Tanzania's safari capital sits in the shadow of Mount Meru — a gateway to adventure on two wheels, two feet, or a quiet canoe.
Explore ExcursionsArusha is more than just a launchpad for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The city itself sits on a plateau in the Great Rift Valley with commanding views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and its surroundings offer mountain biking through national park crater rims, gentle canoe trips on hidden crater lakes, and walking tours through vibrant Maasai markets and cultural landmarks.
Discover Tanzania's safari capital from the Clock Tower to the Maasai Market
Arusha city is Tanzania's safari capital, located in the north of the country on a plateau in the Great Rift Valley amidst the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Take your time to discover the beauty of Arusha from the Clock Tower — the halfway point between Cairo and Johannesburg — and walk to the Maasai Market. Proceed to the Arusha Declaration monument and museum, the central market to learn about African spices, vegetables and fruits, and visit the city bus terminal.
Later, drive to the Cultural Heritage Centre for shopping and visit the Snake Park and Maasai boma at the same location. After enjoying different kinds of snakes, birds, crocodiles and tortoises, drive back to your hotel.
Mountain bike around Ngorodoto Crater with views of buffalo and colobus monkeys
You will enjoy a short game drive through the park en route to Ngorodoto Crater from where you will start your ride. The ride mainly goes around the rim of the crater with stunning views into the crater below. A ranger will accompany the ride since it is possible to encounter buffalo.
Other animals likely to be seen are colobus monkeys, giraffes and various bird species. The ride is partly on a gravel track and partly on small animal tracks that allow for some muddy riding. There are steep uphill and downhill sections. Equipment includes Merida and Titan mountain bikes and helmets. The tour lasts from morning till late afternoon.
Glide across a hidden crater lake and watch kingfishers and fish eagles at dusk
Glide across the smooth surface of this small crater lake and view birdlife seldom seen — giant kingfisher, fish eagle, darters and many more. Surrounded by forested crater walls, this is a very special and quiet 1.5-hour canoeing experience.
View hundreds of cattle egrets returning to an island in the lake to roost for the night. Tours run mornings or afternoons using stable two-person fibreglass canoes.
A gentle forest walk on the shores of a crater lake, rich with birds and trees
Enjoy a beautiful walk under the canopy of the Lake Duluti forest on the shores of the lake. From this location you have the perfect opportunity to view both forest and water birds. Experienced guides will assist you in identifying all the lesser-known birds and trees.
Departures any time between 07:30 and 15:00. Duration is 2 to 2.5 hours.
