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.
