Essence of Arusha City Tour
Arusha, Tanzania

Essence of Arusha City Tour

Outty Ranking 59 4.8 · 5 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $100
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Essence of Arusha City Tour worth booking?

Essence of Arusha City Tour is a 3-hour experience in Arusha, Tanzania, from $100 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (5)
Duration
3 hours
From
$100 per person

A simply must do experience while in arusha that involves an insightful experience visit Shanga, an Elewana initiative based at Arusha Coffee Lodge where physically challenged craftspeople create beautiful necklaces from recycled powder glass beads. This is an incredible business venture that retails throughout Tanzania and abroad, and helps so many deaf and disabled people earn a salary who otherwise would have nothing. After an informative tour of the colorful workshop, you can spend the afternoon browsing the city’s Maasai Market and Cultural Heritage Center for traditional handicrafts and getting to know the locals life style.

What you get

    About this experience

    A simply must do experience while in arusha that involves an insightful experience visit Shanga, an Elewana initiative based at Arusha Coffee Lodge where physically challenged craftspeople create beautiful necklaces from recycled powder glass beads. This is an incredible business venture that retails throughout Tanzania and abroad, and helps so many deaf and disabled people earn a salary who otherwise would have nothing. After an informative tour of the colorful workshop, you can spend the afternoon browsing the city’s Maasai Market and Cultural Heritage Center for traditional handicrafts and getting to know the locals life style.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Snacks
    • All Fees and Taxes

    Not included

    • Tea and coffee
    • Dinner

    What you'll see and do

    1. Cultural Heritage Centre

      The Tanzanite experience tour also gives you a chance to browse through an impressive collection of masks and sculpted animals at Cultural Heritage Centre, a gallery of sculpture and traditional handicrafts as well as a curio shop. This private establishment run by an England-educated tourism pioneer features a jewelry boutique, restaurant, and a shop selling carvings, gemstones, and books. U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Norwegian King Harald, and U.S. Secretary of State James Baker have all paid a visit here. Inspect the collection of modern art and traditional crafts from Tanzania's 120-plus tribes, and then browse the gift store for classy souvenirs. It’s here also you will get a chance to explore the fascinating Tanzanite Experience boutique, where you can order for yourself tanzanite bracelets and necklaces that make ideal gifts and souvenirs for your Arusha Experience

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Shanga & Shanga Foundation

      The Shanga Foundation, this is a house craft store workshop allowing disable locals to exploit knowledge of the artisans behind the glassware, beads, paintings, and fabrics for sale in the store. In the place you will marvel at beautiful decor like walls of recycled wine bottles that magnified the warm light and make a lovely noise when gently moved. The store also has people making beaded jewelry and cloth from recycled materials. They have stuffed elephants made from reused men’s’ shirts. All this will spoil you buy stuff for your family. It’s here also you will get a chance to explore the fascinating Tanzanite Experience boutique, where you can order for yourself tanzanite bracelets and necklaces that make ideal gifts and souvenirs for your Arusha Experience.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Mount Meru Waterfall

      During this full day excursion, you will also get a chance to explore Bangata Waterfalls which is on the foothill of Mount Meru. You will be lead through a number of small agricultural villages with lush landscapes, where the locals sell a variety of goods such as coffee, maize, bananas and other types of fruits and vegetables. Upon arrival at the waterfall entrance, you will be welcomed with a beautiful landscape filled with avocado plantation and fish ponds, where you’ll get a chance to learn about the cultivation till the time they are ready to be exported. On the way as you descend to the waterfall, you’ll get a chance to feed the fishes on their large fish ponds before reaching the magnificent natural wonder. Enjoy the cool waterfall mist and relax in a beautifully shaded area while taking in the sites. Be sure to bring your camera to take some breathtaking photos!

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Maasai Market Curios and Crafts

      Maasai Market is a sensational sensory experience. Thrust into a slice of whirling Tanzanian life have your wits about you and prepare to barter. A fabulously lively atmosphere offers an abundance of sellers peddling their wares of exotic fruit, coffee, nuts and spices. If you are on the hunt for carefully crafted African art, sculptures and artifacts, head to the Cultural Heritage craft mall for the best pieces in the city.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Arusha

    We request travelers to send us their location and we can reach them for pick up.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    We request travelers to send us their location and we can reach them for pick up.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 5 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Take Me To Tanzania Adventure & Safaris

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Essence of Arusha City Tour, photo 2Essence of Arusha City Tour, photo 3Essence of Arusha City Tour, photo 4Essence of Arusha City Tour, photo 5Essence of Arusha City Tour, photo 6Essence of Arusha City Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Physical effort

    1 mention

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Essence of Arusha City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    1
    3 star
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    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    Nicole_W · March 2025

    Exploring Arusha with Grifton

    I only had one day in Arusha, so I booked this experience. It was a great tour from start to finish. When I arrived at my hotel, Grifton, our tour guide, was already there waiting and ready to start the tour. I enjoyed shopping at the Cultural Heritage Centre, leaning about and supporting the artists at the Shanga and Shanga Foundation, exploring a spice farm (which was surprisingly interesting and fun), and driving up to the waterfall area where Griffon prepared a picnic snack. Grifton is so personable, accommodating, knowledgeable, and fun. I had a great day in Arusha!!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your one-day Arusha adventure—from exploring the Cultural Heritage Centre and Shanga Foundation to the fun spice farm visit and waterfall picnic. Gifton and our team at Take Me to Tanzania Adventures & Safari are proud to offer unforgettable Tanzania safari experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next journey in Arusha!

    via Viator

    Sightseer587875 · January 2025

    Highly recommend!

    The tour with was nothing short of incredible. Gifton is knowledgeable, funny and extremely personable which made the day so much fun. The hike to the waterfall is not too long and the views in Meru forest are breathtaking! I was awed by the incredible craftsmanship at Shanga and the African Art Gallery at the cultural centre just has to be experienced. I could not recommend enough!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your amazing review! We’re so glad you had a fantastic time with Gifton and enjoyed the stunning views in Meru Forest. It’s great to hear you loved the craftsmanship at Shanga and the African Art Gallery. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    Laura S · June 2023

    Highlights of Arusha Tour was the highlight of Arusha!

    FANTASTIC! Personable, responsive, and full of knowledge, Grifton was a terrific guide with safety, convenience, and fun top of mind. The waterfall was incredible, the culture heritage center was rich in history, and the Shanga experience was worth writing home about. But the drives with Grifton were what made this experience stand out. He was always willing to answer questions and conversation was effortless. Highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: Dear Laura, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with us. Our team works hard to provide a truly amazing and memorable authentic experiences. We're glad to know that you enjoyed your tour and got to see a variety of places in Arusha. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another incredible adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    LybonO · May 2023

    Worth to visit

    This is a rich cultural heritage center. I had a nice experience going round viewing the art work. I highly recommend.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, We really appreciate for your review and we cant wait to have you again on a safari with us. KARIBU SANA!

    via Tripadvisor

    _selliott0210 · April 2021

    100% would recommend

    Had a really great day exploring Arusha Town and Gifton was a lovely guide. He even took me to lake Duluti upon my request. He's very knowledgable about all the sights and fun to spend time with. Will definitely book another tour with Take Me To Tanzania.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $100 to $180
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)33
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)22
    Listing quality (10% weight)78
    Local standing (8% weight)47
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Essence of Arusha City Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Arusha.

    How much does Essence of Arusha City Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Arusha usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Essence of Arusha City Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Arusha is not rushed.

    Is Essence of Arusha City Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Arusha, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Essence of Arusha City Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Essence of Arusha City Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Essence of Arusha City Tour?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Arusha can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Arusha and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Essence of Arusha City Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Arusha within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Arusha?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Arusha experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arusha Guided City Tour &Hotel Pickup (History, Culture &Market, 5 Days Camping Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater & Visiting Maasai, Materuni Waterfalls, coffee tour & Kikuletwa Hot Springs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Arusha?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Arusha?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Essence of Arusha City Tour?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Snacks; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Tea and coffee; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Essence of Arusha City Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 9 listed pickup locations in and around Arusha. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Essence of Arusha City Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Essence of Arusha City Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Essence of Arusha City Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Essence of Arusha City Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Essence of Arusha City Tour?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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