Arusha is one of the most beautiful regions of Tanzania, and is a popular location for tourists to visit. A trip to the country is incomplete without a visit to this stunning location where travelers can enjoy a range of unique and unforgettable experiences. Here is a detailed guide for where travelers can go in Arusha to have an amazing and extraordinary vacation.
- Arusha National Park
One of the top rated safari parks in Tanzania, Arusha National Park is known for its spectacular wildlife and scenic views. Tourists can enjoy a game drive, walking safari, or cycling tour to explore the park. Travelers can spot animals such as monkeys, giraffes, elephants, hippos, gazelles, and hyenas, or watch birds such as herons, parrots, eagles, and flamingoes!
- Mount Meru
Mount Meru is located an hour away from Arusha and can be reached via car. STanding tall at 4566m, the glorious mountain is one of the top hiking locations in East Africa. Tourists can climb to the top, passing by a number of stunning landscapes, including dense rainforest, alpine meadow, grassland, and desert upland. The journey to the summit can take 3-4 days and is a bucket list experience for adventure seekers. From the top, they can enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the forest and the nearby coffee plantations.
- Olduvai Gorge
Also known as Oldupai, Olduvai Gorge is a popular historical tourist spot in Arusha. This is where scientists in the 1960s discovered evidence of the earliest humans, including a fossil of the first human species, dating back around 1.9 million years. Known as the “cradle of humankind,” this is a great spot for a hike, and for learning about the region’s rich history and heritage.
- Momella Lakes
Tourists should also go to the Momella Lakes where they can enjoy boat rides, canoeing, and bird watching. The region is home to stunning migratory and exotic birds, including ducks, pelicans, eagles, and flamingoes. The seven shallow alkaline lakes include Tulusia, Small Momella, Big Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito lakes. Travelers can also spot amazing wildlife such as dik diks, warthogs, hippos, waterbucks, zebras, and giraffes!
- Ngurdoto Crater
Tourists should also visit the swampy Ngurdoto Crater, a 3.6km wide and 100km deep volcanic crater which is surrounded by a dense rainforest. Tourists can hike along the rim, or spot animals such as hyenas, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, baboons, and colobus monkeys. The location gives a stunning view of Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Lake Duluti
The majestic Lake Duluti can be reached after a 30 minute drive from Arusha. The lake is unique, because it used to be a mountain between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, but became a crater lake when it collapsed! Visitors can hike up to the forest, experience a canoe ride, or enjoy bird watching as the area is home to ospreys, eagles, egrets, kingfishers, and herons!
- Meserani Snake Park
Another unique location in Arusha is Meserani Snake Park, which is great for tourists of all ages. Visitors can observe, hold, and learn about baby crocodiles, tortoises, and monitor lizards, as well as dangerous snakes such as Black Mambas, Green Mambas, African pythons, Black Spitting Cobras, Caboon Vipers, Red Spitting Cobras, Puff Adders, and Egyptian Cobra.s.
- Chemka Hot Springs
Also known as Kikuletwa, Chemka Hot Springs is a geothermal oasis located near Arusha, At this extraordinary tourist spot, visitors can enjoy a picnic, observe the breathtaking flora and fauna, or swim in the hot springs.
