Top 5 Activities to do in Arusha
The vibrant Arusha City is found in northeastern Tanzania, and is the capital city of the Arusha Region. The city also acts as the primarily gateway to the northern safari circuit, including Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arusha sits at the foot of Mount Meru, one of the highest mountain in Africa and the second highest in Tanzania.
Arusha is not only a city, it is also a great Tanzania safari destination with several safari activities and experience to do. In this blog we list the top 5 activities to do in Arusha.
Climbing Mount Meru
Arusha lies at the foot of Mount Meru – the second tallest peak in Tanzania, climbing Mount Meru takes 3 to 4 days to climb and has a smaller peak than Mount Kilimanjaro. Nonetheless, the hike is both tough and rewarding.
Mount Meru can be hiked all year around, however it is advisable to avoid the rainy season if you want to enjoy the hiking experience and beauty of the mountain. On clear days, you are treated to views of Mount Kilimanjaro which is approximately 50 miles away and near Moshi Town.
On the first day of your Mount Meru climb, you will enjoy sightings of numerous wildlife. At Momella Lakes via the Momella route ascent and descent, you can witness groups of buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, elephants, hippos, and other creatures while climbing. Furthermore, climbing Mount Meru can be a good acclimatization climb before conquering Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain in Africa.
Game Viewing in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park found in Arusha is a fantastic destination for visitors looking for something different on your Tanzania safari. The park is a more accessible wildlife park in Tanzania and is known for its spectacular landscape dominated by volcanic craters and lakes.
Arusha National Park is a 2-drive away from the city center and its most visible feature is Mount Meru, during the game drive expect to see several wildlife species such as baboons, buffalo, bushbucks, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and leopards among other animals. In addition to game drives, there are other thrilling safari experiences to do in Arusha National Park including horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, biking, and nature walks among others.
Canoeing is primarily done at Momella Lakes, however the park also has several other alkaline lakes. But the two largest lakes are the most popular since they attract the majority of the wildlife in the park. Canoeing in Arusha National Park is one of the best safari experience to do in the park on which you get to appreciate the park’s natural beauty, wildlife and birds.
Climb Ol Dionyo Lengai Mountain
The Ol Dionyo Lengai Mountain meaning “Mountain of God” in Maasai is an active 2,962-meter (9,718-foot) stratovolcano in Northern Tanzania, just south of Soda Ash Lake Natron in the Rift Valley, in the heart of Maasai country.
Looking north from its summit crater, the hot barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretch into the distance. To the south stretch the crater Highlands and the Ngorongoro Game Reserve. The eastern horizons dominated by Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments and hills comprising the western slopes of the Rift Valley. Every seven years Lengai erupts and plumes of smoke billow out of the crater.
Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain is one top of most thrill seekers visiting Tanzania, this mountain is the only volcano known to erupt carbonatite, low temperature lava that looks like oil, travels fast like water, and cools to a whitish powder.
Visit Hot Springs
Arusha is home to several hot springs which you can visit during your Tanzania safari, there are 3 main hot springs – Maji Moto, Kikuletwa and Chemka. The hot springs are open to visitors to enjoy clear warm waters.
The hot springs are supplied by an underground spring that keeps the water fresh. Also, the area enjoys shade from the palm trees surrounding its making for a good relaxation time for visitors. The trip to the hot springs is less than 2 hours, you are advised to carry lunch with you to enjoy the entire day of adventure.
If you are visiting on Friday, you have an opportunity to shop at the weekly Maasai Market.
Take a day tour of Arusha Town with shopping
Explore the different monuments in Arusha Town on a Arusha City Tour both in a car and walking in some parts of the city. This tour takes you also takes you to the Arusha Central Market for some real life experience, learn about the daily life of the local people as you shop. The market has an assortment of goods, household essentials, clothing and fabric, food stuffs including various species and crafts – wood carvings, jewelry, and art pieces among others.
Also, you will be able to practice your bargaining skills.
In addition to the above listed experiences, there are other activities you can do in Arusha including
- A visit to the Meserani Snake Park
- Explore Olduvai Gorge
- Nature walk at Lake Duluti
- Visit the National Natural History Museum in Arusha
- Explore Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village and Museum
- Enjoy Arusha Nightlife.
How to Get to Arusha
Arusha – the tourism city of Tanzania is a very accessible city and can be reached with by road or air. All international visitors arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, then take a direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Also, there are several direct flights from other countries across the world to Kilimanjaro International Airport, this airport is only 46 kilometers from Arusha. Arusha is also served by a second airport – Arusha Municipal Airport “Arusha Airport”, handing domestic flights to Tanzania’s national parks and coastal islands such as Zanzibar.