Top Activities on the Ground in Arusha

Get a shot at climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro without reaching the summit on this private day trek from Arusha or Moshi. Perfect for beginners or those without time for a full climb, this hike covers the first leg of the Marangu Route to Mandara Huts. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro’s peak, trek rainforest trails with birds, mongoose, and blue and colobus monkeys, and re-energize with a picnic lunch at Mandara before descending.

There are many parks to go on safari in Africa, but none quite like Ngorongoro Crater, which combines highlands with the crater space. This Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip from Arusha lets you get the most out of the area with a guide who takes you all around to see the wildlife, including zebras, lions, and wildebeest.

Experience the thrill of hiking the highest mountain in Africa without having to commit to a multi-night trek by opting for a day hike up to the Mandara hut, where many summit hikers spend their first nights. While many day tours depart from Moshi, this private tour includes pickup from Arusha hotels, making it an ideal option for travelers passing through town on their way out to Northern Circuit safaris.

Explore the highlights of the Moshi area, beyond Mount Kilimanjaro, on this private tour from Arusha. Visit the Materuni Waterfalls before heading to a coffee farm for a growing presentation and an included buffet lunch. Then make your way to Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known as Chemka Hot Springs, for a swim before returning to Arusha.

If you don’t have time to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, this private 1-day hike to Cathedral Point is a great alternative. Begin your hike in the early morning with hotel pickup to reach Cathedral Point, 12,700 feet (3,870 meters) above sea level. Located on the Shira Plateau, the oldest peak of Kilimanjaro, this hike provides stunning views of the snow-capped summit.

Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s biggest intact caldera and home to 30,000 wild animals, including leopard, elephant, lion, and rare black rhinos. Enjoy a small-group 4x4 game drive from Arusha with hotel pickup included. See flamingo-filled lakes and spot animals roaming the plains while learning about Ngorongoro’s wildlife and geology from your driver-guide. A picnic by a hippo pool and entry fees are included.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mt. Kilimanjaro, even if you're short on time or have a limited budget. Embark on a remarkable day trip that will take you to the base of the legendary mountain, allowing you to explore its captivating surroundings. The adventure begins at the starting point of the Marangu Route (1,970m), conveniently located just an hour away from the vibrant town of Moshi. From there, prepare yourself for an unforgettable three-hour hike through the enchanting Montane Forest. As you traverse the trail, you'll be immersed in a world of lush vegetation, encountering a rich variety of flora and fauna that call this pristine ecosystem home. Your journey will lead you to the remarkable Mandara Hut (2,700m), nestled on the border of the forest belt, just below the awe-inspiring Maundi Crater. This picturesque location offers a perfect vantage point to take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Experience the thrill of climbing Africa’s highest peak with this 6-day Kilimanjaro hiking tour. Taking the Machame route, the most popular route up the mountain due to its acclimatization profile, your guide will ensure you make it through this challenging but rewarding experience. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience. With amazing views and a real sense of accomplishment to be found, this is an experience you won’t forget.

If you are not quite sure whether you are ready for a full Kilimanjaro adventure, you might want to take one of our shorter Kilimanjaro trips via Marangu route. Only one day on the mountain will be enough to give you a full picture of what it takes to be part of a Kilimanjaro trekking expedition. This adventure is perfect if you travel with children who are not ready for the full hike yet, or if your holiday is too short but you still want to enjoy the trip. A one-day Kilimanjaro trip leads you up to Mandara Hut and back to the entry gate.

ABOUT MANYARA NATIONAL PARK Located 125 km west of Arusha town, nestling by the wall of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the oldest and most popular sanctuaries in East AfricaThe main habitats include the shallow soda lake itself which occupies 77% of the National Park total area of 330 sq. km, the ground water forest, open grassland, acacia woodland and the rift wall. The most famous spectacle in the park is the tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally seen along branches of acacia trees. Other animals found in the park include buffalo, elephants, leopards, baboons, impala, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and hippos. Popularly referred to as an ornithologist’s paradise, Lake Manyara National Park contains over 400 bird species found in most savanna and river habitats in East Africa.

Come and experience Tanzanian culture outside of your safari! Together, we will visit Mama Max, an incredible woman who has fought her way out of severe poverty, through business training and microfinance provided by a community nonprofit, The Small Things. First you'll get a quick overview of our work empowering children, families, and communities at Happy Family Children's Village, although, for child protection, you should not expect direct contact with children. Next, we will walk or drive to Mama Max's house (depending on what you would prefer), while I tell you about how our business development program helps families like hers to keep children at home. When we arrive, we will share traditional chai tea and locally grown coffee. If you like, help cut vegetation for the animals, check the chicken's nests for eggs, and milk the cow. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation of the strength of women like Mama Max who have climbed out of poverty.

Fulfill your desire to be immersed in nature with this day trip to Kilimanjaro National Park. Starting at Marange Gate, trek through the equatorial rainforest up to Mandara Hut, nestled below Maundy Crater. Along the way, marvel at the mountain's incredible flora and fauna, with stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Look out for vibrant birdlife and playful monkeys, and don't forget to cheer on exhausted hikers descending from the summit.

Kilimanjaro is located a short distance from Arusha or Moshi town. This private tour provides a special opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of Kilimanjaro while visiting Materuni village. Nestled on the slopes of the famous mountain, exploring the village means discovering a world of tradition, history, and cuisine. Enjoy a hike to spectacular local waterfalls before indulging in a traditional lunch including local banana wine.

This is a short 2-hour tour that takes visitors through the foothills of the majestic Mount Meru. It offers an authentic glimpse of daily life in the small, charming villages found on the outskirts of Arusha city center. This experience of Tanzanian culture allows visitors to witness the hospitality of villagers and curious kids as well as the typical daily activities of farming communities. You will also have the opportunity to try local food and visit a small home-brewery that makes ‘mbege’, a traditional banana beer from the Chagga ethnic group. Most of this ride is on flat terrain with some shade along the way. There is one hill on the way up from the lake and the roads are moderate to good.

Come and experience one of the world’s most famous Safari circuits. Traversing through Serengeti and Ngorongoro national parks, witness countless numbers of wildlife in their natural habitat. These areas are home to the entirety of Tanzania’s flora and fauna eco-system, so guaranteed wildlife sightings are included. Create authentic African safari memories backed with dramatic Tanzanian landscapes.

What makes the Meru Paradise View tour truly unique is its perfect blend of adventure, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery in one compact, off-the-beaten-path spot near Arusha. Panoramic 200+ km views of Mount Meru, distant Kilimanjaro, Lake Duluti, and the vast Arusha plains—few places offer such a sweeping, multi-mountain vista in a short-day trip. The highest swing in Arusha for an adrenaline rush with unbeatable aerial perspectives—thrilling yet safe, swinging over the savanna. Hands-on traditional coffee making right at the viewpoint: harvest, roast, brew, and sip fresh Tanzanian beans amid the scenery—authentic and immersive. Nearby hidden waterfalls for refreshing hikes, swims, and shaded relaxation in lush trails. Village walk adding genuine cultural insights into local Meru communities and farms. It's a hassle-free, all-in-one escape combining nature's drama, local flavors, and excitement—ideal for a half-to-full day without crowds

Filling up a deep volcanic crater, Lake Duluti makes the perfect day trip from Arusha. On this worry-free tour, escape the city—it’s a quick 40-minute drive—and head into nature, choosing between nature walks with views of ​Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, canoeing, and simply appreciating this wild corner of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley.

For an authentic experience in Tanzania, a visit to Lake Eyasi is a must. Home to the Hadzabe people, one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in East Africa, the area around the lake is wild and infrequently explored. Your guide, a member of the Hadzabe tribe, takes you on a tour of the bush, showing you how they hunt, track wildlife, make fire and even collect honey from bees' nests. You'll also have the chance to meet tribe members and learn about their customs and way of life.

Experience Tanzania’s northern circuit on this 4-day camping safari, visiting Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy daily game drives, diverse landscapes, and wildlife like lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Overnight stays at Figtree, Seronera, and Simba B campsites include meals as per itinerary, offering a balanced blend of nature, wildlife, and comfort.

While you can’t climb Mount Kilimanjaro in one day, you can experience the thrill of hiking the great peak on this day trip. With a private guide and hotel pickup, trek through the lower altitudes of the mountain, attempting to reach the Mandara Hut. After enjoying a picnic lunch at the hut, make your way back down to the Mandara Gate to finish your hike.

Hike Mount Kilimanjaro without the expense of a private guide when you join other hikers on this week-long group tour. Ascend via the Machame Route in the company of a guide. Enjoy included meals and lodging at camps along the way. Scramble up Lava Tower and admire the landscape from the summit and views of the Shira Plateau.

Have an adventurous day out from Arusha on this tour where you’ll get to go on an hour walk to Meru waterfalls through lush scenery, then after a drive, hike through the forest for one to two hours to Lake Duluti where you can have fun canoeing. You’ll also stop for an included lunch, soda, water, and snacks provided for you along the way.

With one day in Arusha you can cover key sites, but coordinating transport and activities takes up valuable sightseeing time. Choose a private tour to see and do more in the city, from browsing shops at the Arusha Central Market to checking out tribal traditions in the Cultural Heritage Centre. Door-to-door service means you won’t need to fight Arusha traffic, leaving you free to focus on exploring.