Here are 20 Ways To Spend Your Time In Arusha

09 August 2017 Tripindigo 5 min read

Arusha is the biggest city in northern Tanzania and can be found at the foot of Mount Meru. Arusha is often regarded simply as the starting point for safaris or trekking tours. If that's all you know about this stunning town then we suggest you read further because you probably missing out on some amazing experiences because the city offers much more than that. If you plan on staying in Arusha for a few days before or after your trekking tour or safari adventure, we have put together some great ways to spend your time in and around the city.

When arriving in Arusha it may seem like a hectic and busy city, but with a little help from us at Tripindigo we'll help you uncover some hidden gems. Dig below the surface of this city and you'll find there is another side to it, one of relaxation and peace. Take a stroll through the city and you will find activities for just about every interest, from the foodie, shopaholic, the site-seer and even the more adventurous explorer.

Are you ready to see what Arusha has to offer? Then let's begin.

Arusha Clock Tower

× Show Image

Attractions for foodies travelling to Arusha

1. Drink a coffee or cocktail at The Mulberry. You may just want to relax after an amazing, but exhausting trekking tour instead of returning to bustling city life right away. If you prefer to relax, The Mulberry is the perfect place for you. Here you can just sit in the garden, have lunch or dinner and some drinks. The atmosphere invites you to relax and refuel your energy. Here you can chill on a couch, read a book, sip, and enjoy

2. Have lunch at Themi Living Gardens. Another oasis awaits you just a few minutes away from the Clock Tower. At Themi Living Gardens, you will get a typical Tanzanian lunch in the middle of a garden from Monday to Friday. For just a few bucks you can eat and afterwards stroll through the garden which is filled with information about the region and the people of Tanzania.

3. Visit Woodland’s Café for the best pizzas in town. You can also try Spanish tapas and some great salads.

4. Africafe, Boma Road and make the most of your visit by stopping by Africafe on Boma Road to indulge in the best pastries in town.

Did you know that Arusha is surrounded by a number of coffee plantations?

5. The Fig and Olive, Haile Selassie Road is a renowned restaurant which you do not want to miss out on, especially if you are a fan of Lebanese/Mediterranean food.

6. Dine in Blue Heron is a garden restaurant that also includes a lounge bar and family restaurant. Take the time out to enjoy with your family under the leady verandah.

7. Enjoy at Bay Leaf is Arusha’s most renowned European restaurant, featuring dishes as WestKili lamb shanks and Fig primavera.

8. Cook Your Meal at Damascus which is a casual spot where you can make an appointment and cook your own meal over a charcoal stove.

Attractions for shopaholics travelling to Arusha

9. Shop for souvenirs on the Maasai market. If you have spare time after relaxing or you prefer to be active, don’t miss out on the Maasai market, located in the Clock Tower area. Here, you will find everything you and your loved ones back home could want: from earrings and jewellery to masks and paintings, wooden cutlery and Maasai spears. You will find everything a traveller’s heart desires. Get your game face on! Negotiating is accepted and welcome.

10. Visit Shanga for Arts and Crafts Make your trip memorable by stocking up on beaded necklaces, clothing and countless other products. Located on the Burka Coffee Estate, products from Shanga are sold around the world and make great gifts for your friends and families.

Attractions for explorers travelling to Arusha

11. Explore the surrounding areas If you want to get to know the area around Arusha, head out on exciting day trips: swim in the crystal-clear waters of the natural pools at Maji Moto or paddle across Lake Duluti in a canoe.

12. Visit Arusha National Park home to the second highest peak in Tanzania. The park features a number of fascinating animals, including blue monkeys and colourful turacos.

13. Meserani Snake Park is home to 50 species of Southern and Eastern African Snakes. The snake park also contains a bar which serves as a treasure trove of memories left by travellers. Travelers from all around the world leave behind t-shirts, bottle tops, and more to decorate the walls of the bar.

Attractions for site-seers travelling to Arusha

14. Visit the Clock Tower Are you a fan of clock towers? The Clock Tower Circle is a popular tourist attraction, built in the 1950s. Urban legend states it is the central point between Cairo and Cape Town. This is not true, but the tower still remains tall to this day.

15. Cultural Heritage Centre Enrich your mind with the cultural heritage of Tanzania by making a stop at the Cultural Heritage Centre. The Centre combines a coffee shop, spice centre, restaurant, and tiny shops where you can purchase African antique along with arts and crafts.

16. Natural History Museum Visit the Natural History Museum to learn about the History of Arusha during the German colonial era.

17. Via Via Cultural Tours Are you in the mood for some drum lessons? Head over to the Via Via Café located behind the Natural History Museum. Apart from drum lessons, you can also take up cooking classes.

18. The Old Boma Museum (Fort), Boma Road The original fort, built by the Germans in the early 1900's, now houses the Natural History Museum. Learn about the colonial history of Arusha and marvel at the huge collection of stuffed animals.

Attractions for those who want to relax in Arusha

Canoeing on Lake Duluti by iWamuyu

19. Themi Falls Leisure Park is located downstream, on one of the creeks flowing from Mount Meru. The park showcases the tranquil beauty, with colourful gardens of indigenous plants and flowers. You can enjoy hiking trails thru the lush green forest and river beds, always coming across picturesque views. Make your way toward the waterfall and enjoy the hidden treasure. There is also a restaurant and bar on property, after the trek back to refresh and experience local foods and drinks.

20. Spend the day at Lake Duluti A short ten-minute dala dala ride East of Arusha, you will find the beautiful Lake Duluti. It’s a perfect place to canoe and take a nature walk. Lake Duluti Lodge has a wonderful restaurant and lounge for lunch. The lake is very peaceful and offers several ways to enjoy its beauty. Renting a canoe and paddling around the lake can be one to two hours or complete serenity. The area also has trails that border the lake and allow for beautiful views.

Experience all Arusha has to offer

For lucky tourists who get the chance to explore Arusha you really have no excuse to miss out on adventure, fun and all round unforgettable time. Take in the sites we've suggested or created your own path as long as you enjoy an experience that caters to your travelling needs. Arusha has so much to offer and if you've had the privilege of experiencing its magic we'd love to hear your story.

if you feel we've missed out on anything worth mentioning, feel free to let us know on our social media profiles and we'll be happy to update this list.