Learn the culture and visit some deep places in Africa
DAY TRIPS IN AND AROUND ARUSHA
If you are looking for shorter trips or if you want to explore Tanzanian culture more thoroughly, there are many different options! Here beneath we have gathered a few of our favorites to give you an idea:
Masai Village
The Maasai tribe is the main tribe in Arusha, and a trip to an authentic village should definitely be on your list! When you arrive to the village the women of the tribe will be welcoming you with dancing and singing, in which you are most welcome to join them. After this your guide will show you around the village and explain and answer all your questions about their culture and tradition. Next, usually you are invited for a cup of chai (tea) with the elders of the tribe, and here you have another chance of getting answers to all your questions.
The day usually ends with the men’s dance, which is a show-off of who can jump the highest. And boy, can they jump! Of course you are also most welcome to join in this dance. At some point during these activities you will also be served a lunch. Depending on how long you wish your day to be and the range of your price limit, you can choose which of the activities, you wish to experience. We promise you, you don’t want to miss this!
Kikuletwa Hotsprings
For all the water lovers and those of our guests who are interested in beautiful nature sights, or for those of our guests who wish to cool down in Arusha’s warm weather, a trip to the hot springs is just what you are looking for! In the middle of the dessert area between Arusha and Moshi lies the beautiful mineral spring, known locally as ‘Chemka ’meaning boiling or bubbling in Kiswahili. It is approximately two and a half hour drive from Arusha and is quite the adventure itself as you go through small villages and big desert areas. Once you make it through the dry desert, the spring will rise as an oasis from out of nowhere, surrounded by big fig-trees. The spring itself is like a natural pool with crystal clear turquoise water.
The roots of the fig-trees enter the spring and makes for good climbing latters when entering and leaving the pool.In the trees surrounding the pool you will also experience mischievous monkeys swinging from branch to branch, probably scouting for snacks to spare! On this trip, you will be provided lunch at the spring by your guide.
The backdrop to the spring is the Blue Mountains in the southeast (where Tanzanite is mined) and Mount Kilimanjaro in the southwest, offering spectacular views. This is an ideal location for those looking for a place to relax, have a swim and enjoy Tanzania’s magnificent nature. This excursion is perfect for a full day or afternoon out, or to set up camp for an overnight stay if that is what you’re looking for.
Lake Duluti
Just a 20-minute drive away from Arusha, in the shadow of Mount Meru lays a crater lake. The Wameru tribe of the area named it Duluti. Lake Duluti is formed inside a volcanic crater and has water throughout the year, mainly from groundwater and seasonal rainfall.
Visitors to Lake Duluti can go canoeing to explore the lake for a different perspective. This is a great way to explore the marsh areas of the lake. Here, huge papyrus plants are a noisy, colourful nesting ground for many of the birds. Usually a canoe trip around the lake takes around 2-3 hours.
If walking is your thing, then the hike around the crater is a ‘must’. A small path leads through the forest that provides enough shade that you can do the walk even in the hottest time of the day. Every now and then, there is a ‘window’ from where hikers can admire birds as well the breath-taking views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Hikers are accompanied by a ranger from the Duluti forest reserve and the hike around the lake can take up to 2 hours.
Water Falls
No visit to Arusha is complete without a trip to the beautiful Mount Meru waterfalls. The hike is typically a one day trip during which you will get to experience the beauty of the forrest along the way as well as the villages on the mountain side. To reach the waterfalls you can walk up the mountain using two different paths – either you can walk up and down the same way or you can choose one path up and another one down, which ever you prefer. During the hike you will experience a rich birdlife as well as blue monkey and velvet monkeys (if you’re lucky, as they can be hard to spot!) in the forrest area. The hike will last a few hours each way, and if the weather is beautiful and sunny you can have a swim or cool down in the waterfalls once you reach it –
that is if you’re tough enough to handle the cold water! As the waterfalls is originating from the mountain, the water is always cold no matter the weather or season. But after the hike, this might be just what you need to refreshen yourself.
On your hike you will be accompanied by a guide, who will explain and show you the wildlife, the villages, the areas on the mountainside and whom you will be able to ask questions along the way. All in all, this day trip is one you shouldn’t miss!
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