Things to do in Arusha

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Arusha

Things to Do in Arusha


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Arusha.


Top Attractions in Arusha

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Speciality Museums
The Cultural Heritage Centre established in the year 1994. Is the first of its kind in Africa dedicated towards exploring the rich treasures derived from African Culture. This family business is the result of culmination of hard work, unwavering dedication and knowledge acquired from the forefathers. At the helm of the affairs is the versatile managing director, Mr. Saifuddin Khanbhai, who has a solid knowledge of African Culture and traditions. Culture Heritage Center has acquired iconic status due to the unique structure of the buildings within its compound and having the treasure chest of African art which is keeping African Art alive. The main building is designed to resemble the Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro. It also has an impressive array of arts and crafts including unique masks, Verdite carvings and paintings by famous African sculptures. Cultural Heritage now boasts an impressible Art Gallery was build on his vision which was to promote the work of the local artists. The exterior of the Gallery is imp rived by a drum, shield and spear, all major African symbols. The symbols resonate with the role of the Gallery that is to represent, communicate and celebrate Africa's Cultural Heritage. Among its many world famous pieces of Art is a 18 feet family tree which took 20 years to make. People from all over the world also visit Cultural Heritage, for its unrivaled reputation of having the finest Tanzanite stones which are also found in the Mererani hills of Tanzania, best in the world. The interior has three areas (i) History, (ii) Wildlife and (iii) soul. Ethnographic artifacts fill the History area, the wildlife area consists of contemporary paintings and sculptures of the curvatures roaming the African Savanna and the soul area captures Africa's energy allure and essence. The art gallery also has an amphitheatre which often shows on the life of special Tanzanian tribes like the Maasai, Pygmies and Hadzabe. It is also used for conferences. Also offered at the centre are day rooms found on the top of the building. They serve as resting place in the calm environment after a long safari trp. The spa at the Gallery offers a verity of personal care and treatments. The proceeds from the Gallery go to the conservation of elephants in Africa and the main concept of this is anti poaching clearly defined by the sculpture of the large unique beaded elephant. However, other causes such as orphanages, schools and boreholes and well drilling benefit from the proceeds. The centre also has a restaurant, coffee chop, spice centre, beads centre, and flea shop, which offers a variety of artifacts at different prices. Apart from the art the centre vibrated with warm hospitality. Cultural Heritage is visited by tourists from all over the world. It has been honored by visits from distinguished guests and state leaders such as President Bill Clinton, The prince William of Holland and his wife, Former UN secretary Mr. Kofi Annan, and celebrities such as Cindy Crawford. However every visitor who visits Cultural Heritage is treated as a Celebrity.
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What travellers are saying

  • Jennifer B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited museum while there and decided after return to USA that I really wanted a piece of jewelry. I picked my stone first and then the setting I wanted for it and the team there made my ring happen. They were patient with me over the course of a couple of months and I finally received my ring. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and it's an investment for when tanzanite will no longer be available to purchase. Thank you to The Tanzanite Experience team
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Badgersabroad
    Wiltshire8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nearly all of the reviews left here are of Ngorogoro Crater. Ngurudoto Crater in Arusha National Oark is beautiful, but you cannot enter it, nor are there any lions or rhino in Arusha National Park. 🤨
    Written 10 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelWiznit
    Scottsdale, AZ19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place to visit and shop while waiting to depart. Wouldn’t go out of my way to visit but if you need to spend the time somewhere….
    Written 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anna U
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are thinking about visiting the Lake Natron area, getting in touch with Kelvin (whatsapp +255685582611) is a must! He made sure our experience in the region was unforgettable.

    He gave us real insight and first-hand experience into original Maasai lifestyle. His knowledge of the nature surrounding Lake Natron area is impressive! We especially loved hearing about natural medicines Maasai make out of the plants that surround them.

    We visited really lovely waterfall together, had a walk to lake natron and on top of everything: we climbed Ol Doinyo Lengai!! It has been my biggest dream and hope for our trip in Tanzania and i can easily say it happened thanks to Kelvin. He did not only guide us but also motivated, helped and made sure we were always comfortable during the challenging hike. I can surely say i wouldn’t ever want to do the hike with other guide and honestly I am not sure i would have made it if it wasn’t for Kelvin. If you are looking for unique and original experience, contact Kelvin and you will not regret it!!
    Written 1 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cathy W
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent a week staying on site at The School of St Jude after a 9 day safari both arranged by Safaris R-us. The school had been started by an Australian woman and provides almost 2000 students who are extremely poor and extremely smart with a fully paid quality education. It is totally funded by sponsors and donations. We had a full program which included classes with various age groups, home visits to families of the students, tours of the 3 campuses including a farm project and much more. We were assigned a person who looked after us who arranged transport, gifts for the families and much more. To really get up close and experience the way of life for some in Africa, this is a humbling and wonderful experience.
    Written 16 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fi R
    Glasgow, UK60 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Guide talked you through the various snakes, where they're found, eating habits and how dangerous they are to humans. Our guide was really engaging and the info was interesting, walk around lasted about 45mins. Crocodiles and tortoises to see too. Afterwards we spent 10mins doing guided tour of the Maasai cultural museum which was the right amount of time and info, again friendly guide. $40 for 2 of us probably a bit overpriced for 1 hour entertainment but the snake park does provide free healthcare to anyone in Tanzania with a snake bite so you feel your money is going towards something worthwhile.
    Written 3 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mogli Adventure
    Moshi, Tanzania2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was the best moment, saw all animals except cats, we had nice lunch on the Top of the cage and down watch the hippo in the small Momela lake.
    Written 28 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David N
    88 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really not worth the entrance fee of 12,000 shillings. Old and run down with little reinvestment. The saving grace is an enormous turtle that roves around the place.
    Written 4 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marcteun
    Maastricht, The Netherlands49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hiked all the way from Arusha to the the waterfall, from de entrance it's a beautiful jungle walk to the waterfalls. You probably can find the waterfalls by yourself but I decided to take a guide because I want to support the community. Remember 10,000 shillings for us is nothing but for them it means a lot so they can support their family and send there kids to school. Agree about the price before you go . Entrance fee to the park s25,000 shilling , don't forget to take your sandals with you because you have to cross the river a couple of times.
    Written 31 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian Stephen
    Arusha, Tanzania2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An all combined necessity for travel, entertainment, social events, food & bevarages and Shopping. There different restruants like pizza Spanish, cafés, salsa, mini bar. Also Clothing's and electrical supplies. Children playgrounds and supermarket. Plus the best cinéma in Arusha with two theatre's and a good parking lot.
    Written 31 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leigh L
    Argyle, TX19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This Market is very large with lots of aisles and tons of little vendor shops. Be sure to browse around before buying anything as a lot of vendors offer similar items. Bargaining is a given! If you find something you like,make sure to note what shop it was and where that shop is located, as it is easy to get confused with so many aisles. And you actually may find a similar item for less after bargaining.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Indy V
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had the best safari & mount Meru experience thanks to Juvenile Safaris & John as our beloved guide.
    We did the 6 day safari trip and would recommend it to anyone. Every day is astonishing with beautifull views and animals. The safari Jeep is very comfortable with cool water in the fridge and an open roof.
    John knew a lot about the animals and knew his way. He always gave us the best views (thanks again, John. Amazing!!) and we could take our time. Thanks to John we have seen all the animals of the area - several times. John is a good spotter for sure.
    Included meals were always very nice as well as our stays. We especially loved the tented camps in Serengeti; a magical place to sleep.

    Before our safari trip, we did the 3 day mount Meru trek. This hike was challenging but more than worth the while.

    Highly recommend.
    We will come back to Tanzania one day - with juvenile safaris & John as our guide.

    Thank you very very much for everything!
    All the best,
    Bram & Indy
    Written 23 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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