Things to see and do when visiting Arusha

Arusha is a multicultural city with a population of mixed backgrounds. There are indigenous tribes of the area, Tanzanians of mixed heritage (Arab, Swahili and Indian heritage) and a strong white community. The city is relatively small and residents lead a more laid back kind of life. The city has a strong diplomatic community and legacy of having had UN and African Union offices. Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are the main religious denominations.

There are many Tourist attractions in Arusha considering that it is one of the largest cities in Tanzania with a population of over 400,000 people, Arusha is one of the largest cities in Tanzania. It is the capital of the wider Arusha region and is strategically located in the northern part of the country – an area with some of East Africa’s best national parks. The city receives enough rainfall and remains green throughout the year because of its location at the foot of Mount Meru. No wonder it is known as the green city of Tanzania. Arusha is also known as the safari capital of Tanzania because it is the connecting point to those interested in visiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. Arusha is also very close to the Masai Mara Game reserve in Kenya Although the city itself is often overlooked by international tourists on their way for safaris in the nearby national parks, Arusha city is an attraction in its own right with countless things to do. If you happen to be in town before or after your safari, do not remain in your hotel room.  We will be discussing in great detail some of the best tourist attractions in Arusha. You can also read about the things to see in Dar es Salaam or activities in Zanzibar. If you also plan on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, then you might find our article about the tourist attractions in Moshi useful.

Tourist attractions in Arusha Tanzania

Go shopping at the Arusha Central Market: There is no better way to learn about the culture of people in a new place than by visiting their central shopping center. The Arusha central Market (Kilombero Market) rewards tourists by bringing them closer to real people of he city. It is where everyone goes to do shopping for household essentials. The market is packed with people and most shops are built very close to each other. Expect to find shops dealing in local fabrics, spices, traditional medicines, wood carvings, handicrafts, art pieces, jewelry, vegetables, chicken, meat, fruits and all kinds of foodstuff. The Arusha central market also has a large section where goats, sheep and cows are traded. Prepare to bargain if you want to buy something from the market. You need to be careful not to go with your valuables while in the market. If you have to go with them, make sure they can be attached safely to your belt such that they cannot be snatched by pickpockets.