Things to Do in Tanzania: Day Trips and Excursions from Arusha.

Arusha: Gateway to Tanzania’s Tourism

Located at the foothills of Mount Meru, the bustling city of Arusha is a hidden gem set within the brilliant gateway to Tanzania’s top tourist destinations. This is where most Tanzania safaris begin or end, with access through Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Best Day Trips from Arusha

Arusha National Park Day Trip

This national park, situated in northeastern Tanzania, is just a short drive from Arusha’s city center, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring this beautiful and diverse region. Despite its relatively small size, Arusha National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore some of East Africa’s diverse landscapes and encounter many of the continent’s iconic mammals.

Visitors can explore the Meru Crater funnels along the Jekukumia River, hike to the summit of Mount Meru for breathtaking views, or embark on a wildlife adventure in the grasslands of the Ngorongoro Crater. While Arusha National Park may not have the same volume of wildlife as some of Tanzania’s larger reserves, visitors can still experience what makes this destination so special. The park is free of lions, but herds of wild buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys roam the land, along with an impressive variety of native birds. Lucky adventurers may even spot one of the rare African elephants that are known to graze on the grassy plains.

Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park Day Trip

Located between 1.5 to 2.5 hours from Arusha, the twin parks of Lake Manyara and Tarangire offer the quintessential safari experience.

Home to four of the Big Five (with rhinos being the notable exception), both parks are excellent places to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and a wide range of other iconic African wildlife.

Tarangire is famous for hosting the largest elephant population in Tanzania, while Lake Manyara is one of the only two places in the world where tree-climbing lions can be found. The lake is also a great spot for a canoe safari or a quick walk along the treetop walkway.

Kikuletwa Hot Springs Day Trip

Visit the crystal-clear waters of Kikuletwa Hot Springs in Moshi.

Here, you can enjoy a natural spa with underground hot springs surfacing at a pleasantly warm temperature, offering a relaxing experience for the body. You may even share your bath with small fish similar to the Garra rufa, known for their unique ability to gently exfoliate feet.

The area features recreation zones where visitors can swing from a vine into the water, as well as rest areas for unwinding. A small bar provides drinks and snacks, all within a beautifully preserved natural environment.

Kilimanjaro One-Day Hike

If reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain feels too daunting, enjoy a day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro instead.

This trek starts just an hour from Arusha, leading to a lush wonderland of towering eucalyptus trees, colorful birds, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. A short detour to Maundi Crater rewards hikers with stunning views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Meserani Snake Park

At Meserani Snake Park, you can feed baboons, hold wild tortoises, and get up close to dozens of slithering snakes. Expert guides explain the differences between various species and discuss how to protect people from their venom.

In addition to the deadly black mamba, spitting cobras, and the impressive African python, the park is also home to lizards, crocodiles, and other reptiles. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit nearby clinics providing free medical services to the Maasai community, or learn more about Maasai culture at the onsite museum. Afterward, the Snake Park Bar is the perfect place to relax with a cold drink in the shade.

Lake Duluti

At Lake Duluti, visitors can take a leisurely walk along the scenic lakeside trail while spotting the region’s highest concentration of birdlife.

For the more adventurous, canoeing around the lake offers a unique way to observe the wildlife. Afterward, enjoy a delicious African buffet near the lakeshore while chatting with a guide about the area’s secrets and the fascinating fauna that inhabits the region.

Visit a Maasai Village on the Slopes of Mount Meru

Experience authentic Maasai culture by visiting a local village on the slopes of Mount Meru.

Sing and dance with the Maasai people while learning about their way of life in traditional African villages. A local community guide will take you to a massive fig tree used as a sacred worship site, where you’ll hear stories about its significance and how offerings are made to the gods.

The tour continues through local farms, Maasai homes, herbalists, and midwives who share their knowledge of using native plants for healing. The experience ends with a traditional lunch prepared by the Naramatisho women’s group and a visit to local schools to learn about the education system and other community projects.