Day trips

Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, offers a variety of incredible day trip options that showcase its cultural, natural, and wildlife-rich surroundings. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Arusha

1. Arusha National Park

  • Highlights: Home to Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, and Momella Lakes. Spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, and a wide range of bird species.
  • Activities: Walking safaris, game drives, and canoeing on Momella Lakes.
  • Distance from Arusha: Approximately 40 minutes by car.

2. Cultural Visit to a Maasai Village

  • Highlights: Learn about the Maasai people’s traditions, dances, and daily life. Participate in a traditional jumping dance and explore local crafts.
  • Activities: Interaction with the Maasai community and optional souvenirs shopping.
  • Distance from Arusha: 1–2 hours depending on the village location.

3. Coffee Plantation Tour

  • Highlights: Discover how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed on a local coffee farm in the surrounding highlands.
  • Activities: Guided tours of coffee farms with tasting sessions.
  • Distance from Arusha: Around 30 minutes to 1 hour by car.

4. Hot Springs at Kikuletwa (Chemka Hot Springs)

  • Highlights: Relax in crystal-clear, warm waters surrounded by lush vegetation.
  • Activities: Swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the serene environment.
  • Distance from Arusha: 1.5–2 hours by car.

5. Lake Duluti

  • Highlights: A tranquil volcanic lake offering beautiful views of the forest and birdlife.
  • Activities: Canoeing, nature walks, and bird-watching.
  • Distance from Arusha: Approximately 30 minutes by car.

6. Visit to Mto wa Mbu

  • Highlights: A vibrant multicultural village where you can learn about various Tanzanian tribes, visit local markets, and sample traditional cuisine.
  • Activities: Biking tours, guided walks, banana plantation visits, and traditional food tasting.
  • Distance from Arusha: 1.5 hours by car.

7. Mount Meru Waterfalls

  • Highlights: A scenic hike through lush greenery leading to cascading waterfalls.
  • Activities: Guided hiking and photography.
  • Distance from Arusha: 1–2 hours by car.

8. Snake Park and Cultural Heritage Centre

  • Snake Park Highlights: A unique chance to learn about Tanzania’s reptiles, with guided tours showcasing pythons, cobras, and crocodiles. Camel rides are also available.
  • Cultural Heritage Centre Highlights: Explore Tanzanian art, carvings, gemstones, and curios at this remarkable complex.
  • Distance from Arusha: 30–40 minutes by car.

9. Kilimanjaro Day Hike (Machame or Marangu Gate)

  • Highlights: Experience the iconic Kilimanjaro on a short day trek to its first base camp.
  • Activities: Guided hiking through lush forests with scenic views.
  • Distance from Arusha: 2–3 hours by car.

10. Safari to Tarangire National Park

  • Highlights: Famous for its massive elephant herds and towering baobab trees.
  • Activities: Full-day game drives.
  • Distance from Arusha: 2 hours by car.