Arusha is the town where almost every northern Tanzania safari begins and ends. It sits at the foot of Mount Meru, about 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and from here the road heads west to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Arusha itself is a busy working town, not a wildlife destination, and most visitors spend a night here at most. But if you have a spare day, Arusha National Park on the town's edge is worth considering. It is small and scenic, with Mount Meru as a backdrop, and it allows walking safaris and canoeing - both rare in this region.
Arusha sits at around 1,400m among coffee and banana farms on Meru's lower slopes, so it is cooler than the parks. Arusha National Park includes the Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes and the forested slopes and summit of Mount Meru.
Arusha National Park is not a big-cat park, but it is good for giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkeys, and the lakes attract waterbirds. Its appeal is scenery and the chance to explore on foot.
Walking safari with an armed ranger in Arusha National Park
Canoeing on the Momella Lakes
Day hike or multi-day climb on Mount Meru
Coffee farm tour on the lower slopes
Arusha's craft markets and cultural heritage centre
For most travellers Arusha is a logistics stop: arrive, sleep, meet your guide in the morning and set off. If you arrive early or have a free day, the national park makes a relaxed introduction before the big parks.
Arusha works as a base all year. For Arusha National Park and views of Meru and Kilimanjaro, the drier months (roughly June to October and January to February) are clearest.
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Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 45 minutes away. Arusha is also reached by road from Nairobi via the Namanga border, a journey of several hours.
Everything from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels and garden lodges on the edge of town, mostly used for a night before or after a safari or climb.
The usual starting point for northern circuit safaris
Arusha National Park allows walking safaris and canoeing
Cooler than the parks - bring a layer for evenings
Malaria risk exists at lower elevations around the town
Usually one night is enough. Add a day if you would like a walking safari in Arusha National Park.
Yes, via the Namanga border. We can arrange the transfer as part of a Kenya and Tanzania itinerary.
Tell us your dates and we'll build an itinerary that includes it.
