The bustling town of Arusha and its surrounding areas holds so many adventures: there are so many things to do here! Exploring Arusha’s magnificent natural landscapes and wildlife attractions tops the list for many of our visitors. If adventure is your game, there’s a long list of thrilling activities to get the adrenaline pumping. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, then why not take a cultural tour, visit the local flower farms, head to the markets for some shopping or just relax in the warm breeze of the African skies.
When staying with us here at Kundayo we are happy to help you make arrangements for any of the activities on offer in this vibrant area; whatever your interests, they will be satisfied here in Arusha ….
Nature and Wildlife: The City of Arusha is considered to be the main base for exploring the Tanzanian northern tourist circuit. The circuit includes many of the Africa’s most famous national parks and game sanctuaries, such as the mighty Serengeti, The Ngorongoro Crater (the world’s largest unbroken caldera often referred as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”), Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. Just a short 40-minute drive from the heart of Arusha lies Arusha National Park– the smallest park in the country but holding an infinite number of natural treasures to explore, including the second highest mountain in Tanzania: Mount Meru. Other famous archeological sites and landmarks such as the Olduvai Gorge (the place where evidence of the first humans was found), Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak – and the active volcano of Oldonyo Lengai are all less than three-hour drive from the heart of Arusha.
With a large network of tour operators in Arusha, we can easily help you to arrange sightseeing or tours to these amazing attractions.
Walking and Hiking: Taking a walk through the African bush is the best way to come close to unspoiled natural habitats as well introducing you to the rich local cultures by visiting villages and local markets. Hiking in Arusha is the best way to explore the Maasai wilderness and its beautiful landscapes. There are several walking options available to suit all levels of fitness and experience, from half day walking safaris to full day hikes through the local hillsides, villages, national parks and other areas of attraction in the region.
Mountain Climbing: The highest in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, stands 5869 tall and offers a great challenge to those wishing to reach her peak. Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest peak, offers a challenge in itself, with great views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park from the summit. Oldonyo Lengai (the world’s only carbonate volcano) is very steep, and a true challenge for those wishing to reach the summit! Other surrounding mountains and hills offer similar challenges for hikers. While in Arusha, why not test your physical ability by hiking in our local hillsides?!
City Sightseeing and Visits: Explore Arusha to feel like you really belong. Through city sightseeing and village visits conducted by our local guides, you can learn more about the people, the food, entertainment and the opportunities that are available in the rapidly urbanizing continent – use Arusha as an example to learn more about Africa’s new growth.
We can also arrange visits to flower farms, coffee plantations, markets, village tours and other interesting places to allow an enjoyable and educational cultural experience during your stay.
Culture: Arusha is home to the Maasai people. The Maasai people are still living a very traditional way of life and are easily the most recognizable group of people in East Africa. The tall, friendly Maasai are instantly identifiable by the colorful red “shukas” or blankets they wrap around themselves. They continue to live in extended family groups in “manyattas” or mud huts scattered throughout most parts of the Arusha region where they graze cattle and goats. With the support of the Maasai people, Arusha has been able to sustain cultural tourism programs across Tanzania, using local Maasai guides to introduce visitors to the rich Maasai culture and natural beauty through half day, one day, or two-day cultural tour packages.
Photography: Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, Arusha is a photographer’s paradise and you’ll find endlessly diverse scenes to satisfy your camera! Whether it is the people, the landscape, the wildlife, the forests, the city, the nightlife, the farmlands, the beauty of your photographs is unquestionable.
Museums: With two major museums in Arusha, you can get a good insight into your natural and social history and culture. A visit to these museums will definitely add an extra stratum to your travel experience. In addition, the small museums of Tanzanite and the Maasai Museum at Meserani Snake Park also deserve a visit, serving to intensify your curiosity about the local lifestyle!
Arusha Museum of Natural History: In 1899 the Germans began construction of a strong fortification, a boma, which they forced the Maasai to build. More than 500 Maasai men were gunned down by Germans when they refused to take part in construction of the fort. This bloodstained fort was used by Germans as a barrack, later on used by British colonials as regional government offices until 1934, when it was turned into the Arusha Museum of Natural History. Today, it is a place where the great archeological discoveries of early-man are displayed (as well as a place where Arusha’s modern history is preserved).
Arusha Declaration Museum: Arusha Declaration Museum was opened in 1977. In this museum you will find exhibits depicting colonial history, the struggle for independence and the political development of Tanzania. The transformation of Tanzania’s political, social and economic development is highlighted through the Tanzanian freedom movement of the 1950’s to 1960’s. Photographs from the period of German occupation, and traditional weapons used by Africans to fight against German occupation are also exhibited in this museum.
Arts and Crafts: The city of Arusha offers an opportunity for shoppers to buy some of the rich collection of African arts and handicrafts at reasonably low prices across dozens of stalls and markets scattered across the city. The famous Maasai Craft Market offers authentic tribal arts and crafts, such as Makonde carvings, Tingatinga paintings and thousands of other items…a must sees during your time in Arusha! Arusha Cultural Centre has an inspiring collection of African arts, crafts and paintings whilst at Shanga House you have the opportunity to witness glass-crafted artwork being created by local Tanzanians who have been marginalized by their disabilities.
Shopping: Where better to shop for Tanzanite than right here in Arusha! This precious gemstone, unique to Tanzania, is available in the Tanzanite Experience Store as well at other jewelers in town. At the Tanzanite Experience Store they hold an exclusive collection of beautiful jewelry and loose tanzanite gemstones of exceptional quality and guaranteed provenance. Whilst visiting this store, you can also learn about this fascinating gemstone from tanzanite experts, who offer in-depth tanzanite education and guidance. The store maintains its own tanzanite museum to follow the journey of the history, discovery and mining of this unique gemstone through audio and visual presentations.
Sports and Leisure: Arusha offers a variety of sporting activities to keep your body and mind active! The golf courses in Arusha are of international standards whilst for those a little more adventurous, mountain biking through the African landscape is a truly thrilling experience. Explore Arusha whilst riding through forests, mountains and valleys passing through Maasai Villages and small towns into the heart of the African wilderness past herds of antelope, zebra and giraffe. Rugby and polo are just a few of the newest sports gaining popularity here in Arusha – at the weekend you can join local fans in watching one of these games! Canoeing safaris are available in Lake Duluti, Lake Manyara and at Arusha National Park whilst horse and camel safaris are the ultimate wilderness experience during your stay. Why not take the unique opportunity to ride camels or horses across the wilderness of Maasai plains, exploring the Arushan landscape whilst viewing the diverse wildlife along the way…
Other Activities: There are plenty of other activities to do in Arusha! The city has a very vibrant nightlife with casinos, bars, restaurants, street food, nightclubs and pubs dotted around the local area; a great way to get to know some of the locals. You can also rejuvenate by having a massage in any of the local spas, whilst attending any of the local churches offers a unique cultural experience! Come and join us and take part in the endless activities awaiting you here in Arusha!