Things to Do in Arusha on a Budget

Hillary Mbotto
5 min readMar 27, 2021

--

Stuck on something to do in Arusha this weekend, but don’t want to break the bank? Then you’re exactly like me and I'm taking a stand. Rounding up the Top things to do in Arusha can be a challenge, because contrary to popular belief, destinations and, multicultural aspects there is plenty to see and do. Here’s a list that should serve as a good planner in your meanders through the Geneva of Africa, making sure that you enjoy the best that famous Safari City has to offer with the ultimate things to do in Arusha on a budget.

Go Watch a Movie.

Whether you are a fan of Funny Characters, Action-Packed Sequels, Awesome Animations then embrace yourself on popcorn and a cold icy Coke cause Njiro Cinema Complex has room for everyone. And only 5000 is enough to make your throwback a bum !! and if you prefer the weekends a simple 8000 can do the trick, But if you're far from Njiro, Don’t worry !! Regal Cinema at Aim Mall may be a perfect Substitute.

Cinema Poster on a Movie theater. Credits: Henry&Co

Go do some sports.

It’s time to get out the coach and keep some trainers on your feet, whether you want to slam dunk like Kobe Bryant, or hitting a golden set like Serena, or Just dive in Finding Nemo. Nowhere says Sports better in Arusha than Players Sports Club. And yes it's affordable for every budget, And don't worry about being alone in the fields cause in Arusha you’ll never walk alone.

Women exercising on a sports field. Credits: Nathan Crowley.

Enjoy Camping in the Wilderness.

Don’t let the Famous movie A night in the woods scare you off. Enjoy a wonderful weekend with Mother nature camping in Themi Falls Leisure just 5 km from Mount Meru towards the culturally preserved Olgai Village. Relax along with the campfire and enjoy the calmness and energy from the lush forest revitalize your brain, agitate your creativity and refresh your brain in its tranquil site, the sites are on campus are with armed security, hot showers, flush toilets, and a kitchen with both electric and gas stoves and of course it's just around 10,000 per night. so better prepare your Flash Light cause it's Camping time !!!.

Enjoy Hiking & Birdwatching.

If you ever wished to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but couldn’t don't worry I have just the thing for you. One word “Hiking” this activity combines sightseeing with acclimatization for those planning for challenging climbs of Kilimanjaro or Meru. Visit the waterfalls and other waterfalls located in the government forest reserves 1.5 km from Themi Falls Park enjoy the view of beautiful birds lying near the falls and Yes!! Yes!! you can take pictures on your way.

People hiking on a mountain.Credits: Pixabay.

Via Via Cultural Tour.

Are you in the mood for some cultural excursion? Head over to Via Via Cafe located behind the Natural History Museum. Apart from drum lessons, you can also take up cooking classes and view the history of this beautiful city dating back to the Colonial Period. Via Via is the right place for you and your kids to enjoy some Dora the Explorer time with their buddies.

Happy time around Nyama Choma.

Arusha is famous for its Nyama Choma, in fact, there is nothing that spells a good time like Nyama Choma. You want to have fun with friends and family around a table of the robust beef grill? Then you don’t have to bust the bank. There are plenty of local grill bars in Arusha with a signpost “Nyama Choma”. Well if by now you have not heard of kwa Morombo then here it is, the area famous for its great goat meat grills. However, if you are in for a fun time and a beautiful town, then visit Tembo Club in Kisongo and enjoy nyama choma in a lush garden.

Man preparing Nyama Choma.Credits: Min Ya.

Beauty and Boutique.

If you don’t mind hustle and bustle of Arusha’s stendi ndogo, the City’s beauty, and boutiques street. The clothes shops are colorful and the sellers are cheerful. On a budget, you will be able to grab yourself a pair of ladies' shoes for 15,000 Tsh or 20,000 Tsh only. Speaking about shoes, what about a pedicure? The street women salons offer a variety of options for your personal preference of beauty. Without a large sum of money and you can have your hair braided and designed beautifully for as little as 5000Tsh but 30,000 will give you a better result.

Dessert Hunting.

If you have a sweet tooth and you daily imagine yourself digging a spoon in a moist and rich chocolate cake with chocolate whipped cream icing, strawberries, and everything, Then you can gaze yourself to satisfaction at Food Lovers Bakery.

Book Tour.

Yes for all you bookies who feel left out at times, don’t worry about that because in Arusha you can enjoy hours and hours surfing through shelves of books at book shops at Clock tower streets. Books are like airplanes that take you to places never seen before or unimaginable. Books are like drinks that go through your mind and then your heart to make you thirsty for more. they can leave you satisfied or bruised but it is all for the love of words. While the book shops don’t mind you surfing through the books to pick your choice it is always good to buy a book at the end.

--

--