Many visitors treat Arusha as a place to sleep before a safari, but the city and its surroundings reward a few extra days. It sits at about 1,400 m on the southern slopes of Mount Meru, has a mild highland climate, and is within reach of some of the best-known parks in East Africa. Here is what we suggest, from easy half-days to full-day excursions. We are an independent journal and book nothing, so check current opening times and entry fees with each site or authority before you go.
In the city
The Natural History Museum (Old German Boma)
The museum occupies a German administrative fort built in 1900 and opened to the public in 1987. Exhibits cover early humans, regional wildlife and plants, and the history of the city. It is central and makes a good first-morning outing while you adjust to the altitude.
Markets and city life
Arusha's markets are lively, busy places to shop for produce, fabrics and crafts. Our guide to shopping the Arusha markets covers etiquette and bargaining, and a few Swahili phrases go a long way. Arusha is also the headquarters of the East African Community and the city where the Arusha Declaration was issued in 1967, so it has more political history than many travellers expect.
Football and events
The 20,000-capacity Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium is home to Arusha FC. Business travellers may find themselves at the Arusha International Conference Centre, which has hosted summits since it opened in 1977.
Close to town
- Lake Duluti - a crater lake in a small forest reserve near Tengeru, about 14 km from the centre. Visitors walk the shoreline, and canoes can be hired at the lakeside restaurant. See On the Water.
- Arusha National Park - its main gate is about 25 km east of the city. In roughly 137 km2 you get the alkaline Momella Lakes with their wading birds, the grasslands of Ngurdoto Crater and the forested lower slopes of Mount Meru.
- Mount Meru - at about 4,562 m it is Tanzania's second-highest mountain. Read Climbing Mount Meru before committing to a multi-day climb.
Longer day trips
- Tarangire National Park - about two hours' drive south, famed for elephants and baobabs, especially in the dry season when wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area - about 180 km west, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose crater is a volcanic caldera around 610 m deep. As a day trip it means a very early start; many travellers prefer an overnight stay.
More ideas are in Day Trips From Arusha.
Planning tips
- The dry season runs from June to October; the long rains fall from March to May and the short rains usually in November and December.
- National parks are managed by TANAPA and Ngorongoro by the NCAA, so check each authority for current fees and rules.
- Carry layers: temperatures in Arusha typically range from about 10 to 30 degrees C.
- Follow park rules and keep a respectful distance from animals; see Responsible Wildlife Viewing.