Tanzania Travel Diary: Best Things to Do in Arusha on Day 2 | Safari Adventures

The morning began with an exhilarating two-hour drive from Arusha Downtown to Serval Wildlife, where we had unforgettable close encounters with magnificent animals. Imagine the thrill of spotting graceful 🦒 roaming freely just kilometers from the estate—nature at its most breathtaking!

By noon, we discovered culinary delights in a nearby village. The local dishes burst with unexpected flavors that danced on our tongues. We couldn’t resist trying the unique 🍌 our guide had raved about—its surprising potato-like texture fascinated us. Did you know this region boasts over 120 banana varieties? While only a handful are eaten fresh, most transform into delicious cooked dishes or become valuable cash crops.

The afternoon adventure took us bouncing along a rugged gravel road for 40 minutes—what locals jokingly call an “Africa Massage”—to reach the stunning Kikuletwa Hotspring. Crystal-clear waters shimmered under the sun, though weekend crowds of joyful locals diving and swimming made us content to simply admire the scene. Pro tip: visit on weekdays for a more serene experience!

As dusk approached, we made our way back, stopping at Shoppers Supermarket 🏪—Arusha’s retail giant—to collect precious souvenirs: aromatic Kilimanjaro coffee beans, buttery cashews, and more. Our day concluded at the luxurious Arusha Planet Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, where garden fire pits filled the air with woody 🪵 aromas. Dinner featured perfectly prepared chicken steak with a golden egg crust and succulent pork steak—each bite a celebration of flavor.

The spacious room delighted with its enormous bathroom and dreamy bathtub (a soak lover’s paradise!). Though the 24-hour pool tempted us, exhaustion from jet lag won out—we nearly dozed off mid-meal 😴.

🧩 Magical moments: Playful deer encounters / Cozy moments with my love / The hot spring’s missed opportunity / Breathtaking lodge views & gourmet dinner