The vibrant town of Arusha is more than just a gateway to Tanzania’s ‘Northern Circuit’. It actually has a lot to offer travelers who are willing to spare the time. Many international travelers often opt to stay in Arusha just long enough to overcome the initial jetlag before heading to the likes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire or Lake Manyara. But for those who choose to linger a little longer before or after their safaris, Arusha does offer a surprising number of things to do, such as:
TAKE A TOUR OF SHANGA WORKSHOP
This bustling, interactive workshop is one of a kind and dedicated to empowering the local community by employing people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality items like handmade jewelry, glassware, woodwork, and decorative homeware. For these people, Shanga offers more than a new lease on life, but also a community of passionate and ambitious individuals. Spend time with them, hear their stories, watch them do their work with incredible skill and maybe even try to craft something yourself. A visit to Shanga can comprise your choice of free workshop tours, activities, information sessions and shopping. It’s all part of the Shanga experience. This free visitor destination is open every day from 9 AM – 4.30 PM so you are welcome to stop by anytime or make an advanced booking if you are arriving as a large group.
VISIT THE SCHOOL OF ST. JUDE
The mission of The School of St Jude is to educate disadvantaged, bright students from the Arusha District to become moral and intellectual leaders in their country. The School of St. Jude is a bubbling place teeming with bright smiles and an array of fun school-based activities. A visit here gives you the opportunity to participate in a school-based itinerary offering a variety of activities – whilst not impacting the day-to-day education of the students: Sample traditional lunch with the students, visit interactive art, music, PE or library classes or attend a weekly assembly (on specific days only) and watch dance and music performances. You get to see first hand the impact that people from all over the world have achieved together and how that has resulted in a school of three highly resourced campuses changing the lives of 1,800 students, over 250 staff and their families. Should you choose, make a donation to make a small difference in the lives of the students.
LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONAL AFRICAN CUISINES
You can attend a cooking class here in Arusha and gain a deeper appreciation of how local ingredients and spices are skillfully combined to make delightful dishes. You’re in Tanzania for an adventure of a lifetime and it is only fitting that your palate experiences a scintillating journey of its own. By the time you return to your home country, you’ll have more than exciting memories and photographs as mementos of your trip, but also practical knowledge of how to put new kinds of dishes together.
GO ON A COFFEE TOUR
Arusha is surrounded by coffee plantations, so a cup of steaming fresh coffee is never far away. Meander across coffee estates as you learn how pretty flowers transform into rich brown beans that make up one of the world’s most consumed beverages. A coffee tour in Arusha also lets you stock up on fresh coffee beans that you can take home. One of the best-known coffee sites, Arusha Coffee Lodge, is actually the location of the Shanga workshop so you can cross off two items of this list with a single tour.
CHECK OUT LAKE DULUTI
Lake Duluti lies inside a volcanic crater and is located about 20 minutes from Arusha. This crater lake has water year-round thanks to groundwater and seasonal rainfalls. Here you can go canoeing or hike around the crater. The marsh area of the lake is home to humongous papyrus plants and you will usually spot different varieties of colorful bird species.
EXPERIENCE THE NIGHTLIFE
If you would like some nightlife action before or after your safari, don’t worry, Arusha’s got you covered. There are several places to go, including sports bars, night clubs, karaoke, and even big-screen movie parties. It all depends on your mood for the night.
VISIT THE CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
This is the place to be if you are looking to get a closer glimpse of Tanzania’s rich culture through art and artifacts. The eclectic design of the building alone makes it one of the more popular visitor destinations in Arusha. Step in and be wowed by the beautiful wildlife sculptures and amazing exhibits that tell the story of Tanzania and its people. There are also items for sale if you’re inclined to contribute to the ever-growing artistic expressions of the community.
Personalize your Arusha experience with Sababu Safaris today!
At Sababu Safaris, we are committed to providing you with more than a travel package, but a personalized itinerary that lets you travel with purpose and make a lasting impact on the local communities that you visit. Call us today at +1 914-207-4426 or fill out our contact form to get started.
