Tanzania is growing as a tourist destination as more and more tourists from all over the world visit this country. Arusha is a city in Tanzania that serves as a gateway to the northern safari circuit of Tanzania. Therefore, you’re likely to spend a day or two here during the start or the end of your trip to Tanzania!
Here are some spots that you should visit if you’re spending a day in Arusha City:
- Arusha Coffee Plantation Tour
Head over to the Arusha Coffee Lodge for a coffee plantation tour! Tanzania is a major exporter of coffee. At Arusha, you can explore the coffee plantation farm and have the perfect blend of coffee. Watch the entire process as the coffee beans are picked up and blended into your favorite beverage!
- Natural History Museum
Also known as the Old Boma Museum, the Natural History Museum is home to some of the oldest human remains! The museum consists of three buildings, one is dedicated to wildlife, one is dedicated to archaeology and the evolution of mankind and the remaining is dedicated to the history of Tanzania.
The Museum also has a small garden and an art exhibit. Visit this place to learn more about Tanzania and its wildlife!
- Maasai Market
The Maasai Market in Arusha is a lively and vibrant market where you can go shopping. It’s a local market with many vendors who will try to lure you into their shops! Don’t forget to bargain for the items you want!
- Tanzanite Experience
The Tanzanite gem is a gem that’s only found in Tanzania! Don’t forget to stop at the Tanzanite Experience to get your own Tanzanite jewelry or gemstones!
- Meserani Snake Park
The Meserani Snake Park is just about 40 minutes away from the main city. There are many snakes and reptiles here for you to observe! It’s a good idea to take your kids to the Park and turn it into an educational tour since there are many facts about snakes and lizards written all over the park!
- Cultural Heritage Centre
The Cultural Heritage Centre in Arusha is an interesting and unique place. It’s the best spot to get some souvenirs! The Centre has a display of traditional and cultural artifacts of the different tribes of Tanzania. There are many cultural paintings, books, crafts and clothes that you can buy!
Moreover, by buying these items, you’re contributing to the local economy there. Tanzania has a great economic potential for tourism!
- Khan’s barbecue
A visit to Arusha is incomplete if you haven’t had dinner at Khan’s barbecue! End your day with a delicious dinner here. The restaurant isn’t expensive at all and serves the most delicious chicken tikkas, naans and kebabs that will have you craving for more!
- Fifi’s Restaurant and Cafe
The perfect way to start your day in Arusha City is by heading over to Fifi’s for coffee and breakfast! They serve delicious Chipsi Mayai, which is a local dish that combines an omelet with French fries.
- The Fig and Olive Restaurant
The Fig and Olive Restaurant is known for Lebanese food and has the best hummus, falafels and shawarmas! Give it a try!
- Street Food
Street food is very popular in Arusha! Some of the most popular street food/snacks you need to try include:
- Chips Mayai
- Samosas
- Nyama Choma
- Mshikaki
- Chai Maziwa
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Arusha and have a great day exploring all the different places! Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious local Swahili cuisine while you’re at it!