If you’re going on a northern safari tour in Tanzania, you can’t do so without passing by the city of Arusha! This wonderful city serves as a rest house for tourists in between safaris, enabling to regain their energy and get back in the field!
Here are the top 10 Arusha day tours that you should embark on while you’re there:
1. Explore the Arusha National Park
Elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, monkeys, and zebras are a few of the many wildlife species that you can spot here. Many bird species including starlings and trogons can also be spotted here. The park is about 1.5 hours away from Arusha city, so you can easily explore all of it in a day. Don’t forget to hire a guide! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out Mount Meru as well!
2. Relax at the Chemka Hot Springs
The Chemka hot springs provide a relaxing and peaceful escape from the bustling city of Arusha. The hot springs are located about a 1.5-hour drive away from Arusha. Dip your feet in the warm water and let it relax your mind!
3. Visit the Olpopongi Masaai Cultural Village and Museum
Explore the Masaai culture by visiting this museum as well as the nearby village! The Masai culture is a fascinating one! Find out more about Masaai medicine and hunting from the locals there.
4. Explore Lake Manyara National Park
Known for the thousands of flamingoes that inhabit this place, the Lake Manyara National Park is an interesting park to visit! It’s located about a 2.5-hour drive away from Arusha. Pelicans, storks, herons and other species of birds can also be seen!
Moreover, you’ll also get to see hundreds of beautiful butterflies over here. Giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, hippos and elephants can also be spotted!
5. Arusha Coffee Plantation Tour
Tanzania is a known exporter of coffee because it has large coffee farms of its own, many of which are located in the vicinity of Arusha. Go on a coffee tour to see how coffee beans from stems are converted to a fresh cup of brewed coffee right in front of you!
6. Watch spectacular reptiles at the Meserani Snake Park
The Meserani Snake Park is located only 40 minutes away from Arusha! Snakes, crocodiles, alligators, and turtles are just a few of the many species for you to see here!
7. Check out the Tarangire National Park
The Tarangire National Park is filled with elephants! Other than elephants, you can also spot buffaloes, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, monkeys and baboons!
8. Head over to the Tanzanite Experience and the Masai Market for shopping!
The Tanzanite Experience is where you can get jewelry made out of the Tanzanite gem, which is exclusively found in Tanzania. It’s a good idea to take some jewelry back home to give to your friends! You can also head over to the Masai Market for souvenir shopping, where you’ll find everything including clothes and accessories!
9. Explore the culture of the Chagga tribe at Materuni Village
Sip banana beer and satisfy your taste buds with the local food made by the Chagga tribe. Here, you’ll also get a chance to roast your own coffee! The crushing of coffee beans here is an interesting process because it’s accompanied by a local cultural dance. You can also visit the nearby waterfall while you’re there!
10. Take a trip to the Cave Waterfall!
The Cave waterfall is a wonderful place where you can swim in the water beneath and also hike to the top of the waterfall! It’s a fun and interesting place to visit, especially if you have kids with you!
So, what are you waiting for? Embark on these Arusha Day Tours to truly get a glimpse of the Tanzanian life!
You might also want to check out the Expert Guide on the Selous Game Reserve for when you’re on the southern Safari Circuit!