Things To Do In Arusha In 2023-2024

Things To Do In Arusha In 2023-2024 : Tourist activities in Arusha: The affluent city of Arusha, is the entry point to all of Tanzania’s northern national parks and is frequently the starting point of numerous unforgettable Tanzania safaris. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International airport, it’s wonderful to unwind in Arusha city and become acclimated before your amazing safari begins. It’s bold, colorful, and brimming with vigor. Some people describe it as a dusty town, while others think its open spaces and vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro are a breath of fresh air.

Welcome to Arusha, the starting point for the well-known northern Tanzanian safari circuit. The little town, which is nestled at the base of Mount Meru, is encircled by some of Africa’s best-known national parks. Almost everyone who travels to Tanzania’s northern parks makes a pit stop here, but few actually take the time to explore it. You might be surprised by what you can do in and around Arusha if you look a little further.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES INSIDE OF ARUSHA

Get lost in the local markets.

The market is the finest place to experience local life in Africa, and the ones in Arusha are particularly vibrant and engaging. From fresh fruit, spices, sculptures, and regional textiles to Maasai handicrafts and jewelry. Even if you don’t want to shop, going to the markets is a unique experience.

The Kilombero Market on Sokoine Road is smaller and far less overwhelming than the Central Market, also known as Soko Kuu or “Big Market,” which is located in the center of the city on Bondeni Street. Prepare to haggle and watch out for pickpockets.

Visit the Natural History Museum.

This is a great place to learn about Arusha’s archeological past and the history of the German colonial occupation of the city. It is located inside a historic early 1900s German boma. The museum is divided into three sections, one of which is devoted to the evolution of humans. Much of what is known about this subject originates from Tanzanian fossils, Things To Do In Arusha In 2023-2024.

Wander through the Cultural Heritage Centre.

The Cultural Heritage Center on the outskirts of Arusha is the ideal location to learn about Tanzanian culture and purchase some trinkets. Combining a mask museum, curio shop, spice market, antique store, and precious stone counter, this attraction is one of a kind.

The Arusha Cultural Heritage Center is a sizable store combined with an art exhibition. It is a location where the past and present of Tanzania’s more than 120 ethnic groups can be seen in a single location. A beautiful treasure trove of African artwork numerous carvings, gemstones, relics, garments, and pieces of literature are displayed in the center. Specialized masks, engravings, and artwork. Here, you can wander about for hours while taking in all the splendor or buy something to take home. The building’s facade has a shield, a spear, and a drum, all significant African symbols.

Three themes are highlighted on the inside: history, wildlife, and soul. The life of, among others, is displayed at the amphitheater. Hadzabe, Pygmies, and Maasai In the spa, you can work on your personal hygiene. Additionally, there is a restaurant, a coffee shop, a spice corner, a beading center, and a sniffer dog, with various items at various price points. The gallery’s earnings support the protection of African elephants in general and the fight against poaching in particular. Orphanages, schools, and wells receive funding as well.

Tanzanite Museum

Tanzanite is a gemstone crystal that is mined in a very tiny mining area close to the Merelani Hills, not far from Arusha. Tiffany & Co. launched this blue and violet zoisite variety in 1968. The stone for December is tanzanite. When you visit the Tanzanite Experience Museum, you will discover everything there is to know about Tanzanite, including why it is so rare and valuable, the challenges of mining it, and the expertise needed for cutting and polishing. Additionally, there are a lot of myths and legends associated with this gemstone, Things To Do In Arusha In 2023-2024

Shop at the Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre.

Visit this small store on Simeon Road if you’re wanting to purchase locally crafted crafts. It was created by the Maasai Women Development Organization (MWEDO), a non-governmental organization run by women that was founded to empower women by providing them with access to health and education. By making a purchase here, you’re promoting a worthy cause and helping Maasai women in Tanzania gain more power.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF ARUSHA

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is an excellent diversion for a full- or half-day wildlife safari drive for people looking to go on day vacations. The world’s largest giraffe population lives here, but you can’t see all of the “big five” species (elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, and rhino) there. There are also flamingos, hippos, zebras, elephants, and other animals. A canoe safari on Small Momella Lake is combined with a regular day in Arusha National Park.

Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru

Only 100 kilometers (62 miles) separate Arusha from Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The most well-known route for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is Marangu route, also referred to as the Coca-Cola route, and begins in Marangu, which is only two hours away from Arusha, Things To Do In Arusha In 2023-2024

Although Mount Meru is shorter than Kilimanjaro (4,560 m, or 14,961 feet) and closer to Arusha (40 minutes by vehicle), it really requires a more technical ascent and is only suitable for highly experienced climbers. The walk often takes three or four days to complete. It is advised to climb Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro back-to-back if you wish to benefit from the altitude acclimatization effect.

Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara

This trio is the most often visited national park in the vicinity of Arusha, and for good reason. Even if you don’t spot any of the “big five,” there are breathtaking vistas and sizable tracts of wilderness to enjoy.

Large herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the plains of the Serengeti Plains National Park every year during their annual Great migration; the Ngorongoro Crater has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa; and during the flamingo mating season, Lake Manyara is home to thousands of flamingos. On a four-day safari leaving from Arusha, you may easily see all three of them, Things To Do In Arusha In 2023-2024

ARUSHA SAFARI TIPS

Getting to Arusha

Two airports serve Arusha: Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the city center, and Arusha Municipal Airport, which serves mainly domestic flights, primarily from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Arusha is connected to other significant cities in Tanzania and its neighbors by public coach services. Six hours separate Nairobi, Kenya; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Arusha, while twelve hours separate Kampala, Uganda.

Getting around Arusha

The dala-dala is the primary form of public transportation in Arusha. These minibuses are commonplace throughout Tanzania and are relatively affordable; a journey within a town costs only TZS 400. Pickpocketing can occur rapidly because of the tendency to jam in as many people as possible, so keep valuables in bags on your lap. Safety is also a major problem. Taxis are likewise reasonably priced and widely accessible, but be sure to negotiate a price before boarding your vehicle.