Travel Guide to Arusha: Things to Do & History

It’s a mistake to rush to your safari adventure without exploring the city of Arusha. The city is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Tanzania, its people, and its history. It is also full of art, intricate beadwork, delicious spices, and quality coffee and tea. Also, if you love hiking, Mount Meru is right there, with excellent views of Kilimanjaro. 

Short History

Arusha sits at the base of Mount Meru, a dormant volcano and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania. The first people to call the area home were the Maasai around 1830. The area was desirable for its cooler temperatures, fertile soil, high ground, and water. It was also a good location for trading. 

The Arusha Maasai flourished in the area until the Germans conquered them in 1896. The conflict originated with a German raid. Arusha warriors retaliated a year later, and two missionaries were killed. The Germans, under Captain Kurt Johannes, responded by destroying the Maasai’s food and homes and confiscating all their weapons. 

Locals were pushed out of their lands or forced into hard labor, like carrying construction material, digging for lime, or being ridden like horses by the Germans. By 1890, the Germans, with the Maasai labor, had constructed a military fort, and more Europeans had moved in. 

The Germans lost control of Arusha during WWI to the British. British and Greek settlers took over, and the town and surrounding farmlands expanded. Safaris became a popular vacation for the wealthy and hunting big game attracted the thrill seekers. In addition, visitors flooded in to hike Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

More Europeans came, and by 1948, the area boasted 5,300 people. Nearly twenty years later, it was 100,000. During that time of growth, tension between white Europeans and locals grew. 

For instance, the local whites became nervous in 1953 during the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya. A state of emergency was declared, and people were deported, being accused of being Mau Mau sympathizers and conspirators. 

It wasn’t until the early 60s that Tanzania and Zanzibar gained independence from colonial rule. In 1967, The Arusha Declaration was released by Julius Nyerere. The paper speaks on socialism and self-reliance, with the purpose of a democratic socialist government that serves the people of Tanzania and their interests. 

The Arusha Region is now home to 2,356,255 people, with 617,631 living within the multicultural city limits. In 2023, it hosted 800,000 visitors. The city is surrounded by agriculture, primarily cultivating coffee, flowers, and tea. 

Arusha is now a diplomatic hub for peace, playing crucial roles after the Rwandan civil war and other conflicts. But tourists flock to the beautiful city on their way to safari or to climb high mountain peaks, such as Meru and Kilimanjaro. 

Things To Do

Eating is one of our favorite things to do in Arusha. A country so rich in spices takes good food seriously. There is joy for your tastebuds everywhere, from fancy restaurants to local markets. But in between meals, there is plenty else for visitors to do in and around the city.

Visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center

The Arusha Cultural Heritage Center is a state-of-the-art museum with art and artifacts from around East Africa. Visitors see books, gemstones, carvings, art, clothing, and a host of exhibits. Do you like to cook? The Spice Center will blow you away. 

We’re looking forward to Dr. Jane’s Dream. It is debuting on July 14, 2025. The exhibit is a “blending of creative imagination with technical know-how” and will include recordings of Goodall translating chimp sounds into English, her tent she used with her mother for observations, 800 leaflike tiles painted by various African artists, and a termite mound to explain Jane’s breakthrough discovery of chimps using tools. 

Explore Arusha’s Markets

Arusha is home to many markets, some that cater to locals and others geared for tourists. We recommend seeing both, as they provide different perspectives and delights. 

The Kilombero Market is where you go for an authentic, local experience. It is tightly packed and people are busy trying to buy and sell. There are tropical fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, spices, and traditional cookware. It is an experience for all the senses. 

The Maasai Market is geared for visitors looking for gifts and keepsakes. There is much to look at, including jewelry, beads, clothing, paintings, and other local crafts. 

We also recommend checking out the Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre, an ethical and economically empowering endeavor. While the store and workshop don’t provide the market experience, it’s the perfect place to see and buy authentic Maasai handcrafts, like clothing, jewelry, beadwork, and other home decor items. 

Take a Coffee Tour

Do you enjoy a nice warm cup (carafe? bucket?) of coffee or tea in the morning? They are two of Tanzania’s top exports. Arusha and the nearby areas are significant producers. The coffee plantations grow around 70% Arabica; the second most popular is Robusta, and tea is a smooth oolong variety. 

Coffee and tea tours are a fascinating way to learn more about how the world’s most beloved morning drinks are produced, from farm to mug. Local tours often include other enjoyable stops, like seeing the Materuni waterfalls or hanging out at the Kikuletwa Hot Springs.

Relax at the Kikuletwa (Hot) Springs

Kikuletwa Springs (Maji Moto or Chemka) is a beautiful jungle oasis where visitors can swim in the crystal-clear "hot" springs. The water is warm rather than hot and framed by trees and foliage. 

People come to relax and enjoy a day in the warm water. Snorkelers can search for the little turtles that enjoy the area. The more playful can use the rope swing to dive in. 

Get Dazzled at the Tanzanite Museum

The Tanzanite Experience Limited runs a museum in Arusha celebrating Tanzanite, the rare Tanzanian gemstone of incredible blue and violet. Visitors can learn about how Tanzanite is mined and how a “rock” is transformed into a valuable piece of jewelry. 

Interesting Facts

10 interesting facts about Arusha and the surrounding areas. 

1. The Arusha Maasai first settled in Arusha in the 1830s.

2. The Arusha Clock Tower was built in 1927 by German settlers.

3. One of Arusha's nicknames is "The Geneva of Africa." 

4. The city is 4,600 feet (1,400 m) above sea level.

5. The city sits halfway between Cairo and Cape Town. The clock tower marks the spot.

6. Arusha is known for its coffee, and it is near Moshi, which hosts the International Kahawa Festival for java lovers.

7. Home of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NIM-AIST), a network of Pan-African Instructions of Science and Technology.  

8. The Kikuletwa Hotsprings are a natural home to Garra Rufa fish. In other parts of the world, these fish are used by high-end spas to eat the dead skin off a client's feet during a pedicure.

9. Mount Meru's potable water is naturally high in fluoride due to the volcanic rock.

10. Ol Doinyo Legai, "Mountain of God," near Arusha, is the world's only active volcano that emits natrocarbonatites. It creates a silver lava that can appear to glow. 

Best Time to Visit

Arusha is an enjoyable destination throughout the year. But its location makes it an excellent base for taking a Tanzania Safaris tour, including Arusha National Park and the Great Migration. It is also near Mount Meru, a fantastic hike for anyone needing to acclimatize before tackling Kilimanjaro. 

Those who want to witness the annual migration, see the parks during the low tourist season, or skip the rainy seasons should see our chart to find the best time to visit Arusha. 

How Many Days Do I Need in Arusha?

Visitors should try to spend two days in Arusha before heading off for other Tanzania Safaris and adventures. There is so much to explore, taste, and experience. Keep in mind the city also serves as an excellent base for day adventures, such as visiting the hot springs. 

Does Arusha Have Recreational Activities?

Arusha does have recreational activities and tours for people wanting an active experience in the city or nearby. For instance, there are:

• Golf

• Mountain biking

• Horse riding 

• Hiking

Does Arusha Have a Dress Code for Women?

Although locals are modestly dressed, Tanzania does not have a dress code for women. Women might find a warmer welcome if they avoid revealing clothing, keep their thighs covered, and avoid tank tops. However, those in the city are accustomed to seeing foreigners wearing shorts and, in pool areas, wearing typical Western swimwear. 

However, visitors to religious sites or buildings are expected to wear modest outfits, covering knees, shoulders, and cleavage. 

Visitors wanting to visit rural areas outside of Arusha will find it easier to interact with locals if skirts and trousers are below the knee or longer and shoulders and cleavage are covered. 

You can wear shorts, but see our article on what clothing works best on safaris before you pack. Sometimes, longer loose layers will be more comfortable, allowing better air circulation and providing protection from the sun and dust. We also provide guidelines on what NOT to wear. 

What Safaris are Near Arusha?

Arusha is a fantastic city to use as a home base for Tanzania Safaris and adventures. From mountains to migrations, Arusha is near extraordinary outdoor sites. 

Don't see the exact trip you're looking for? Contact us, and we'll design a custom itinerary that meets your specific needs. 

Below are only a few of the fantastic safari destinations near Arusha.

Arusha National Park

GPS: 3° 23' 12.9300" S and 36° 40' 58.7820" E

Arusha National Park is frequently overshadowed by its more famous Serengeti. However, the 213 square miles (552 square km) park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the world's largest giraffe population. Bird watchers are also in for a treat.

It is also where visitors can climb the country's second-highest mountain, Mount Meru. We highly recommend it for anyone preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru's Napuru waterfall is the perfect alternative for those looking for a shorter yet beautiful hike. 

Serengeti National Park

GPS: 2° 19’ 59.9988” S and 34° 49’ 59.9952” E

Serengeti National Park is iconic for its spectacular wildlife and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Whether you long to see The Big 5, see as many of the 500 bird species as you can spot, or behold the park's butterflies, it is the ultimate safari adventure. 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

GPS:  3° 12’36” S and 35° 27’36 E

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, "Africa's Eden," and the "8th Natural Wonder of the World," is a large crater that shelters many animals, including zebras and wildebeest. A visit includes seeing Olduvai Gorge and the alkaline soda lakes Ndutu and Masek. 

Conclusion

Arusha is a fascinating city full of culture, culinary delights, and history. It is also the gateway to world-class safaris and other outdoor adventures. Ready to pack your bags? Check out our Tanzania Safaris Tours and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.