The large, sprawling city of Arusha offers you the chance to relax before you throw yourself headfirst into all that Tanzania has to offer. Make the most of the wonderful places to eat and drink in this lush, green city at the foot of the majestic Mount Meru. Then embark upon your chosen safari or cultural tour to see Tanzanian traditional life or its exciting wildlife. Arusha places everything at your fingertips so it would be a shame not to grasp it with both hands.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Arusha
Arusha National Park – The second-highest peak in Tanzania sits on the city’s doorstep. Mount Meru is encompassed by a national park and in its foothills you can find a rich variety of wildlife living in a wide range of environments. Pack your camera because photographic opportunities abound.
Lake Manyara National Park – A gem in Tanzania’s bejewelled wildlife crown, Lake Manyara stretches for more than 30 miles along the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Amongst scenes of natural beauty you will find a large number of birds, making this a fascinating place to explore.
Mount Kilimanjaro – Accessible from Arusha is Africa's highest mountain, whose peak rests at an astounding 5,900 metres above sea level. You’ll need a few days and plenty of stamina to scale it but a day’s hike will offer you stunning views of the three volcanic peaks of Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.
Tengeru – Just a short drive from the busy city will take you to the pastoral delight in the heart of Tanzania’s coffee country that is Tengeru. Here you can mingle with the villagers at work in the fields, see how coffee is harvested and roasted, and sample Tanzanian dishes in a family’s home.
Tarangire National Park – One of the largest parks in the region this area really comes to life in the dry season. Here you can see buffaloes, elephants, tree-climbing lions, warthogs, wildebeests, elands, fringe-eared oryx, lesser and greater kudu, gerenuk, impalas, tree-climbing pythons and many more animals up close and personal.
Things to See in Arusha
As the gateway to the northern safaris of Tanzania there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife when you are in Arusha. Lions, wildebeest, elephants, buffaloes and many more are all pretty much guaranteed. You can also take a cultural tour to show you aspects of the traditional Tanzanian life in its coffee growing regions: you’ll never sip a cup of your favourite morning wake-up drink in quite the same way. The views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro are stunning but nothing compared to the panoramic views enjoyed by those who make the climb up them.
Things to Do in Mombasa
There are plenty of chances to enjoy some rather fine dining ad some relaxing cafes and bars. Once you have fortified yourself you can tackle the markets in the centre of Arusha and get haggling for batik cloths in bright colours and local crafts made from ebony and redwood. Look out for the Maasai women artisans who make beautiful hand-beaded jewellery.