The Best Things to do in Arusha Before Climbing Kilimanjaro

Here are some of the best things to do in Arusha Before Climbing Kilimanjaro.  Arusha is the base for all our Kilimanjaro tours and Tanzanian Safari trips.

Our Hotel in Arusha

We use the Four Points by Sheraton, which is a one hour drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). There are a range of Hotels in the region, but our first choice is the Sheraton Hotel, which is right in the center of Arusha. You can relax at the pool, or wonder the local markets close by.

We can manage a range of day trips for you while you are in Arusha. It is important to pre-book these outings with our office staff. We also have one day safari’s to Tarangire National Park and  Arusha National Park if you do not have time for a longer safari. Just CONTACT US for further information and we can get it set up. We have our own staff on the ground in Arusha, and they are ready to assist. Follow us on Instagram.

1). Coffee Plantation Tour

Arusha is a region located on the base of Mount Meru. Don’t forget we offer hikes to the summit of Mount Meru. Mount Meru and has fertile soil, where coffee grows. We have great reviews from our coffee plantation tours and you can see how they process coffee from the plant to the end product.  While doing a tour, you will also get to see banana plantations and experience the life of local people in the region.

Take a walk to a coffee farm and learn how farmers plant coffee trees, care for the farm, and pick ripe berries. Experience the different steps they take to dry, roast, and grind roasted beans. You will also get the chance to make your own cup of coffee to taste with friends and the host farmers family.

The cost per person is $75 – $100 per person (depending on how many people join) and includes transport, spice tea and Coffee, lunch, drinking water, guide fees, and village fees.

2). Tanzanite Experience

Tanzanite is an extremely rare gemstone mined only in Tanzania! This precious stone is one thousand times more rare than diamonds. This extraordinary gemstone can only be found near Arusha, on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. There are many shops selling this stone in Arusha, including the store we visit after climbing Kilimanjaro.  If you want to learn more about Tanzanite? Why not visit the Tanzanite Museum, which is very close to our hotel in Arusha. It is best to have one of our staff escort you to this store if you are considering purchasing this rare gemstone.

Please let us know if you would like a guide to assist you with this experience!  The cost to have a guide with you is $10 per person.

Things to do in Arusha

3). City Tour and Maasai Market

The Maasai Market is a short walk from the hotel and is a great place for souvenirs or gift for friends and family. There are a lot of stalls selling similar products. It is interesting to walk around and observe the local products for sale.  The proprieters of the market can be slightly aggressive with their sales, so it is best to organize one of our guides to assist you in the market.  You will get hassled far less if you have a local with you!

On this tour, you will also visit the local market to give you an insight to the local economy activities. Walk around to see what people grow and eat, and how they interact while doing business. Our guide can teach you few Swahili words commonly used at the local market as well. The business market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays. The cost is $20 per person.

Things to do in Arusha before Kilimanjaro

4). Arusha National Park

If you sign up to do a day safari in Arusha National Park, then you will leave the hotel early with a packed lunch. Arusha National Park is about 27km from Arusha. In this park, there is combination of attractions with great wild animals, lakes, waterfalls, and aquatic birds.  You will also be able to do some canoeing and a day walk on nature trails. You will be back in the hotel for a late dinner.

Prices per person for the Arusha National Park day trip is as follows:

  • USD $450 – single person traveling solo
    USD $280 – per person based on 2 pax
    USD $230 – per person based on 3 pax
    USD $185 -per person based on 4 pax
    USD $190 – per person based on 5 pax
    USD $180 – per person based on 6 pax

5). Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is one of the closest major National Parks to Arusha. This  National Park has earn it’s respect following the highest concentration of African Elephants and the seasonal tree climbing pythons.

Tarangire National Park was first established as famous hunting block for Lions and Leopards during the colonial era. The soil in Tarangire holds high amount of water, attracting thousands of animal to this park during the dry season. This is when all areas  are dry, and the Tarangire National Park grows green! The magnificent Baobab trees offer an amazing outlook across the park. You will be picked up early morning to start the safari and will return in the evening back to Arusha.

Prices per person for the Tarangire National Park day trip is as follows:

  • USD $450 – single person traveling solo
    USD $280 – per person based on 2 pax
    USD $230 – per person based on 3 pax
    USD $185 -per person based on 4 pax
    USD $190 – per person based on 5 pax
    USD $180 – per person based on 6 pax

Safari in Tanzania

6). Village Tours

If you are interested in the local life of the people in Tanzania, then visiting a local village and community could be for you.  Visiting local communities like Maasai Boma, which are near Arusha, where you can get a glimpse into their culture and lifestyles.  You can reach these villages by bike riding or driving. The villages that can be explored are home to Llkurot, Longido and Mkuru people.

7). National Natural History Museum

This is a good place to visit for many of the oldest fossils found in Tanzania.  It is also a good place to learn more about the history of Arusha. The museum is an old German compound and has three parts. The best is the wing dedicated to human evolution, since much of what we know about the topic came from fossils unearthed in Tanzania. There are also displays on insects, the history of Arusha during the German colonial era, and wildlife photos and mounts.

The cost is $20 per person.

8). Visit the Orphanage we support

Fortune Kids and Education Foundation Orphanage Center was established in 2016. All the children are five years old or younger. It is located under the slope of Mount Meru, in the Arusha Region, Meru District, Nshupu Village, which is 25km from Kilimanjaro International Airport near the USA River. Learn more. You can bring items of clothing, toys and other gifts with our guides and we will transport to the orphanage.

The purposes of the Fortune Kids and Education Foundation Orphanage Center is to give back happiness and hope for these children who have lost it, and it is our goal to help ensure they have a good education and a bright future. The center deals with children from harsh environments,  including poor and single parented children,  or orphans who cannot meet the basic needs of life, such as food, shelter and clothing.

The cost for guide and transportation is $50 per person.

Things to do in Arusha

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