Location: Arusha
Top Things to do in Arusha
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What to do and see in Arusha, Arusha Region: The Best Things to do
Arusha is a city in northern Tanzania and the capital of the Arusha Region, with a population of 416,442 plus 323,198 in the surrounding Arusha District (2012 census). Located below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, Arusha has a temperate climate. The city is close to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
Restaurants in Arusha
1. The School of St Jude
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Come and visit the largest charity school in Africa. Founded by Gemma Sisia in 2002 with only 3 students, The School of St Jude now provides a free, high-quality education to more than 1,800 students, boarding to over 1,100 students and employs more than 280 Tanzanian staff. Students are selected based on their academic potential and genuine financial need, meaning they are amongst the brightest and most poverty-affected children in and around the Arusha region. Each year over 1000 visitors come and see firsthand the impact people from around the world have made through a school that’s changing the lives of its students, staff and their families. St Jude’s Visitors team can assist you with your own personal itinerary and ensure you get the most out of your visit, providing you with a real insight into Tanzanian life. They can organise a wide range of activities including cultural tours, home visits and comfortable accommodation for overnight guests. See it's success for yourself.
Reviewed By Sarena7575 - Kansas City, United States
We had a wonderful time visiting the School of St. Jude. We were able to eat porridge with the students and participate in art and PE class. Playing in PE class with the kids was super fun! The children were very competitive and we had a blast. One of the students drew an incredible portrait of my husband in art class. He should be really proud! The school is able to provide free education to underprivileged students and it was wonderful to see how the program works. The children were all very polite and friendly. We couldn't have asked for a better visit! You should definitely visit if you are near Arusha, Tanzania.
2. Ngurdoto Crater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Located in Arusha National Park and off limits to humans, this verdant crater’s mossy, swampy habitat provides a natural sanctuary for elephants, buffalo and Colobus monkeys.
Reviewed By doug15johnson - Boulder, United States
Did a day trip into the crater. Plenty of wildlife activities. Do not get out of the vehicle and do not sit on the roof. Wildlife is everywhere and the lions do not pay any attention to the horde of land cruisers. The picnic area was beside a lake loaded with hippos. It was pretty busy with loads of vehicles. Weather was perfect for driving around in an open air vehicle. I would recommend this trip to anyone that wants to see a plethora of wildlife...
3. The Tanzanite Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Visit The Tanzanite Experience and learn about the history, mystery and rarity of this precious gemstone, unique to Tanzania. Through a series of interactive tours and visual exhibitions, including a replica of a Tanzanite mine shaft, visitors discover how tanzanite was created, named, mined, cut, polished and graded. There is also the opportunity to purchase tanzanite direct from the source with all gemstones purchase being accompanied by a certificate by The Tanzanite Laboratory™. The museum is located in the center of Arusha Additional stores are open at Arusha Coffee Lodge, Maramboi Tented Camp, Manyara Airport, Manyara Serena Lodge. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Seronera Visitors center, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Kilimanjaro Intl Airport, Zanzibar Airport & Zanzibar Airport. The Tanzanite Experience is dedicated to creating a greater awareness of the rare and precious tanzanite and offers visitors a complete ‘tanzanite experience’.
Reviewed By rp25
Fascinating museum and great to learn the story behind the Tanzanzite gemstone. I was greeted by Tabitha and she did a great job throughout the visit. I appreciated the informative and short documentary and then the replica of mine shaft and then seeing the actual raw stones, learning about the stone quality and then the jewelry prices. Overall the prices were high but was able to find some reasonable pieces. Later in the airport as I was looking in the other shops, the prices were the same, so I am glad I got my pieces here. I felt no pressure to buy anything which is always positive. Instead, it was very friendly and cordial. They even offered some cookies and coffee. Glad that I was able to finally visit as the Museum was closed on my initial day in Arusha due to the Election holiday.
4. Ol Doinyo Lengai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
The only volcano in the world to emit "cool" (950 degrees Fahrenheit) fluid lava.
Reviewed By Julcia24 - Warsaw, Poland
I decided to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai spontaneously as I found out it is the only active volcano ( I'm a volcano freak) and gives you opportunity to see the lava inside. I convinced my friend to go together so we traveled by his car ( we did not take 4 wheel which resulted in a broken exaust fixed with tape but local Masaii :D ). We found the tent to stay at Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge which is a lovely camping spot with great owners.As we arrived, at campsite we found the Masai guide Peter with whom we were supposed to climb at night. We were SUPPOSED to, as once at night we reached the base, it was pouring rain and storm so there was no chance to climb in these conditions, we spent about hour waiting for the rain to stop nothing.... We came back at camping site tired and a little bit discouraged. We were plaanning to come back home next day but the guide convinced us to try to climb during the day. So we set off! My friend resigned after 20 mins though ( he was not that much into climbing it either). I stayed with a guide - it was quite hard from the beggining because of the heat but it was definitely doable during first two hours. After that the steeper part start. I acutally found out it is the hardest climb of Tanzania during the hike ( the guide traveled quite a lot in Africa and says its among two hardest climb he has ever done in his life). I was very much motivated to climb it but after 3 hours I was slowly getting discouraged, I was very tired ( not slept much night before) and my body was starting to feel weak. Guide Peter was very encouraging though and supportive. The worst part was 1 hours before the summit - it is the steepest part, I would never belive I could climb something like that but for me the most scary part was the descent - when I imagined that we will be descending at night I started to freak out, I started to cry asking the guide to come back. Peter is an amazing guide, instead of agreeing, he said " you're a strong girl, I knwo you can do it", he grabbed my hand and started to guide me through the steepest part of the climb. In tears I managed to reach the summit and I started to cry but this time from the happinness. The crater, the views, the sunset, the lava lake at night - was unforgettable but the most was the feeling of achieveing something so hard. I'll never forget that rewarding feeling which was worth all this effort. Although Peter the guide was also descending it at night for the first time, descending at night was not a bad idea - as you don;t see the whole surface and how steep it is, you just focus on your next step which helps you to descend. I was never so exausted during my whole life but thanks I made it to the top I had power to go down. I love hiking but I was totally unprepared for it and never did such a difficult climb but what turns out - climbing it is in your head, I heard so many stories that people in a great shape were turning back, it is really in your head and the support of your guide which helps you make it. I really recommend it as unforgettable experience but of course - please take it seriously. Bring a lot of water, some warm clothes for a top ( I was very lucky that Peter the guide brought me some gloves and hat) . I also recommend to go Pole Pole ( slowly) during the day we started to climb at 12 30 pm which is a little bit too late in my opinion and we were rushing a little bit for a sunset ( the climb up took us 6 hours and descent 5 hours). Climbing during the day is really not bad if you can stand some heat ( remember about sunscreen and the hat). I loved it, despite the fact the guide saw all the faces of mine and I was so angry sometimes during it, it really influenced my personality somehow,. "If you climb this mountain, you can do everything" " Climbing Kilimanjaro is like a walk in the forest comparing to this one" This is what I heard after the climb. It is a magical place and can turn out into a life-changing experience.
5. Engare sero waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By SafariStories - Arusha, Tanzania
Beautiful hike on the rift valley to the water falls. It's approx 44mins hike on Rocky... Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes with good grip as the hikes is on rocks and passing through the rivers. Its fun and some places it can test your fitness levels, especially if not so fit but it's totally worth it.. It not to the extremes it's a doable hike. The maasai guides are very helpful and supportive. Its very nice experience!!
6. AIM Mall
7. Lake Duluti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Safaris-Holiday - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Lake Duluti is a crater lake located near a small town of Tengeru in Arumeru District inside Arusha region of Tanzania, the lake is surrounded by a forest reserve. Swimming at the lake is not allowed due to the same water being used by the locals who live around the area; the main activities at the lake are a 2hours hiking through the whole perimeter of the lake with the ranger’s company which also provide a spectacular views of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro and canoeing which takes 2 to 3hours depending on the sailing mode selected. The lake covers an area of 63hactors with unconfirmed depth scientifically and receives water from underground sources and seasonal rainfall. Fish and different types of birds including Grey herons, Fish eagles, ospreys, egrets and kingfishers are the common birds to be spotted.
8. Meserani Snake Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By jesslewiss - Toronto, Canada
When I first arrived at the park I was a little skeptical since I don’t usually visit zoos. However, as the tour around the park started I really enjoyed my time. The guide provided in depth information about all of the animals and what to do if bitten by different venomous snakes. He also informed us that the park has anti-venom that they give for free to people if bitten by a snake because it is extremely expensive. The other reptiles, such as the crocodiles and tortoises, are able to reproduce and the offspring are often released back into the wild to help the different species’ populations. The few birds in the park are there for rehabilitation from injuries and are set to be released once they fully recover. Before the tour, I was unsure how I would feel about the centre but by the end I really appreciate the educational and conservation efforts that the park does for the local reptiles.
9. Maasai Market Curios and Crafts
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By InTheMomentManhattan - New York City, United States
The Maasai Market is centrally located near the Clock Tower in Arusha. Within walking distance of many hotels. The Market is a safe place to wander. There are many, many vendors. The bead work items, a Maasai specialty, are quite worthwhile to check out. There is an extensive range of craft goods to review. The vendors can be a bit aggressive at times, but never abusive Depending upon your level of interest, you could spend hours here.
10. Cultural Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,077 reviews
The Cultural Heritage Centre established in the year 1994. Is the first of its kind in Africa dedicated towards exploring the rich treasures derived from African Culture. This family business is the result of culmination of hard work, unwavering dedication and knowledge acquired from the forefathers. At the helm of the affairs is the versatile managing director, Mr. Saifuddin Khanbhai, who has a solid knowledge of African Culture and traditions. Culture Heritage Center has acquired iconic status due to the unique structure of the buildings within its compound and having the treasure chest of African art which is keeping African Art alive. The main building is designed to resemble the Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro. It also has an impressive array of arts and crafts including unique masks, Verdite carvings and paintings by famous African sculptures. Cultural Heritage now boasts an impressible Art Gallery was build on his vision which was to promote the work of the local artists. The exterior of the Gallery is imp rived by a drum, shield and spear, all major African symbols. The symbols resonate with the role of the Gallery that is to represent, communicate and celebrate Africa's Cultural Heritage. Among its many world famous pieces of Art is a 18 feet family tree which took 20 years to make. People from all over the world also visit Cultural Heritage, for its unrivaled reputation of having the finest Tanzanite stones which are also found in the Mererani hills of Tanzania, best in the world. The interior has three areas (i) History, (ii) Wildlife and (iii) soul. Ethnographic artifacts fill the History area, the wildlife area consists of contemporary paintings and sculptures of the curvatures roaming the African Savanna and the soul area captures Africa's energy allure and essence. The art gallery also has an amphitheatre which often shows on the life of special Tanzanian tribes like the Maasai, Pygmies and Hadzabe. It is also used for conferences. Also offered at the centre are day rooms found on the top of the building. They serve as resting place in the calm environment after a long safari trp. The spa at the Gallery offers a verity of personal care and treatments. The proceeds from the Gallery go to the conservation of elephants in Africa and the main concept of this is anti poaching clearly defined by the sculpture of the large unique beaded elephant. However, other causes such as orphanages, schools and boreholes and well drilling benefit from the proceeds. The centre also has a restaurant, coffee chop, spice centre, beads centre, and flea shop, which offers a variety of artifacts at different prices. Apart from the art the centre vibrated with warm hospitality. Cultural Heritage is visited by tourists from all over the world. It has been honored by visits from distinguished guests and state leaders such as President Bill Clinton, The prince William of Holland and his wife, Former UN secretary Mr. Kofi Annan, and celebrities such as Cindy Crawford. However every visitor who visits Cultural Heritage is treated as a Celebrity.
Reviewed By Safaris-Holiday - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Arusha Cultural heritage Center is located in Arusha and is a privately owned collection of shops and galleries that showcases arts from renowned artists and the first of its kind in Africa dedicated towards exploring the rich treasures derived from Africa. It is a unique cultural centre on the outskirts of Arusha with curio shops, a jewellery boutique, a tanzanite and precious stone counter, a restaurant, bargain centre and outstanding commercial art gallery. They also have a vast array of ornaments, jewellery, antiques and local crafts to cater for any budget. High quality clothing, textiles, accessories, books and spices can also be found onsite at One-way and the Spice Centre.
