Arusha Tourist Attractions

Arusha National Park, although smaller than most in Tanzania, has a range of habitats that consist of the forest of Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater in the southeast section of the park and Momela Lakes, a series of seven crater lakes.Black and white Colobus monekys are easily spotted in the forested area while the marshy floor of the crater is dotted with herds of buffalo, zebra and warthog. Momela Lakes is home to a large selection of resident and migrant water birds.Climbing Mount Meru is a popular activity for visitors to Arusha National Park and the abundance of game provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. On a clear day the summits of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru can be seen from the rim of Ngurdoto Crater

Meserani Snake Park is located 25 kilometers from Arusha on the road to the Ngorongoro Crater. Mainly local snakes are housed at Meserani, the non-venomous snakes are kept in open pits while the cobras, mambas and boomslangs are kept behind glass. Other reptiles ate Meserani Snake Park include monitor lizards. chameleons and crocodiles. The park is a temporary home for a few orphaned or injured birds while they are rehabilitated.Gardens, a campsite and restaurant are located on the grounds of the park.Local Maasai culture is highlighted at an on-site museum featuring mock huts, displays of clothing and jewelry and the chance to have the culture explained by a Maasai guide. Camel rides to meet local Maasai people can be arranged.

Arusha Declaration Museum, situated along Kaloleni Street in Arusha was opened to the public in 1977. Exhibits depict the formulation of policies, the struggle for independence, colonial history and the political development of Tanzania. The evolution of Tanzania's political and economic development is highlighted through the Tanzanian Uhuru Freedom Movement of the 1960s. The Arusha Declaration Monument, also known as Uhuru Freedom Monument is located on Makongoro Road.Other exhibits at the Declaration Museum include photographs from the period of German occupation, traditional weapons such as clubs, spears and swords.South of the museum is the Askari Monument dedicated to African soldiers who died in World War II.

National Natural History Museum is housed in the Old German Boma. The Germans built the Boma in 1886 for administration and communication purposes during the colonial era.Displays at the Natural History Museum feature human evolution through research that has been established at an onsite laboratory. Other findings trace evolution through items discovered at Olduvai Gorge.The Laetoli Footprints are a major highlight of the museum. The footprints are of varying size set in volcanic gray ash and date back 3,500,000 years ago. The discovery was made in 1978 by Andrew Hill while visiting Mary Leakey's fossil camp.

The Arusha International Conference Center is made up of three wings labeled the Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. The center has been the site of many international deliberations including the Rwandan War Crimes Tribunal and the Burundi peace negotiations.Arusha Conference Center has conference halls to cater to conferences, workshops, seminars, and committee meetings for up to 1000 delegates. Within the center are a bank, post office, foreign exchange office as well as tour operators and travel agents.

Lake Duluti is a small crater lake east of Arusha along the Moshi Road. A nature trail around Lake Duluti is a sanctuary for over 130 different bird species including kingfishers, osprey, buzzards, eagles, doves, storks and babets. The forested area around Lake Duluti is also home to many reptiles such as snakes and lizards. Fishing or bird watching is popular in the Lake Duluti area. Guided nature walks or canoeing can be arranged.Wonderful views of Mount Meru and occasionally Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from Lake Duluti.