13 Best Things to Do and See in Arusha
Exploring Arusha on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Arusha, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Arusha. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Arusha Clock Tower
Arusha Clock Tower is a central and well-known landmark in Arusha, Tanzania. Set in the middle of a busy junction, it is a practical meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Around the tower, you can experience Arusha’s urban atmosphere with its busy streets, shops, taxis, and daily city life. It is also a great stop to watch local traffic and get your bearings before exploring the markets, museums, or the northern Tanzania region.
2. Cultural Heritage Centre
The Cultural Heritage Centre in Arusha is a must-visit place to discover the artistic and cultural richness of Tanzania and East Africa. This tourist center brings together art galleries, sculptures, jewelry, traditional crafts and decorative objects showcasing local and regional craftsmanship. It also features exhibition spaces and shops where visitors can browse or buy unique pieces in a pleasant, well-kept setting. It is a rewarding stop for understanding the country’s cultural diversity.
3. Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, near Arusha in Tanzania, offers varied scenery of forests, open plains, lakes and mountain slopes around Mount Meru. See giraffes, buffalo, zebras, monkeys and birds in a peaceful setting, with volcano views and easy hiking trails.
4. Fun Retreat Resort
Fun Retreat Resort in Arusha, Tanzania, is a hotel complex offering a peaceful stay in a city that serves as a gateway to the country’s top northern attractions. Visitors can enjoy relaxing spaces, comfortable rooms, and services designed for both rest and stopovers. Its location makes it a practical base for exploring Arusha and the surrounding area, while also providing a calmer atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or travel.
5. Miracle Experience Balloon Safaris ???? Serengeti & Tarangire. Arusha Tanzania HQ
In Arusha, Miracle Experience Balloon Safaris is an agency specializing in tourist hot air balloon flights over Tanzania’s great landscapes, especially the Serengeti plains and the Tarangire region. From this starting point, the experience lets visitors admire the savanna at dawn, spot wildlife from the sky, and enjoy wide-open views of an iconic East African setting. It is an ideal activity for discovering the beauty of Tanzania’s parks from a peaceful and spectacular angle.
6. Kibowhy Safaris
Kibowhy Safaris in Arusha, Tanzania, offers an up-close safari experience among East Africa’s iconic wildlife and landscapes. Visitors can observe wild animals in a natural setting while enjoying excursions designed to discover the region. It is a popular starting point for safari travel from Arusha, ideal for exploring the reserves and parks of northern Tanzania. The experience combines wildlife viewing, adventure, and nature discovery in a friendly, accessible outing.
7. Maasai Market of Curios and Crafts
Maasai Market of Curios and Crafts in Arusha is a lively traditional market where you can discover a wide range of Tanzanian handicrafts, including beadwork, wood carvings, colorful fabrics, woven baskets, masks, and Maasai-inspired souvenirs. The atmosphere is friendly and vibrant, with varied stalls that showcase local know-how and offer authentic pieces to take home. It is a popular stop for exploring regional crafts in a genuine setting.
8. National Natural History Museum-ARUSHA
The National Natural History Museum in Arusha offers an accessible introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife, flora, and major ecosystems. Visitors can explore exhibits on local biodiversity, insects, birds, mammals, and the region’s natural environments. The museum also helps explain the Rift Valley environment and the importance of conservation. It is a worthwhile visit to add to an Arusha itinerary, especially before or after a safari.
9. The Tanzanite Experience – Blue Plaza Museum.
The Tanzanite Experience – Blue Plaza Museum in Arusha is a place to discover tanzanite, Tanzania’s famous gemstone. Learn how it is mined, sorted, cut and presented through educational displays and showcases of rough and polished stones. The museum also explains the geological features of tanzanite and its importance to Tanzania. It is a great stop for anyone interested in minerals, jewelry and local craftsmanship.
10. German Boma
German Boma in Arusha is a museum set in a former colonial building, now dedicated to exploring local history and the region’s heritage. A visit here reveals old architecture that reflects the city’s past, along with exhibition spaces presenting elements of the culture, Arusha’s development, and its regional surroundings. The visit offers an interesting insight into the historical role of this site and makes for a rewarding stop to better understand the city before or after other discoveries in central Arusha.
11. Arusha Declaration Museum
The Arusha Declaration Museum is a history museum dedicated to a key moment in Tanzania’s political memory. Located in Arusha, it offers insight into the Arusha Declaration in its geographical and institutional context. Visitors discover a site focused on the country’s contemporary history, with useful landmarks that explain the document’s role in public life. The museum provides a clear view of how Arusha is connected to Tanzania’s national history.
12. Mnara wa Mwenge
Mnara wa Mwenge is a national museum in Arusha, set within an urban environment shaped by culture and the country’s memory. The site stands out for its heritage identity and its location in a city often seen as a gateway to northern Tanzania. Visiting it offers insight into national heritage, local history, and Arusha’s place in the country’s cultural landscape. Its appeal lies in both its function and its city setting.
13. House of Gems
House of Gems is an Arusha museum dedicated to precious stones and minerals. Located on River Road, it offers a gem-focused visit that highlights their appearance, diversity, and connection to Tanzania’s natural heritage. The site is interesting both for its subject and for its setting in a city at the heart of a region known for its rich geology. A visit provides a concrete look at a field where science, culture, and natural resources meet.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
