One Day in Arusha: Is It Worth Visiting?
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A full review of all the key icons you can visit for one day in Arusha.
Arusha, often called the safari capital of Tanzania, is the key gateway for adventures in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and beyond. During my last Kenya–Tanzania safari tour, Arusha was the first stop in Tanzania after I visited Amboseli in Kenya.
For most multi-day safari tours, you will usually have a day or so in Arusha, typically the first day in Tanzania and the last day before you depart for the next destination. During my last visit, I struggled with deciding whether to explore the city center or simply rest at the hotel.
Of course, I chose the former option and highly recommend you spend a day in Arusha, too.
If you want to save the hassle of planning, there are also a lot of affordable local walking tours available.
🦒🦒🦒Day Tour In Arusha Is Also Available! ✅
To Explore More During Your Free Time
Arusha is usually the transit city for your Tanzania safari journey. For most of the safari tour, you will have a day or so of free time there. So why not grab the time to explore a bit more about the city !
Things To Do In Arusha Within A Day
Most of the main icons for Arusha, like the Clock Tower, museums, and markets, are next to each other. It only took me around 5 hours to cover the most in the afternoon, and I had plenty of time for a nice local dinner.
Below are the main icons in Arusha you can visit within a day. Be mindful that most of the icons are closed at 6 pm (including the Masai market).
The National Natural Museum
The National Natural History Museum in Arusha is a must-visit for those interested in Tanzania’s prehistoric and natural heritage, housed in a historic German boma (fortified compound) built around 1900. This museum features exhibits on human evolution, local flora and fauna, and geological artifacts. The most unique feature of the museum is that there is a 100 + years old tortoise there that you can take a photo of or even touch.
The museum opens from 9 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 6 USD (yes, paid in USD instead of TSH) in cash for an adult foreign visitor. The whole visit should take less than an hour.
There is also an artist market accessible from the museum. However, the art pieces there are very overpriced.
Arusha Declaration Museum
Dedicated to Tanzania’s political history, the Arusha Declaration Museum commemorates Julius Nyerere’s 1967 declaration promoting socialism and self-reliance, a pivotal moment in the nation’s post-independence era. Features include exhibits on the policy’s impact, historical artifacts, and documents showcasing African nationalism.
The unique building and surrounding gardens, the entrance feels more like a car park than a museum entrance. So you should look for the notice boards nearby.
It’s open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, ideal for a mid-morning stop after the Natural History Museum. Entry costs around 5 USD in cash. The whole visit is around an hour or so.
🦒🦒🦒Day Tour In Arusha Is Also Available! ✅
Arusha Is An Art Gem
Other than the museums, there are also arts related attractions in Arusha. It is good to go on your own and talk to the local artists. Alternatively you can also take an affordable day tour with local guide
The Masai Moja Curios & Craft Shops
Before heading to the Masai Market (the most famous souvenir place), you can head to Masai Moja Curios & Craft Shops first. This is a tranquil alley where you can see a lot of local artists drawing their art pieces there including the most famous Tinga Tinga in Tanzania. Unlike other souvenir markets, there is no hassle here. All the local artists are focusing on their own creations. If you are interested in buying any art pieces, feel free to talk to them. Alternatively, you can also request for tailor-made product, but it may take 1 or even 2 days for completion.
🦒🦒🦒Day Tour In Arusha Is Also Available! ✅
Arusha Is An Art Gem
Other than the museums, there are also arts related attractions in Arusha. It is good to go on your own and talk to the local artists. Alternatively you can also take an affordable day tour with local guide
The Maasai Market of Curios and Crafts
The Maasai Market of Curios and Crafts is the best place to buy souvenirs in Arusha, brimming with vibrant handmade items like jewelry, clothing, and wood carvings from local artisans. Other than that, you can find the most common souvenir items like fridge magnets, key chains, earrings, or small statues.
Features a wide array of cultural treasures, but expect hustle—vendors can be aggressive, so bargaining is essential to snag deals at a third of initial prices. Despite the hustling, most vendors are polite. My suggestion is to walk around the whole market first (around 3 to 4 alleys) before buying.
Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, it’s a lively midday stop. I spent around an hour in the market.
The Central Market
Arusha’s Central Market, also known as Soko Kuu, is the largest local market, pulsating with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and street food—a sensory overload reflecting daily Tanzanian life. Features include colorful stalls for fruits, vegetables, and crafts, but it’s more about tasting local culture than buying souvenirs, as items cater to residents.
Open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM and Sunday until 2:00 PM, visit in the afternoon for peak vibrancy. It’s a fantastic way to experience authentic Arusha one-day vibes without commercial pressure.
Other Icons In Arusha
While walking from one icon to another icon above, remember to drop by another 2 signature icons – the Uhuru Monument and the Arusha Clock Tower.
Uhuru Monument, a white obelisk topped with a replica Uhuru Torch symbolizing freedom, stands in Mnazi Mmoja Park as a tribute to Tanzania’s independence. It is just outside the declaration museum and hard to miss.
On your way to Masai Market, you will also pass by the Arusha Clock Tower. It is at the Clocktower Roundabout marks the symbolic midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town, and serves as a central landmark for orientation.
The Cultural Heritage Centre is also another popular attraction in Arusha, opening daily from 8 am to 5 pm. However, it is just a “shopping mall” showcasing African art, gems, and antiques in a sprawling complex, but it’s often seen as a tourist trap with high prices. Also given you need to take a Bolt from the city center to there (out of walking distance). I skipped that during my last visit to Arusha.
Safety in Arusha
Generally, yes for tourists, with low violent crime rates in tourist areas, but petty theft, like pickpocketing, occurs in crowded spots like markets. Armed robberies and carjackings are rare. I felt safe walking in the city at night and even had dinner at its local bar during my last visit. Unlike Nairobi, where safety would be a concern at night.
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Arusha Is Generally Safe
I felt a lot safer in Arusha as compared to Nairobi during my last Kenya-Tanzania vacation. Most of the icons are comfortable, and the locals are friendly. You may get a bit crowded at the Central market, but it is a lot better compared to my experience in Merkato.
Transportation in Arusha
Navigating Arusha is straightforward—recommend using Bolt for safe, affordable rides around town, avoiding haggling with taxis. It’s ideal for hopping between attractions during your day in Arusha. Also, given that the icons I recommended above are only ~ 15 minutes walking distance from each other, you probably only need to use Bolt from or to your hotel.
Arusha versus Nairobi
Comparing Arusha to Nairobi, the latter is more developed with diverse food scenes, museums, and nightlife, easily occupying 2-3 days with more modern tourist spots like Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage, and National Park. Arusha feels like a transit point for safaris, with most sights coverable in one day—perfect for quick visits. Arusha is also usually the last spot before you return to Nairobi via shuttle bus.
Similar to Nairobi, there are also multiple day trips available from Arusha.
Arusha In A Day: Good For A Short Visit During Safari Trip
Arusha has lots of great icons within walking distance. It only takes a day or even less to cover most of them. So instead of just staying in the hotel, why not just take a local tour or a stroll to the city center to experience to local culture. After all, it is not easy for us to plan an annual leave in Kenya & Tanzania. If so, why not take advantage of this 1 transition day to explore another new city?
I chose to explore Arusha during my last 11-day safari tour, and I loved that. I also recommend you do so!
🐘🐃🦓🐆🦒🦏 Other Day Trip Options From Arusha
✅ Same Day – Safari trip from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
Frequently Asked Questions About One Day In Arusha
What are the best things to do in one day in Arusha?
Focus on museums like the National Natural History and Arusha Declaration, markets for souvenirs, and landmarks like the Clock Tower for a balanced day.
Is Arusha worth visiting for just one day?
Yes, it’s perfect as a transit stop, with compact attractions offering cultural insights before safaris.
What is a good Arusha one-day safari option?
Combine city sights with a short trip to Arusha National Park for wildlife spotting.
How safe is Arusha, Tanzania, for tourists?
Generally safe, but watch for petty theft; use registered rides and avoid nights alone.
What Arusha activities are best for families?
Museums and markets provide educational fun, with the Cultural Heritage Centre for art if time allows.
Can I do a day trip from Arusha to nearby spots?
Yes, like Lake Duluti or national parks, but stick to the city for one day.
What is the distance between Arusha and Nairobi?
About 270-280 km, a 5-6 hour drive or bus. For details, check out our shuttle bus from Arusha to Nairobi post.
Are there Arusha 2-day safari extensions?
Yes, add overnight in parks like Tarangire for more depth.
What to do on a day in Arusha if shopping-focused?
Hit Maasai Market and Central Market for bargains and local vibes.
Is Arusha good for solo travelers?
Yes, with precautions, it’s tourist-friendly and easy to navigate.
Do I need Tanzanian Shillings for an Arusha Visit?
No, not necessary, for souvenir shops or museums, they take USD in cash. For restaurants, most take USD or an international credit card.
Do I need cash for the Arusha Visit?
Yes, museums and souvenir shops take cash only.
