For those arriving into Tanzania from anywhere that requires many lines of latitude to be crossed, or several plane changes, an intelligent strategy is to allow a day or two’s leisure in Arusha prior to your climb.
Other than safaris, there are several day-trip options available to be enjoyed from Arusha. We briefly summarise the seven most popular options below.
Trips
Alternatives to Long Safaris and Trekking
Day Trip Packages
Kikuletwa Hotsprings
Kikuletwa Hotsprings gets its name from the water that bubbles in underground caves. Surrounded by fig trees, this area is a hidden gem in the midst of a semi arid landscape. Here you may find a diversity of colourful birds amongst an abundance of plant life and neighbouring indigenous tribes. There is also an option to camp overnight and hike.
Mount Kilimanjaro To Mandara Hut
You will start your journey after breakfast. Our driver will wait for you in Moshi to transport you to the village of Marangu where you should sign in at the Park Office. Walk through the rainforest the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys. Here we will take a break for lunch before starting our descent back to the gate. You will be accompanied by a qualified and licensed guide, ready to answer all your questions, while pointing out things of interest along the way.
Maasai Village
Spend your day in the authentic Maasai-Village and share the Maasai life.Your Maasai visit does also support local Maasai families with water, food, employment, personal income, medical treatments and education. All Maasai-Jewellery on sale is hand-made and produced by the local Maasai women. All Museum tours & Walking Safaris are performed by experienced English speaking Maasai-guides.
Kinukamori Waterfall
The Kinukamori waterfall, part of Marangu village, offers another look at the Chagga culture. On top of the waterfall sits a statue of a woman. According to legend, a woman who became pregnant out of wedlock contemplated committing suicide only to change her mind and be driven to death over the waterfall from a leopard attack.
Ngorongoro Crater
With the three-hour journey to see stunning Ngorongoro ahead of us, a 07.00 departure from your hotel in Arusha City is required. Your expert Easy Travel driver-guide will take good care of you throughout the day, enjoying the chance to share his knowledge with you. You will have time to enjoy your picnic lunch box, which is included in the day tour. After a wonderful day enjoying the spectacular sights and sounds of this truly special place, we leave Ngorongoro around 15.00, to arrive back in Arusha for 18.00 where you are dropped off at your hotel in Arusha city.
Arusha National Park
In the morning, we will collect you from your hotel in Arusha and take you to the Arusha National Park. The park has an incredible variety of fauna and flora, which cannot fail to impress. Hollywood also chose this region to film the movie “Hatari” in which Hardy Kruger starred alongside the legendary John Wayne. Your day trip will include a visit to the Ngurdo Crater. Buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and baboons can be seen all year round as well as many different bird species. At the Momella Gate, an armed ranger will be waiting for you to accompany you on your walking safari that will give you the chance to experience the wildlife up-close. Only a few other national parks in Tanzania give you such an opportunity and it is something that should not be missed. Lunch will be taken at a picnic place and in the afternoon, you will continue your tour in the safari vehicle through the Arusha National Park. After plenty of time allocated for you to observe the wildlife, we will take you back to Arusha.
Lake Chala
Only an hours drive from Moshi on the border between Tanzania and Kenya sits a wondrous crater lake. This volcanic area is perfect for camping, swimming and exploration. A camp ground with several camping sites is available and includes a bar, restaurant, hot showers and barbeque grills.
Chagga Culture
A tour through a Chagga village will take you through a coffee plantation and banana beer making, both of which are made entirely by hand. You may also visit a blacksmith to see how tools are built using traditional methods and take a look at Chagga houses. A walk through the village must not go without stepping inside a cave, which were made during the time of tribal wars with the Maasai and used by the Chagga people and their livestock for hiding.
Ndoro Waterfall
Ndoro waterfall is another area located in Marangu at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Visiting this waterfall is a perfect day trip for hiking enthusiasts since it can only be reached by foot and takes about an hour to hike in. Upon arrival, you may enjoy a swim whilst being surrounded by lush temperate forest.
Chagga village
Day trips can be organized to visit Chagga villages around the Kilimanjaro area and visit the underground caves which were used by the Chagga villagers during inter-tribal wars, visit waterfalls, schools, witness traditional dances and try out local cuisines and possibly the famous Chagga brew, Mbege.