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Africa Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania

Best Things to Do in Arusha

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Arusha

If you’re climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, or taking a safari or expedition to some of Tanzania’s finest game parks or landmarks -- the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Mount Meru and Olduvai Gorge among them -- you’re likely to spend some time in the city of Arusha, the departure point for most guided trips. Located on the slopes of Mount Meru, Arusha has some attractions of its own as well. Stride’s easy-to-use tools can help you find the right outfitter to get you to Arusha and beyond.

Top Arusha Experiences

  • Arriving at Kilimanjaro Base Camp and gazing in awe at Africa’s highest mountain -- while anticipating the long climb that lies ahead.  
  • Setting eyes on the Serengeti Plains for the first time and imagining what wildlife wonders await.
  • Standing on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater and surveying one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on earth from on high.
  • Relaxing at a lodge in Arusha with views of 15,000-foot-high Mount Meru rising in the background, and, perhaps, of Mt. Kilimanjaro on a clear day.  
  • Climbing Mount Meru, among the ten highest mountains in Africa and the focal point of Arusha National Park.  
  • Strolling Sokoine Road, Arusha’s main drag, to sample the sights and sounds of an African city.
  • Gawking at the squawking flamingos at Lake Manyara National Park.
  • Photographing the clock tower, Arusha’s main landmark and the center of the city, and wondering if it really marks the halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town, as advertised.
  • Visiting the colorful Central Market stalls stocked with fruits, vegetables, and clothing near the clock tower in downtown Arusha.
  • Journeying to 17,000-foot Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain, where a lower (16,000-foot-plus) peak is a popular ascent.
  • Shopping for souvenirs and fabrics at the Masai Market on School Street, near Sokoine Road.

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Arusha Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Excellent
252
Great
58
Average
2
Disappointing
0
Terrible
2
KATE
·
2024-02-13
Written on
INCREDIBLE TRIP; THANK YOU LIGHTS ON AFRICA
I have been to Tanzania one other time so I am confident in saying that based on my two experiences, Lights on Africa by FAR EXCEEDED my known expectations. Just WOW, from the minute I arrived to the minute I left, well I did not want to leave. Peniel greeted my Group and made us feel so welcomed. The accommodations were SO fantastic, including the food :) but I must say that my Driver; Ray made my trip incredibly memorable. His many years of working in tourism contributed to the wealth of knowledge Ray has for the hidden trails in each park! Not just main roads but what tree is known for lions. Where the likelihood of seeing a Cheetah and where to find them! Ray knows the terrain of each park, has fantastic knowledge of ALL the animals including birds. We were the same 6 people in his Jeep the entire time, we asked a LOT of questions. Every one was answered thoughtfully, and gave us a sense of 'all knowing' and his mechanical ability!!!!! The terrain is oftentimes deep mud, sandy, water, very rugged and touch but Ray knew which way to steer and how to mitigate our ride, not to mention being the AWESOME DRIVER he is, he always (ALWAYS) stopped to help pull another driver out. I cannot say enough kind words or express gratitude to everyone at Lights on Africa, I felt like I was leaving family when the last wave was waved. I can only look forward to a third time to your beautiful country and know who I will be using; LIGHTS ON AFRICA.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Kate
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KK
·
2024-02-11
Written on
Best Experience
I can't say enough amazing things about Lights on Africa. From the moment we landed to our final goodbye, we were very well taken care of. All of our accommodations were wonderful and the staff were so personable. Peniel went above and beyond for our group. Everyone that checked their luggage ended up without it for a minimum of 3 days. Peniel went to the airport every day to pick up their bags and make sure they were delivered as soon as possible. I also can't say enough about how awesome our guides were. I personally had Ray as our group driver and he was absolutely the best. He was always having conversations with everyone in our vehicle, answering any questions we had, very knowledgeable about everything, and always got us the best angles for the best pictures. When anyone, even with a different safari company, had any problems he was the first guy to stop and help. Really a top notch guy! Thank you Lights on Africa for the most amazing experience in Tanzania. I can't wait to go back!
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Light On Africa Rocks
·
2024-01-27
Written on
Lights On Africa, Great Locally Owned tailored experience
Working with Peniel and Anton was an excellent experience. Lights on worked with us to create a life time experience that we were looking for. Lights On Africa’s flexibility with arrangement was second to none. We were looking for an exceptional locally owned and operated tour company, we found it with Lights On Africa. With a nontraditional Maasai owner and local guide with over 10 years of Tanzania travel experience, they delivered on every front. Lights On worked with us to provide a taloyored experience, and didn’t try to upsell us. They didn’t try to push us into a “cookie cutter” package. The local understanding of migration and seasonal ebbs and flows was instrumental in the best experience of our lives. They adjusted some excursion and activities to adapt to what and where things were happening. They continuously communicated with us to maximize our experience.
We traveled from the United States to Tanzania for a three week experience, and although some our travel plans included locations outside of most Safari company’s locations and scopes Lights On Africa provided all of the local transportation needed to get there and back again.
We have a taste for true cultural experience, Lights On Africa worked with local persons in Dar Es Saalam to provide us safe first hand experience at what would have otherwise been a stressful and unpleasant experiences. It was very comforting to know that we had Lights On Africa keeping an eye on us, but not being overly obtrusive or controlling.
Anton’s incredible driving skills, attention to changing weather conditions and knowledge of the land saved us and a few others from spending hours and overnights stranded in the “LandCruser”. It was very comforting knowing that our guide was the sage that other guides turned to get them out of trouble.
Lights On Africa’s expertise and local knowledge put us in the right places at the right times. We were able to witness and experience so much in the time we had it is still overwhelming. The personal, not jammed in with dozens, experiences and Lights On Africa’s attention to us has left us with a life experience, not just a vacation.
We have been to many places globally for work, vacation and cultural experiences; hands down Lights On Africa was the best company that we have worked with. If you are looking for an awesome individually tailored Tanzania experience talk to Lights On Africa.
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Aussie Eileen
·
2023-11-07
Written on
12 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari by Kili Slope Tours and Safaris Ltd
Amazing Trip
David, the owner of Kili Slopes Tours helped me put my 16 day itinerary together. The trip was everything we expected and more. Stewart our expert driver was wonderful and nothing was too much trouble. We visited 6 national parks and did 18 game drives. We saw the big 5 and I think most of the animals and birds. Our accommodation was outstanding, especially the bush camps. My husband became ill and the staff were amazing, attending to his needs at all the places we visited. Of course, the highlights were seeing leopards, cheetahs, servile and lots of lions. My daughter, Racquel really loved this trip as it was her first safari. She adores all of the game. Thank you Stewart & David for making our trip so wonderful and it will be something we will treasure for ever.
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Ngaire Currie
·
2023-10-29
Provided by World Expeditions
Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route by World Expeditions
Challenging trip ,crew on the ground were wonderful encouraging and dedicated to us all to acheive our goal

Thank you World Expeditions Ngaire
Trusted Customer
·
2023-10-15
Written on
Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Trek
so well organised and professional. friendly and helpful staff

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