What You Need to Know: The best things to do in Arusha are an Arusha National Park day trip (from US$332), Tarangire or Lake Manyara (US$332), the Ngorongoro Crater (US$533), Lake Duluti canoeing (US$123), the Serval Wildlife visit (US$380), the Mount Meru day hike (US$450), and in the city the Central Market, the Maasai Market and the Cultural Heritage Centre. Prices are per person for 2.
Things to Do in Arusha City
| Sight | What it is |
|---|---|
| Central Market | Fruit, spices, fabric and daily life |
| Cultural Heritage Centre | Large craft and art gallery on the Dodoma road |
| Maasai Market | Crafts and beadwork |
| Natural History Museum | Small museum in the old German boma |
A guided walk of 3–4 hours covers the main market, local food and the history of the town. Bargaining is normal in the markets. Arusha's highland climate is mild, around 68 to 82 °F (20 to 28 °C) by day.
The Serval Wildlife Visit from Arusha
A close-up visit to rescued animals, such as giraffes, zebras and elands, at the Serval Wildlife sanctuary in Siha District, between Moshi and Arusha, about 1.5–2 hours from Arusha. It suits families and anyone with a free half day; feeding and time with the animals happen under the keepers' guidance. It costs US$380 per person from Moshi or Arusha; book at least a day in advance. See the full Serval Wildlife day trip.
Day Trips from Arusha
Arusha National Park, Lake Duluti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater are all possible in a day, in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a window seat for everyone (at most 6), Wi-Fi, charging points and a fridge, and a driver-guide who graduated from the College of African Wildlife Management at Mweka.
Arusha National Park Day Trip
Momella Lakes and Mount Meru views, close to town
Lake Duluti
Canoeing and birding near Arusha
Tarangire Day Trip
Elephants and baobabs, a day from Arusha
Lake Manyara Day Trip
Forest, lake shore and birdlife, a day from Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip
One full day on the crater floor from Arusha
4-Day Tanzanite Mining Tour
Tanzanite, garnet and ruby mines in 4 days
| Trip | Time from Arusha | Price (per person, 2 travelers) |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha National Park | About 45 minutes | US$332 |
| Lake Duluti | About 25 minutes | US$123 |
| Tarangire | About 2 hours | US$332 |
| Lake Manyara | About 2 hours | US$332 |
| Ngorongoro Crater | 4–5 hours | US$533 |
| Mount Meru day hike | About 1 hour | US$450 |
Things to Do in Arusha with Children
The Serval Wildlife visit, Lake Duluti's canoes and Arusha National Park's giraffes suit children well. On park trips, children pay only the lower park fee.
With children, try the Serval Wildlife visit for close animal encounters, a canoe trip on Lake Duluti, the Arusha National Park day trip for giraffes and monkeys, and the Maasai Market for crafts. Most hotels have gardens and pools for downtime between activities.
How Many Days to Spend in Arusha
With one spare day, choose Arusha National Park or Lake Duluti and the city; with two, add Tarangire. If you're starting a safari, see our northern Tanzania safaris.
Food and Coffee in Arusha
- Local restaurants serve nyama choma, pilau and chipsi mayai (chips omelette)
- Coffee farms around the city offer tastings and tours
- The Central Market is best for fresh fruit and spices
Tips for Arusha
- Arusha is the safari capital: most northern safaris start here
- Use taxis at night and agree the fare first
- Bargaining is normal at the Maasai Market
- Evenings are cool at 4,600 ft (1,400 m): bring a light jacket
See our safari packages and Arusha hotels we use.
Arusha as a Safari Base
Arusha is where most northern safaris begin and end. Most guests spend a night in town before the safari, after arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and another night after, before flying home or on to Zanzibar. With an extra day, you can visit Arusha National Park, a coffee farm or Lake Duluti, or simply rest after the long flight.
The city has hotels at every level, from simple guesthouses to coffee-farm lodges; see our safari packages.
Arusha Through the Year
Arusha's climate is mild all year, at about 4,600 ft (1,400 m). The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, are best for safaris and clear views of Mount Meru. The long rains in April and May bring showers, but town activities and nearby day trips run all year.
Common Questions About Things to Do in Arusha
What is there to do in Arusha for a day?
Arusha National Park, Lake Duluti or a city walk with the markets and the Cultural Heritage Centre.
Can you visit the Ngorongoro Crater in a day from Arusha?
Yes, as a long day of about 4–5 hours' drive each way, from US$533 per person for 2.
Is Arusha worth visiting?
Yes, for a day or two before or after a safari.
How many days should I spend in Arusha?
One night before your safari is usual; add a day for Arusha National Park or a coffee tour.
Is Arusha safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal care: use taxis at night and keep valuables out of sight.
How far is Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport?
About an hour by road.
What is there to do in Arusha in the evening?
Restaurants, cafés and lodges with gardens; most guests rest before an early safari start.
Can I visit a coffee farm near Arusha?
Yes, several farms near Arusha offer tours and tastings.
Where can I buy souvenirs in Arusha?
The Maasai Market and the Cultural Heritage Centre have the widest choice of crafts, beadwork and art.
The Bottom Line
Use a spare day in Arusha for a park, a lake or the markets; it is the gateway to everything on the northern circuit.
Send us your date, where you are staying and the number of travelers (with children's ages) through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will confirm the pickup time and send your quotation.