenery of the Serengeti.
10. Hike Mount Meru
To the people who would like to have a bigger adventure, the hiking of mountain meru is one of the best trekking trips in East Africa. Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania, standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) and is a tough, but rewarding mountain to climb.
The trek will carry you through forest lands, Alpine mead, and volcanoes endlessly then leaving you with a panoramic vision of the surroundingambient, including the far Mount Kilimanjaro. Although this trek is more technical than most other climbs, it is a terrific introduction to mountaineering and it is a breathtaking problem to more experienced trekkers.
Conclusion
Arusha is a culturally rich and historical city that is full of natural beauty. You may be fascinated with the idea of going on a safari to see the so-called Big Five, explore the local history of the area in aDBG local museum, enjoy a hiking adventure in the Meru silvery peaks, or simply browsing the streets and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere in parks and nature reserves, Arusha has it all to offer to every kind of a traveler. Best Things to do in Arusha include Safari and mountaineering and cultural and relaxing nature walks, against the background of some of the most beautiful scenery available in Africa.
With a trip to Arusha, you will not fail to get into the contributing part of Tanzania and its natural and cultural marvel and, as such, will make this a perfect place to visit in your next African vacation.
