Arusha provides one of the best opportunities to experience Tanzanian city life. As an urban provincial hub with museums, markets, handicraft shops, and delicious food, Arusha not only boasts the most comprehensive tourism infrastructure in northern Tanzania, but it also has a thriving cultural life of its own.

The best cultural tourist programs in the nation, a fantastic national park, and a location just outside the city limits but still reachable from Arusha are all included. Additionally, some of Africa’s best safari parks, including the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, are easily accessible after your stay in Arusha. The top activities in Arusha that we recommend doing either before or after your safari are listed below.

1. The National Park of Arusha

A visit to Arusha National Park is undoubtedly the most well-liked activity in Arusha. Elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and Kilimanjaro colobuses are among the many fascinating animals that may be found in the park.

However, the main attraction is the scenery. This is because the park is dominated by the magnificent Mt. Meru, and its other features are reminiscent of more well-known sights: Serengeti Ndogo, or “Little Serengeti,” and Ngurdoto Crater, which is a scaled-down replica of Ngorongoro. You may trek, boat, or go bird watching here.

2. Program for Cultural Tourism

There are numerous possibilities to get to know the diverse range of peoples living in Arusha’s hinterland on their own terms. These programs, which are run by the communities themselves but coordinated by a central office in town, range from homestays and guided walks to cultural events, community-based activities, and demonstrations.

3. Wildlife in the City

The Natural History Museum, Arusha’s top-notch museum devoted to fossils and indigenous fauna, is housed in a fortified structure from the early 20th century. The museum features fascinating historical exhibits and was constructed by the Germans during their colonial authority in Tanzania. There are many snakes in the Meserani Snake Park, most of which are indigenous to northern Tanzania, if you’re looking for wildlife that moves. On the property, a Maasai cultural village has also been recreated.

4. Through Via

You may simply visit this café to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, but there could be much more to discover. Visit to see what’s going on, which may include cooking workshops, market and city excursions, and drumming lessons. The Natural History Museum’s café is located directly out back.

5. Museum of the Arusha Declaration

Julius Nyerere, the president of Tanzania at the time, issued what is now known as the Arusha Declaration in 1967, calling for greater socialism, independence, and African unity. Although the museum is small, it is worth spending some time looking at the old photographs.

6. Buying at the Market

One of the greatest things to do in Arusha is to explore the vibrant and bustling marketplaces. Central Market, which is mostly a local market, offers visitors a glimpse of Tanzania that is rarely seen by outsiders. It’s an intriguing location. The same is true of Kilombero Market, the biggest and most traditional African market in Arusha, where hardly any tourists are present. Additionally, Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market (also known as the Maasai Market) is a great place to go if you’re seeking for native handicrafts and other souvenirs in a market environment.

7. Center for Cultural Heritage

The Cultural Heritage Centre, located on the western outskirts of Arusha, is home to upscale shops, many of which offer handicrafts for sale. With an extremely alluring selection of jewelry, clothes, and home goods, Schwari is the best option. Although it lacks the bustle and atmosphere of the markets, it is refreshingly quiet and does not push a hard pitch.

8. Barbeque at Khan’s

Eating at Khan’s Barbeque is a particularly local activity and a rite of passage in Arusha. Khan’s, which is located next to the mosque, is a motor-repair shop during the day and turns into a roadside barbecue place as dusk falls. Go with the flow of people and the aroma of the cooked meats. It is loud, smoky, and a lot of fun.

9. The Blue Heron

One of Arusha’s most well-known and enduring garden cafés, the Blue Heron is ideally situated near the center but away from the bustling downtown streets. The menu’s highlight is the homemade pizza, and as you dine, it will be difficult to look away from the vistas of Mount Meru.