Tanzania · City Tours

2-Day Arusha City Tour and Chemka Hot Springs Escape

2 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Arusha's iconic landmarks, including the Clock Tower, Uhuru Monument, and Arusha Declaration Museum
  • 02 Discover vibrant Maasai markets and visit the Cultural Heritage Centre with its Tanzanite gallery
  • 03 Experience a traditional coffee plantation tour and taste authentic Tanzanian street food
  • 04 Swim and relax in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Chemka Hot Springs

Discover the vibrant charm of Arusha on a tour that blends history, culture, and local flavours before unwinding at the stunning Chemka Hot Springs. Visit iconic landmarks including the Arusha Clock Tower, Arusha Declaration Museum, and Uhuru Monument, then explore colourful markets and a coffee plantation. Taste authentic Tanzanian street food and experience local life. On the second day, swim in turquoise waters, relax beneath tropical trees, and enjoy a scenic escape near Mount Kilimanjaro.

Swim in the crystal-clear, turquoise, lukewarm waters naturally heated by underground springs near Mount Kilimanjaro.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha City Landmarks, Markets, and Coffee Experience

  • Visit the Arusha Clock Tower, the symbolic centre of Africa marking the halfway point between Cairo in Egypt and Cape Town in South Africa, and enjoy a photo stop at this iconic landmark in the heart of the city.

  • Explore the Arusha Declaration Museum, located in the building where the Arusha Declaration was signed in 1967, and learn about Tanzania's independence, political history, and the vision of President Julius Nyerere.

  • Stop at the Uhuru Monument, a white torch-topped tower commemorating Tanzania's independence from British colonial rule in 1961 and symbolising national pride.

  • Browse Maasai Market Curios and Crafts, featuring hand-carved wooden statues, colourful Maasai beadwork, batik paintings, and traditional Tanzanian fabrics known as kangas, with the opportunity to practise bargaining skills.

  • Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, a distinctive building shaped like a drum and shield, housing an impressive collection of African antiques and a Tanzanite gallery showcasing Tanzania's rare blue gemstone.

  • Enjoy a street food tasting experience, sampling local favourites such as Chips Mayai, Mshikaki, and Mandazi.

  • Take part in an Arusha Coffee Plantation Tour, walking through fertile volcanic farmland, learning about coffee harvesting and drying processes, and roasting and grinding fresh beans for tasting.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Arusha.

2
Day 02

Chemka Hot Springs Adventure and Return

  • Travel on a scenic off-road drive through Maasai lands and landscapes dotted with baobab trees to reach Chemka Hot Springs.

  • Swim in the crystal-clear, turquoise, lukewarm waters naturally heated by underground springs near Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Experience the rope swing from giant fig trees into the deep lagoon for an added sense of adventure.

  • Relax with a natural fish spa by sitting on submerged rocks while small fish gently exfoliate your feet.

  • Enjoy optional inner tubing, drifting peacefully across the surface of the springs.

  • Unwind with a picnic under tropical trees or purchase fresh local food such as Chips Kuku from nearby vendors.

  • Transfer to your planned departure location.

Arusha Clock Tower, Cultural Heritage Centre, Maasai Market Curios and Crafts, Chemka Hot Springs

Where this trip takes you

Arusha Clock Tower, Cultural Heritage Centre, Maasai Market Curios and Crafts, Chemka Hot Springs

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 2 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transport: pickup and drop-off at the hotel in a comfortable vehicle, usually a 4x4 or a clean van.

  • Professional guide: a local English-speaking guide who explains the history of Arusha and helps with bargaining at the markets.

  • Hot springs entry fees: the "Maji Moto" conservation fees required to enter the Chemka area.

  • Bottled water: plenty of drinking water provided in the vehicle throughout both days.

  • Coffee tour fees: costs for the plantation visit, including the coffee tasting and the local guide at the farm.

  • Museum entrance fees: tickets for the Arusha Declaration Museum and the Old Boma, if visited.

  • Accommodation for one night.

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic drinks: any beers or sodas bought at the hot springs or at dinner.

  • Souvenirs: any items bought at the Maasai Market or the Cultural Heritage Centre.

  • Tipping (gratuity): tips for the driver-guide or the local coffee farmers. This is customary in Tanzania.

  • Personal gear: swimsuits, towels, and water shoes for the hot springs.

  • Travel insurance: guests should have their own medical/travel coverage.

  • Visa.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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Starting from

USD 341 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $341.00 — $350.00
Double Sharing $341.00 — $350.00

When

Travellers

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