Things to do in  Arusha

Spread out over around 1,100 square miles (2,850 square kilometers) in Northern Tanzania's Manyara Region, Tarangire National Park is among the best places in the region to spot elephants. Other creatures frequently spotted in the park include cheetahs, oryx, and around 550 different species of bird.

If you want to see many birds and mammals in one spot, you've come to the right place. This national park in northern Tanzania provides a refuge not only to mammals such as buffalo and zebras but also to all sorts of birds, particularly flamingos. The park protects Lake Manyara and its surrounding lands and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

A short drive from Arusha, this compact park is an exceptional place to see wildlife, such as giraffes and zebras, both on foot and from the comfort of a safari vehicle. The park is also home to Mount Meru, a popular hiking destination and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro.

One of Tanzania's most important areas for archaeological research, the Olduvai Gorge first gained prominence when paleoanthropologists Mary and Louis Leakey discovered evidence of early human species in this area back in the 1930s. It's been an excavation site ever since, and has even been dubbed the “cradle of humankind.”

Just outside of Arusha, snakes and reptiles are the main draw at Meserani Snake Park, which houses creatures ranging from puff adders to baby crocodiles. It’s also home to a campsite, Maasai cultural museum, craft market, and a bar decked with memorabilia and snake-themed decor. It’s not just a tourist attraction, though—the snake bite clinic provides an important service to the local community.

Tanzania's second-highest mountain (after Kilimanjaro), Mount Meru attracts hikers with its easy and moderate trails and its outstanding scenery. Its location in the heart of Arusha National Park makes it an easy-to-reach destination for travelers staying in the nearby city of Arusha. It gets fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro.

North of Arusha, near the Gregory Rift and Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai, or the "Mountain of God," is notable as the only place on earth to erupt a unique type of thinner, less viscose (and therefore faster flowing) magma known as natrocarbonatite, which is initially black or brown and turns white as snow as it cools.

On the western end of town, the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre showcases the work of artisans from across Africa, both in a huge main gallery and across a number of craft shops. It's a fantastic place to browse (or purchase) art or to pick up souvenirs ranging from wooden giraffes to elegant jewelry.

The gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro's most popular route, the market town of Marangu is often the last place people stop before heading off on a summiting adventure. The village thrives mainly on the tourism industry, with many hotels, guesthouses, shops, restaurants, and services catering to international trekkers.

A short drive from Arusha, Lake Duluti is a volcanic crater lake that attracts hikers and boaters who want an easy-to-access escape from the city. Visitors and area residents come to rent canoes or enjoy a beer or meal at one of several lakefront restaurants on Duluti’s northern shores.

This small museum in the heart of Arusha is dedicated to the Arusha Declaration, a 1967 political statement focused on socialism within the African context. Inside, displays tell the story of the declaration through photos and artifacts.

Part of Arusha National Park, this natural landmark is an animal-rich site that's often likened to a smaller version of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a few hours' drive away. The interior of the crater is swampy, and is one of the more pristine (and untouched) parts of the park.

In the eastern part of Arusha National Park in Tanzania, the Momella Lakes are a set of alkaline lakes that were formed from Mount Meru's eruption thousands of years ago. They're a great place for wildlife watching, and you'll likely spot plenty of flamingos if you come to these shores.

Just east of Arusha, Tengeru is a small mountain village best known for its coffee research programs. While many visitors simply pass through on their way to Arusha National Park and Mount Moshi, Tengeru offers a few draws of its own, including schools that welcome travelers wishing to volunteer.

Founded in 2001, Amani Centre for Street Children provides housing, food, medical care, and education to houseless Tanzanian children. Amani welcomes volunteers for short- and long-term projects, and many travelers donate a few days of their time to give back to the community.