10 Popular Things to Do in Arusha Before & After Your Safari

A day in Arusha starts early with clear signs of activity. You notice it in the fresh morning air, carrying the scent of rich, dark coffee beans being roasted nearby. Outside, the strong outline of Mount Meru projects against the sky. The energy around traffic, boda-bodas, and local buses (dala-dalas) is already underway.

Sadly, so many travelers rush through Arusha. They treat it only as the required stopover before their Tanzania Safari. However, if you stay just a day or two longer, you unlock so much more reward here. Once you see past the initial hustle, you’ll find great Things to do in Arusha that offer a perfect start or end to your adventure.

We promise this list, including the top 10 popular things to do in Arusha, is genuinely worth your limited time. Moreover, we’ll point out what you should handle carefully, based on our experience avoiding tourist traps.

You’ll find that Arusha offers the perfect break for one to three days, fitting seamlessly before or after your main exploration of Tanzania’s Destinations. We plan Arusha add-ons just like we plan Tanzania Safari Packages with realistic, smooth logistics you can trust.

Practical Tips for Visiting Arusha

Before you explore the main Arusha attractions, a few practical notes will help smooth your visit. This section gives you a clean, helpful Arusha travel guide overview, straight from what experienced travelers do.

• Getting There

You’ll likely arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Sometimes, travelers use Arusha Airport (ARK) for very short trips, or they might arrive from Nairobi. JRO is usually your main entry point.

• Getting Around

You can use local taxis or city buses for very short trips. However, for first-time visitors, we truly suggest arranging transport with a driver-guide. It just keeps you safer and less stressed right after a long flight.

• Money Matter

ATMs in the city center work fine for getting cash. Still, you must carry cash in Tanzania for local markets and small street vendors. Keep small denominations of shillings handy for quick purchases.

• Connectivity

Getting a local SIM card is simple here. You can look for easy options near major shopping areas if you need local data access.

• Safety & Scams

Arusha is generally manageable, but the centers can be busy. If people approach you offering unsolicited help in the town center, just keep walking calmly and ignore them. A calm approach is best for maintaining Travel Safety In Tanzania.

• Timing Your Stay

Planning a bit of time for Things to Do in Arusha when you arrive early really helps you beat travel fatigue before those long safari drives start. Remember to check your Visa Requirements For Tanzania as part of your arrival preparation.

The 10 Popular Things To Do In Arusha.

Here are the top ten Arusha attractions that really give you a feel for the area. We describe what each place is like, how long you’ll spend there, and why it’s worth your time for your post-safari calm-down or pre-climb prep.

1. Explore Arusha National Park (walking safari + canoeing)

This park showcases wildlife different from what you’ll see on the Serengeti plains. You’ll spot smaller herds, but you’ll see them close. Again, you’ll spot gorgeous colobus monkeys and many beautiful birds. Giraffes often walk right near you on foot.

You’ll get stunning views of Mount Meru from the park floor. Furthermore, try canoeing on one of the small lakes; it’s very quiet and peaceful. This gentle Arusha National Park walking safari is low-impact and very rewarding.

Worth it because: You experience a safe, guided walk among wildlife, something you can’t do in the bigger Tanzania National Parks. Plus, the Ngurdoto Crater rim views feel grand.

2. Hike Mount Meru (full climb vs. foothills)

Mount Meru is Kilimanjaro’s smaller, dramatic neighbor. You can attempt the full multi-day summit climb; it’s serious altitude training. Alternatively, you can take shorter hikes up to the foothills.

The shorter walks offer great views without the big-peak challenge. A full Mount Meru hike has fewer crowds than Kili and seriously prepares you for altitude later.

Worth it because: It functions as a fantastic, shorter climb practice that builds your fitness before your main trek.

3. Visit a coffee plantation (Coffee tour in Arusha)

Tanzania produces some excellent coffee, and you should see how they process it! A good Coffee tour in Arusha shows you the entire journey from the bean to your cup. You’ll smell the fresh grounds and taste the final product.

Many Tanzania Safari Tours involve the local community, often including local singing and dancing. Focus on Arusha Day tours that connect you directly with farming groups for the most authentic cultural experience.

Worth it because: You get an authentic taste of Tanzanian culture and agriculture, straight from the source.

4. Visit a museum or cultural centre (what’s actually worth it)

For a polished stop, try the Cultural Heritage Centre. It features high-quality craftsmanship, art, and context on Tanzanite gems. If you love history, the Natural History Museum offers insights into human evolution finds from this area. If time’s short, pick one based on whether you prefer art or deep history exhibits.

Worth it because: It offers a cool, quiet break from the heat and gives background context to the region.

5. Shop local: markets + social enterprises

The Central Market is a vibrant, often busy experience. You’ll see local life happening there every day. Just remember to ask permission before taking close-up photos of people selling goods.

For souvenirs, look for artisan groups like Shanga. They create beautiful crafts from recycled materials. These projects support local people with disabilities, making your purchase highly meaningful. Bargaining is normal for crafts, but you generally skip that in set shops.

Worth it because: You find unique, impactful souvenirs and see daily life in action.

6. Eat and drink Swahili style (simple, practical)

Trying local food is an adventure for your taste buds, but you must eat smart to stay well. Always choose food spots that look popular with local residents. Ensure your food gets served piping hot, and always drink only bottled water. A great Arusha City Tour should include sampling safe local food!

What to try: Look for Pilau (spiced rice), Urojo (a tangy soup), or Mishkaki (meat skewers).

Worth it because: It’s delicious and authentic.

7. Waterfalls + nature spots near Arusha.

If you need a relaxing nature break, there are great Things to do in Arusha.

• Materuni Waterfall, near Moshi, is popular for its easy hike and cool swimming spot.
• Themi Falls Leisure Park is quiet and close to the city for a short stop.
• For something different, the Chemka Hot Springs offer a warm soak. We recommend hiring a guide for trails that aren’t well marked; it’s just smarter safety.

Worth it because: They offer a refreshing dip and beautiful scenery away from city noise.

8. Take a day trip safari from Arusha

Yes, you can see wildlife on a Day Trip Safari In Arusha. You’ll need an early wake-up call, but it’s possible if your schedule is tight.

• Tarangire National Park: This park is best known for elephants and giant baobab trees. It’s a great choice for a full-day trip just to see these giants.
• Lake Manyara National Park: This park feels compact. You might spot the famous tree-climbing lions and see huge flocks of birds.
• Ngorongoro Crater: This is possible as a very long day trip if you start before dawn. The animal density inside the crater makes the early start worth it.

Worth it because: You get a rewarding taste of the Northern Circuit without using up extra days from your main itinerary.

9. Learn about Maasai culture

Many Tanzania Safari Tour setups claim to show you Maasai life, yet some feel staged just for tourists. We recommend choosing tours led by Maasai community members.

Look for authentic cultural experiences where you can buy handicrafts directly from artisans. Always ask permission before taking a close photo of a person.

Being respectful about photos and buying things directly supports true Responsible Tourism.

Worth it because: You learn about one of Tanzania’s most important cultures from the people who live it.

10. Experience Lake Duluti

Just a short drive from Arusha town, Lake Duluti offers a calm break from busy safari schedules. Spend a few peaceful hours walking along forested trails, canoeing across still waters, or simply sitting by the shore listening to birds. The lake feels gentle and unhurried, surrounded by green slopes and tall trees that soften the noise of the day.

This quiet time is never wasted. A slow afternoon at Lake Duluti helps you reset before your next wildlife drive or mountain excursion. It adds balance to your entire Things to Do in Arusha journey.

Worth it because: A peaceful pause makes the rest of your Arusha adventures feel richer and more refreshing.

Making Your Arusha Stay Rewarding.

Arusha shouldn’t be seen only as a spot you pass through silently. It truly sets the whole tone for your trip to Tanzania. It’s where you get your first real taste of the local pulse and the incredible coffee culture. We truly encourage you to build some of these Things to Do in Tanzania  into your plans. Proper preparation here prevents headaches later on.

If you want an Arusha plan that fits smoothly into your safari dates, Best Day Safaris can build a simple add-on schedule: city exploration, culture, and Arusha day trips, without overpacking your valuable time.