Safari Activities in Arusha and Arusha National Park

1. Game Viewing and Nature Walks in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park, just 40 minutes from the city center, offers an exceptional introduction to Tanzania’s rich wildlife. Unique among the country's national parks, it permits walking safaris accompanied by armed rangers—an exhilarating opportunity to explore the African bush on foot. While the park is relatively compact, it is impressively biodiverse. Visitors may encounter giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, and baboons, along with the elusive colobus monkey and, occasionally, leopards.

Game drives take you through the lush forests of Mount Meru, the open savannahs around the Serengeti Ndogo (“Little Serengeti”), and the picturesque Momela Lakes. Birding is equally spectacular here, with over 400 species recorded, including seasonal migratory birds and vibrant flamingos often seen from October through April.

2. Canoeing on Lake Momela

Lake Momela offers one of Arusha’s most tranquil and scenic safari experiences—canoeing. Gliding across the alkaline lake’s surface, guests can witness abundant birdlife, including pelicans, Egyptian geese, herons, and bright flocks of flamingos. The setting is especially dramatic on a clear day, with views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro to the northeast and the towering peak of Mount Meru rising to the west. Wildlife such as hippos, bushbucks, giraffes, and buffaloes may also be spotted along the lakeshore.

3. Cultural and Historical Exploration: National Natural History Museum

Housed in the Old German Boma (a colonial-era fortress built in 1886), the National Natural History Museum is a must-see for visitors interested in Tanzania’s anthropological and ecological past. The museum features permanent exhibitions on human evolution—including casts of the 3.6-million-year-old Laetoli footprints—and entomology. Temporary exhibits explore various natural science and cultural themes. It’s an insightful stop that connects visitors to the roots of humanity and the region’s biodiversity.

4. Discover the Rare Beauty of Tanzanite

Arusha is the global epicenter for tanzanite, a rare and strikingly beautiful blue-purple gemstone found only near Mount Kilimanjaro. During a Tanzanite Experience tour, guests learn about the stone’s discovery, geological uniqueness, and the cutting and valuation process. These hands-on tours range from 1 to 8 hours and often conclude with a visit to a curated boutique offering certified, high-quality tanzanite pieces—a perfect and authentic souvenir.

5. Meserani Snake Park and Maasai Cultural Museum

Located just 25 kilometers from Arusha along the main Dodoma road, Meserani Snake Park is a fascinating wildlife sanctuary and educational center. It houses a wide range of snakes—both venomous and non-venomous—alongside crocodiles, lizards, and birds of prey. The adjacent Maasai Cultural Museum offers deep insight into traditional Maasai life. Guests can even hold and photograph tame, non-venomous snakes—an exciting and safe encounter under expert supervision.

6. Hiking and Birdwatching at Lake Duluti

Lake Duluti is a serene crater lake located about 20 minutes from Arusha town. A 6.7-kilometer walking trail around the lake offers an immersive experience into the local flora and fauna. The trail is ideal for bird watchers and those interested in botany, as it showcases indigenous plants, some of which are used in traditional medicine. Local guides share folklore related to the Meru people, giving the experience both cultural and ecological depth.

7. The Arusha Cultural Heritage Center

This extraordinary complex on the outskirts of Arusha is both a commercial and cultural treasure trove. The center features a curio shop, bookstore, tanzanite and gemstone boutiques, an open-air café, and an internationally acclaimed fine art gallery. The gallery displays an extensive collection of African sculptures, carvings, masks, and paintings. It’s not just a shopping stop—it’s a celebration of African creativity and craftsmanship, offering a deeper appreciation of the continent’s diverse artistic heritage.