Traveling around Tanzania can get a bit expensive, especially if you’re going to its National Parks or famous tourist areas. We understand that not everyone can afford all of these adventures!
If you’re looking for affordable attractions in Arusha, you’ve come to the right spot!
Here are some affordable attractions in Arusha that won’t empty your pockets and are fun and interesting at the same time:
Eat Budget-Friendly Food
If you’re traveling on a budget in Arusha, you might want to try the following eateries:
-
Khan’s Barbecue
Khan’s barbecue is a must-visit if you’re in Arusha! This place is a workshop by day and a restaurant by night. Khan’s barbecue offers the most delicious local food at reasonable prices.! A meal for two costs about $10 here!
Best items on the menu: Grilled meat, chicken tikkas, naans, kebabs and passion fruit juice.

Khan's Barbecue,
Image Source: WorldWideWabs.Com
-
Hot Plate
Hot Plate is the best place to go for delicious Indian and Swahili food! The place is clean and the prices are reasonable. There’s a lot of vegetarian options to choose from.
Best items on the menu: Cheese Dosa, Pav Bhaji, Vegetable Thali, masala chai (Tea), Egg makhani, Palak Paneer and Biryani!
-
Kitamu Coffee
Kitamu Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Arusha! The ambiance is amazing and the interior is pretty. Their coffee tastes delicious and they have a wide variety in their menu and a lot of vegetarian options.
Best items on the menu: Samosa, pastries, coffee, cookies, Pasta, cheesecake, breakfast burrito, banana soup with chapati, Masala tea, and tortilla wraps.

Kitamu Coffee,
Image Source: Kitamu Facebook Page
-
The Grill House
The Grill House is a cheap, clean and amazing restaurant that serves delicious food. Give it a try for lunch or dinner!
Best items on the menu: beef egg cheese, red marinated chicken, masala chips, chicken biryani and steaks!
-
Street food stalls
Street food in Arusha is available everywhere! The street food stalls provide tasty and delicious local food at very reasonable prices. Here are a few street foods you should try:
- Samosas
- Nyama Choma
- Chipsi Mayai
- Chai (Tea)
If you’re traveling on a budget in Arusha, these are the best food options for you!
Affordable Activities in Arusha
Here are some cheap activities in Arusha for you to try out:
-
Lake Duluti Canoe Ride
Lake Duluti is just a few minutes away from Arusha if you go via a car. At the lake, you can ride a canoe. Try to take a bus or a van with other passengers to Lake Duluti so that the ride doesn’t cost you much. The lake is home to over 100 species of birds, so it’s a great place to just chill, relax and watch birds. You can also go fishing in Lake Duluti!

Lake Duluti,
Image Source: AfricanTourer.Com
-
Meserani Snake Park
The Meserani Snake Park is just outside Arusha, about half an hour away from the city. The entrance fee is minimal quite reasonable considering the variety of species inside the park. It has many lizards and snakes along with alligators and crocodiles.
-
National Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is the most impressive museum in Arusha. The museum has three parts. One part is dedicated to the history of Tanzania, one covers the wildlife of Tanzania while the third is dedicated to archaeology and the evolution of mankind!

National Natural History Museum,
Image Source: AfricanTourer.Com
-
Cycling Tour near Arusha National Park
The entrance fee to Arusha National Park is quite a lot, so if you’re looking for affordable activities in Arusha, it’s a good idea to go on a cycling tour near the border of the park. You’ll get to witness some amazing wildlife and picturesque sceneries as well.
-
Walking tour of Arusha City
Take a walking tour of Arusha! A lot of tour operators provide this tour for free, while others charge a minimal amount. Choose whatever suits you best!
A walking tour of the city will take you through the city’s best markets and buildings, so that you can appreciate the beauty of Arusha while exploring it.

Waking Tour of Arusha City,
Image Source: ArushaWalkingTours.Com
These were some of the cheap activities in Arusha for you to try out if you’re traveling on a budget in Arusha.
Free Activities in Arusha:
Here are a few activities in Arusha that will not cost you anything:
-
Explore the Maasai Market and the Central Market
Both the Maasai Market and Central Market are busy and lively markets where you’ll find anything you’re looking for, that too, for a reasonable price! Even if you don’t want to shop or spend money, you can just wander around the market and explore Tanzania’s traditional items. It’s a fun and interesting activity!

Maasai Market,
Image Source: Kaihora.Com
-
Check out the Cultural Heritage Centre
The Cultural Heritage Centre doesn’t have any entrance fee. You can check out the crafts and art displayed there. You even have the option of buying them if you want, but it’s not necessary. The Cultural Heritage Centre is a beautiful building that’s filled with traditional African art and crafts.
-
Window shopping at Tanzanite Experience
The Tanzanite gem costs a lot, but it doesn’t cost anything to look around and window shop! Observe the gem and see its beauty at the Tanzanite Experience! You can’t find this gem anywhere else in the world.

Tanzanite,
Image Source: NYTimes.Com
-
Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre
The Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre displays art and craft products made by women in an effort to empower them financially. You can look around and buy the products you like or you can just window shop and explore the cultural items.
So, what are you waiting for? Try out these affordable attractions in Arusha and have an experience of a lifetime!
You can hire car transfers and flights to East Africa at reasonable rates through our “Car hires” and “Flights” section!