• Shanga & Shanga Foundation - Shanga is a thriving social enterprise that employs individuals with disabilities to craft unique, high-quality, handmade jewelry, glassware, and homewares using recycled materials. These products are sold both in Tanzania and internationally, with profits reinvested to create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Blending an inspiring local community initiative with distinctive artistic activities and opportunities to purchase handmade gifts, Shanga has been a beloved tourist spot in Arusha since its establishment in 2007.

In 2017, Shanga became part of Elewana as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility program, maintaining a strong commitment to the people of Tanzania. Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge hosts Shanga, featuring an open workshop for glass-blowing, weaving, sewing, Tinga Tinga painting, bead-making, and metalwork, along with a shop displaying all of Shanga’s handmade products.

• Meserani Snake Park - Meserani Snake Park is a unique gem of Arusha, offering enjoyment and relaxation for both locals and international visitors.

Located 25km west of Arusha on the way to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the snake park offers various activities. Take a guided tour to learn about some of the world’s most dangerous snakes, including the Black and Green Mamba, Egyptian Cobra, Puff Adders, and more. Witness the 3m plus crocodiles during feeding time.

Enjoy a personal Maasai guide who will lead you on an extraordinary tour of the Maasai Cultural Museum, or take a camel ride to a local village.

Visit the Free Education Centre, where local Maasai can learn to read and write and further their education in various ways.

Meserani Snake Park also operates a free medical clinic, providing care for over 1,000 local patients each month.

The park is home to a variety of snakes common in Eastern and Southern Africa, from the Black Mamba to the Black and Red spitting Cobras and the African Python. There are approximately 48 snakes to view.

Other reptiles at the park include Monitor Lizards, Tortoises, Crocodiles, and a few species of birds that have been orphaned or injured and would not survive if returned to the wild. Meserani Snake Park is an excellent place to learn about some of Africa’s lesser-known but highly efficient predators.

The Maasai Cultural Museum focuses on the Maasai people and their culture.

Take a personal guided tour of the Maasai museum with a real Maasai warrior. He will walk you through and explain their traditions, from how they build their mud bomas to male and female circumcision. It will be an unforgettable experience.

Camel Rides

Take a camel ride towards the Monduli Mountains and visit a local Maasai Boma. A camel ride departs from the gate at Meserani Snake Park and takes approximately 30 minutes to the village.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery on your journey. While there, you will have the chance to chat with the local Maasai and learn more about Maasai culture.

Maasai Crafts Market

After your tour through the cultural museum, visit the Maasai Crafts Market. Browse 13 traditional Maasai Huts and watch the Maasai Women create their beautiful, colorful jewelry.

Dress up as a Maasai warrior, wearing their original Maasai blankets, shields, and spears.

Choose from a variety of curios and jewelry to remember your time at the Maasai Crafts Market.

Snake Park Bar

The bar has become legendary worldwide. Hanging from the roof, you will find all sorts of memorabilia, from t-shirts to banknotes. Every piece tells a story. Everyone is welcome at the snake park bar, and if you happen to drop by, be sure to try some of the unique shooters available.

Snake Park Medical Clinic

Meserani Snake Park provides a free medical clinic. All proceeds from the Maasai Cultural Museum go towards supplying medical equipment and other necessities to run the clinic. Overlanders help and donate supplies when passing through. Meserani’s medical clinic serves approximately 1,000 patients per month and is growing. The clinic is expanding, and the old clinic will be converted into an orphanage.

Snake Park Campsite

Whether you are on an overland truck or just stopping by on your way to or from the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, Meserani’s campsite is an oasis in the heart of Maasai Land, Tanzania. Relax with a fully equipped campsite, featuring hot showers and clean washrooms. Unwind and listen to the beautiful sounds of nature, as over 60 species of birds inhabit the park.

• Cultural Heritage Centre - Cultural Heritage is a unique cultural center on the outskirts of Arusha. It features curio shops, a jewelry boutique, a tanzanite and precious stone counter, a restaurant, a bargain center, and an outstanding commercial art gallery. A vast array of ornaments, jewelry, antiques, and local crafts cater to any budget. High-quality clothing, textiles, accessories, books, and spices can also be found onsite at Oneway and the Spice Centre.

The exquisite collection of precious and semi-precious stones – including rubies, emeralds, tsavorite, diamonds, sapphires, and opals – is unrivaled across the continent. Among these, the most highly treasured is tanzanite, a rare blue/violet stone found only in Tanzania, for which the center has an international reputation. Purchase loose stones, select from ranges of handmade jewelry, or work with jewelers and designers to create a unique piece.

The only collection of its kind in the world, ranging from African antiques to contemporary painting and sculpture, visitors will be dazzled by the assembly of art and artifacts. Find some collections in the central store or experience the Gallery, a breathtaking feat of engineering and artful display that will leave you awe-struck. Expert assistants are on hand to help you purchase art by emerging African artists or fascinating antiques from across the continent.

The restaurant has been catering to Arusha’s finest for 13 years, preparing all food fresh to serve. Buffet or a la carte, with a selection of mouth-watering world foods - salads, homemade curries, traditional African dishes, French fries, and hummus.

Makonde Museum

Makonde is an art form specialized by the Makonde tribe people. This art is passed down from generation to generation, from father to son, with the skill held within the clan.

The art of the tribe, which holds a monopoly on specializing in this art, is also offered to guests. Drop in and view the continent’s largest Makonde tree in the art gallery.

Many types of Makonde tree specimens are carved from a distinguished wood named “Ebony wood,” available in a variety of sizes, from small to large, single pieces to fusion pieces. Each is a wonder to behold.

Masks Centre

African communities are renowned for their craftwork, with masks being another specialty.

Each ceremony requires a mask, which not only signifies the ceremony but also imparts meaning to the ceremony and the wearer.

A circumcision ceremony will have such a mask, and when a farmer returns from a harvest, a special mask depicting the harvest is given during the thanksgiving ceremony. A witch doctor also has a mask, as do kings and chiefs, each owning a mask for special occasions.

Masks can be made from wood, copper, or even beads.

Cultural Heritage offers a chance to explore a wide range of masks, providing insight into the culture of African people. It also offers the opportunity to learn about the land being visited.

Visitors have the chance to own an antique mask, serving as a reminder of the history of the African people.

• Arusha Region - Tanzanite Shopping: For those seeking the most romantic gift for a partner, leaving Arusha without purchasing a Tanzanite product is unthinkable. Tanzanite is a rare gem found only in Tanzania, with a blue/violet hue, and is predominantly bought by the jewelry store Tiffany’s. Purchase a loose stone or have designers create a special piece. Several jewelry shops and museums in Arusha showcase this rare stone. Even with a tight budget, visiting one of the shops to see the gem is worthwhile. Ensure visiting a genuine Tanzanite shop, especially if planning to buy one. For assured quality, visit some of the artisan shops mentioned in this article or go to the showroom in Cultural Heritage.

• Maasai Market Curios and Crafts - Maasai markets are essentially souvenir shops offering artisan and food products from the Maasai tribe. These markets are common in East Africa, open on specific days of the week, and not permanent. The Maasai move with their products to different markets depending on the day of the week. Visit the markets to support local Maasai people by purchasing sandals, beads, key holders, necklaces, sculptures, bracelets, and blankets. The Maasai also trade in animals, fruits, and vegetables. They often quote higher prices for international visitors, so be prepared to bargain.

• Entrance fees
• Bottled water
• Professional guide and driver
• Transportation
• Lunch
• All fees and/or taxes

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Personal item like camera, visa,
• Accommodation

The Miserani Snake Park is special treasure of Arusha, a wonderful source of enjoyment and relaxation for local and foreign visitors..

Products: Camel rides, Maasai culture museum, maasai craft market, Reptiles Park, Medical clinic, Camping ground, Bar, workshop

Really enjoying to visit to the Snake Park. Our Guide is very knowledgeable and You will see many snakes and reptiles. It’s fantastic to have tour on that place. There is a lot of things to learn about. Don’t miss that opportunity .

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.