Arusha is the perfect jumping off point for safari in western Tanzania. Start here to head to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. Ambitious travelers may want to tackle all of these unique locations in a week, though each spot deserves multiple days.

Because Arusha is a relatively bustling city, and because so many travelers begin and/or end their safari endeavors here, there's a decent nightlife scene. Find a local bar or club for outdoor (or jumping with Maasai) or even partake in some fun-loving karaoke. Don't be too intimidated by the weapon drop-off spot when entering the clubs, as there are a lot of machetes and other long blades waiting for their owners to stop dancing.

There's nothing quite like a walking and biking safari in Africa. Thanks to the very limited predators in nearby Arusha National Park you can schedule a quick day-trip of doing just that. Imagine walking over a hill to see a herd of zebras grazing. Or ride your bike next to a giraffe running with its long strides.