Arusha: Tanzania's safari capital for first-timers

Arriving in Arusha

Most international visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, which sits between Arusha and Moshi. Arusha also has a smaller airport for domestic and light aircraft flights to the parks and Zanzibar, so check which airport your flight uses. Shuttle buses run between Arusha and Nairobi in Kenya, a popular overland link.

Where to stay

Central Arusha has practical hotels near the clock tower and the main roads. Quieter, greener options lie on the edges of town and toward Usa River, where lodges sit among coffee farms with views of Mount Meru. Most safari operators collect guests from any hotel in the area.

Things to do in Arusha

• **Central Market:** a busy, colourful market for spices, fruit, fabrics and everyday life.
• **Cultural Heritage Centre:** a large gallery and shop with Tanzanian art, carvings and gemstones, including tanzanite, which is mined only near here.
• **Coffee farm tours:** walk through plantations on the slopes of Meru and learn how coffee goes from cherry to cup.
• **Natural History Museum:** in the old German Boma building, a short, easy visit.
• **Maasai markets and craft shops:** for beadwork and textiles. Take your time and agree prices calmly.

Arusha National Park

A short drive from town, Arusha National Park is small but beautiful, with the Momella lakes, flamingos, giraffes, black and white colobus monkeys and the Ngurdoto crater. It is one of the few parks where walking safaris with an armed ranger and canoeing are possible, and it makes a good half-day or day trip on arrival.

Mount Meru

Mount Meru is Tanzania's second highest mountain and a superb three or four day climb, often used to acclimatise before Kilimanjaro. Climbs go with a ranger and pass through forest rich in wildlife.

The northern circuit from Arusha

• **Tarangire National Park:** baobabs and big elephant herds, especially in the dry season.
• **Lake Manyara National Park:** forest, lake and birdlife on the way to Ngorongoro.
• **Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti:** the heart of most safaris.

Safety and practical tips

Arusha is generally relaxed, but petty crime happens. Avoid walking alone after dark, use taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, and decline street sellers offering safaris; book only with licensed operators. Mornings and evenings are cool, so bring a warm layer.

Continue to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, or plan your days with our free trip planner.

Day trips and easy wins

Arusha rewards travellers who stay an extra day. Arusha National Park, a short drive away, has giraffes, colobus monkeys, the Momella Lakes and walking safaris with an armed ranger, which is rare in northern Tanzania. Coffee farm tours on the slopes of Mount Meru show the full journey from bean to cup. In town, the Maasai Market and the Central Market give a real taste of daily life, and the Cultural Heritage Centre displays art and crafts from across the region. The Lake Duluti area is good for a gentle walk or canoe trip. Ask your safari operator about collecting you from your hotel, then plan the rest with our free trip planner.

Arusha also sits at the junction of the main roads north to Namanga and west to the parks, so most safaris start and finish here, and a calm night before and after makes the whole trip feel less rushed.