Mererani Tanzanite Day Trip from Arusha
Discover Tanzanite — One Day, One Unique Experience.
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Overview
The Mererani Day Trip offers a fascinating insight into Tanzania’s world-famous tanzanite industry, found only in the Mererani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro. This educational and cultural day excursion takes you to the heart of tanzanite mining, local gemstone markets, and nearby Maasai communities. Ideal for travelers interested in culture, gemstones, and local life, this trip can be comfortably completed in one day from Arusha.
Highlights
- Visit the world’s only source of tanzanite gemstones
- Learn about tanzanite mining and gemstone processing
- Explore local tanzanite markets and shops
- Opportunity to purchase authentic tanzanite directly from the source
- Cultural interaction with a local Maasai community
- Scenic drive with views of Mount Kilimanjaro surroundings
Includes & Excludes
INCLUDES
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha town
- Private transport with an experienced driver-guide
- Visit to the Mererani tanzanite mining area
- Guided tour explaining tanzanite mining and processing
- Visit to local tanzanite shops and markets
- Cultural visit to a nearby Maasai village
- Picnic lunch
- Bottled drinking water
- All government taxes and service charges
EXCLUDES
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tanzanite purchases
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Any optional activities not mentioned in the inclusions
Itinerary
Mererani Tanzanite Day Trip from Arusha
Your Mererani Day Trip begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha, followed by a scenic drive toward the Mererani Hills, located between Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you’ll visit a tanzanite mining area, where a local guide explains how this rare gemstone is discovered, mined, and processed.
You’ll then explore local tanzanite shops and markets, where you can see raw and polished stones and learn how to identify genuine tanzanite. There is also an opportunity to purchase gemstones directly from trusted local dealers at fair prices.
The tour continues with a cultural visit to a nearby Maasai village, where you’ll gain insight into traditional Maasai lifestyle, customs, and daily activities. After enjoying a picnic lunch, you’ll begin the return journey to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.
Tour Map
Tour Gallery
Group Discount
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 – 4 People | $190 |
| 5 – 7 People | $170 |
| 8+ People | Special Rate (On Request) |
Accommodation
This is a day tour, so accommodation is not included. However, we can arrange hotels or lodges in Moshi/Arusha before or after your tour for a seamless experience.
Other Tour Details
- Departure: Daily from Arusha or Moshi
- Duration: Full-day tour (approximately 6–8 hours)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate — suitable for all travelers
- Best Time to Go: Year-round; dry months June–October offer the best road conditions
- Transport: Private transfer in a 4×4 safari vehicle or minibus
- Pickup & Drop-off: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Guide: Professional local guide at the tanzanite mining site
- Meals: Picnic lunch and bottled drinking water included
- Activities: Tanzanite mining visit, gemstone market tour, Maasai village cultural experience
- Customization: Can be combined with other Arusha day trips or tailored on request
Tour FAQs
1. What is the Mererani Day Trip?
The tour lasts approximately 6–8 hours, including travel time, site visits, lunch, and the return journey.
2. How long does the Mererani Day Trip take?
Yes. The trip is easy to moderate and suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups. No special hiking skills or physical fitness are required.
3. Is the Mererani Day Trip suitable for everyone?
Accommodation ranges from comfortable mid-range hotels to luxury beachfront resorts, depending on the package selected.
4. What is included in the Mererani Day Trip?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, a local guide, entry fees, a Maasai village visit, a picnic lunch, and bottled drinking water.
5. Can I buy tanzanite during the tour?
Yes. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase raw or polished tanzanite directly from trusted local dealers. Buying is optional, and guides help you identify genuine stones.
