Popularly nicknamed the gateway to the natural wonders of Tanzania, Arusha is the place for a traveller seeking diversification of experiences. Public parks of magnificent landscapes and a strong rich culture surround this vivacious city. It offers great opportunities for day trips and tours that are simply spellbound. You can visit wildlife, learn about the culture, and simply enjoy beautiful scenes that offer something for everyone visiting that city.
Let's go and see some of the best day trips from Arusha and see what this city, which is full of memorable experiences
Arusha National Park: A Haven for Wildlife
A drive of approximately five minutes will lead you to Arusha National Park; this is an ideal place to visit for those who want a taste of Tanzania's phenomenal wildlife but do not want to go too far. It has spectacular environments: Mount Meru, the Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes, where one can enjoy an awesome bird-watching experience. It is home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and even colobus monkeys, which are relatively difficult to find.
Walking safaris are unique to the park and give the visitors an opportunity to experience the plants and animals from a close range. Another thrilling activity is canoeing in the lakes where you glide over the surface of tranquil waters while enjoying spectacular views.
Expert Tip: There is a wonderfully organised package by FraFri Adventure Escapes for a one-day tour into the park that will enable one to see all the highlights comfortably. Additionally, expert guides will enrich your trip with much information on what they call the park ecosystem.
2. Meserani Snake Park & Cultural Experience
For the adventure seeker and would-be cultural vacancier, Meserani Snake Park holds the key. Here, the snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, and not much else wait. In addition, the park promises a cool peek into Tanzania's Maasai cultural experience about the traditional lifestyles and setting up a spear-thrown event or two.
It is only a stone throw from Arusha, thereby building an exciting one-day trip with the addition of game viewing with cultural education. Of course, this is for people who would like to add a visit to the Maasai Museum next door to know more about this giant tribe.
3. Coffee Tours and Plantation Visits
Tanzania's coffee world is aromatic, with Arusha being home to the finest coffee estates in Africa. A guided coffee experience will take you through the whole process from bean plantation to brewing your cup of coffee. Some are attached to local farms where you could even meet farmers and learn sustainable agriculture practices.
Also, for a good cup of coffee and some refreshing flavour, coffee tours take you away from the city, where it is fresh and free of noise; just think of drinking fresh coffee with so many greens around you.
4. Trekked on Mount Meru
It is a trek that probably will never be forgotten by any adventure soul on Mount Meru, which is Tanzania's second-highest peak. While it's not too demanding like Kilimanjaro, Meru has some pretty stunning views and diverse ecosystems and the shorter day hike is enough to give one a taste of its rugged beauty, which takes you through dense forests teeming with wildlife.
Whereas climbing the whole mountain would take a number of days, shorter trails are available for the day-trippers who want an active ride with magnificent scenery. The climb is also a good acclimatization trek for those planning to summit Kilimanjaro.
5. Cultural Heritage Centre
The Cultural Heritage Centre, Arusha is one of the places where an art fanatic, historian, and cultural enthusiast would want to be. This marvellous and unique architectural work accommodates galleries with Tanzanian art, traditional artefacts of cultural heritage, and handcrafted jewellery. It's one of the best places to go for some souvenir shopping while learning more about the rich cultural heritage of the area.
A day spent here would bring you closer to understanding Tanzania's arts and history, making it quite a good addition to your Arusha schedule.
Why opt for FraFri Adventure Escapes?