Arusha National Park
Africa in Miniature - This compact 552 sq km park contains more ecosystems than any Tanzanian park:
• Ngurdoto Crater - A miniature Ngorongoro with buffalo herds
• Momella Lakes - Seven alkaline lakes with flamingo flocks
• Mount Meru - Tanzania's second highest peak (4,566m)
• Unique walking safaris among giraffes and zebras
The only park near Arusha where you can canoe past hippos with Mount Kilimanjaro as backdrop.
Cultural Heritage Centre
East Africa's Finest Artisan Hub - This sprawling complex showcases:
• Tingatinga Painting Studio - Birthplace of Tanzania's iconic art style
• Maasai Craft Market - Authentic beadwork direct from artisans
• Chaga Blacksmiths - Traditional ironworking demonstrations
• Woodcarvers' Alley - Makonde master carvers at work
The onsite café serves Arusha's best spiced coffee using beans from nearby Mount Meru slopes.
Themi Living Garden
Urban Oasis - This 50-acre botanical garden along Themi River features:
• Medicinal Plant Trail - 200+ traditional healing plants with explanations
• Butterfly Sanctuary - 63 species including rare forest varieties
• Birdwatching Towers - Spot 180+ bird species including turacos
• Organic Café - Ingredients harvested from the gardens
The "Chaga Garden" section demonstrates ancient irrigation techniques still used on Mount Meru.
Arusha Declaration Museum
Birthplace of Tanzanian Socialism - Housed in the original 19th-century German boma:
• Julius Nyerere's Office - Preserved as when he announced Ujamaa policy
• Independence Documents - Original 1961 declaration manuscripts
• Colonial History Wing - German and British occupation artifacts
• Maji Maji Rebellion - Rare artifacts from this 1905 resistance
The courtyard features the exact fig tree where Tanzania's first cabinet meetings were held.
Sekei Hot Springs
Geothermal Wonder - These therapeutic springs 15km from Arusha city feature:
• Three distinct mineral pools (sulfur, magnesium, and bicarbonate) at different temperatures
• Traditional healer consultations available at the site
• Night soaking under stars with views of Mount Meru
• Unique "steam caves" where volcanic gases create natural saunas
The waters are particularly recommended for joint pain and skin conditions by local doctors.
More Arusha Gems
Meserani Snake Park
Home to 50+ snake species including black mambas and puff adders, with daily milking demonstrations and a unique Maasai cultural museum onsite.
Arusha Clock Tower
The iconic midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town on the historic Cape to Cairo route, surrounded by vibrant markets selling Meru coffee and gemstones.
