Arusha

Due to its proximity to world famous National Parks, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the presence of the masai people, Arusha in many ways is the tourism hub of Tanzania. Many of our overnight safari trips originate in Arusha, but for those looking for a different experience we offer a day trip of our favourite attractions. This trip is oriented around a weekly cattle market held in the village of Mesarani, but if your trip dates don't line up we have other great options to consider.

Tour Itinerary

Breakfast

After picking you up from your hotel, we will have breakfast at the Kitamu Coffee and discuss the days itinerary. Kitamu Coffee makes an excellent breakfast and of course are famous for their coffee.

Mesarani Cattle Market

After breakfast, we will take a taxi out of Arusha's central area to the village of Mesarani. Our first stop will be the weekly cattle market where masai congregate to trade livestock and other items. We will walk you through the auction and explain how the bidding process works. Buy a pair of masai tire shoes, or try your hand at bartering if you have an object of value to trade!

Mesarani Snake Park

Next to the cattle market is the Mesarani Snake Park, featuring Black and Green Mamba, Egyptian Cobra, and Puff Adders. If you wish, you can hold a snake yourself, but we are happy to do it for you! The crocodile feeding time is also a popular highlight. The adjacent Masai Cultural Museum and crafts market offer an opportunity to interact with local masai and learn about their traditional clothing and lifestyle. Visit the Snake Park Bar for lunch and their famous drinks before leaving.

Cultural Heritage Centre

For our last stop, we will head back into town in a taxi and travel to the Cultural Heritage Center, one of the largest and most modern facilities showing the art, dance and songs of tribes. Many visitors prefer shopping for art and gifts at this facility due to their reputation for supporting local artists, transparent pricing, and cultural performances.

Trip Cost - $95

As part of our planning process, we help customize the sample trip itinerary to suit your respective interests and needs.

Mkalimu's trip cost estimates are inclusive of accommodation, transportation, entrance fees, and guiding services. They do not include food costs and gratuities. We price our trips based on the use of public transport or private taxis, and modest but well-maintained hotels with AC rooms and mosquito nets. We are more than happy to quote prices on request for trip options that involve higher end accommodation and private vehicles.