What are the best things to do in Arusha?
Top picks in Arusha include Arusha Declaration Museum, Arusha National Natural History Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Arusha travel guide.
Photo: Halidtz · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Arusha
Travel guide for Arusha, Tanzania — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Arusha is a stop in Tanzania, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. If time is short, prioritise Arusha Declaration Museum, Arusha National Natural History Museum instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 40–120 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Arusha
1
Arusha Declaration Museum
2
Arusha National Natural History Museum
Budget
Arusha trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 40–120
per person / day
Luxury
USD 140–230+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Arusha, Tanzania. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Arusha
Estimated total (USD)
$2,040
≈ $1,020 per person · $291 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $80/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Arusha mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 40–120 · luxury 140–230+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Africafe Coffee House
Stylish European cafe, that is famous with foreigners. Good coffee specialties, delicious pastries like carrot or chocolate-banana cake as w
Bay Leaf
Elegant European style restaurant with absolutely delicious, though rather pricey dishes. You can sit inside or in the garden.
Cafe Bamboo Restaurant
Higher end cafe/restaurant, but inexpensive for foreign travellers. Snacks such as samosas, chips and kebabs. Also serves western, Indian an
Chinese Dragon
A good place for Chinese food in Arusha, moderately priced. Say hi to Louie for a special deal!
Khan's Chicken on the Bonnet
Pakistani BBQ, includes chicken, beef, mutton, assorted salads, and nan. One of the best BBQ in town (rivals with Nick's Pub in Njiro). Two
L'Oasis Lodge
Nachos, cold drinks in the garden or by the pool. No reservations needed for groups below 10.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Meru House Inn
Budget option with double rooms going for Tsh 7,000 a night, clean rooms with shared toilet and showers - it also has a great, very reasonab
Kigongoni Lodge
Run by an NGO. All the profits go to support a local school for mentally handicapped children so that you can stay in luxury while helping t
Annexe at L'Oasis Lodge
12 twin bedded rooms in the gardens surrounding the main lodge in the village Sekai, including access to lodge facilities. About 10 min
- $
Arusha Torch Budget Inn
Clean and bright spacious rooms as well as friendly staff and the central location make this a welcoming place attracting both tourist and b
- $
Tanzania Mountain Retreat Lodge and Camp
Tanzania Mountain Retreat offers affordable to luxury accommodation in a garden oasis at the base of Mount Meru. Camping starting from €5 an
Shopping
- Local produce market
- Maasai market
- Village Supermarket
- Shoppers supermarket
- Sanaa Supermarket
- Rushada Supermarket
Museums & culture
- Arusha Declaration Museum
- Arusha National Natural History Museum
In pictures
Arusha gallery
Photos: Halidtz, Tomsudani at en.wikipedia, Tsturge, MilitaryHealth, Roman Boed from The Netherlands — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Arusha travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Arusha?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Arusha?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Arusha, depending on how many day trips you want in Tanzania.
Where should I stay in Arusha?
Popular stays in Arusha include Meru House Inn, Kigongoni Lodge, Annexe at L'Oasis Lodge. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Arusha cost?
On the ground in Arusha (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 40–120, and luxury about 140–230+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Arusha, Tanzania. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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