Arusha Region, northern Tanzania · Tanzania
The safari capital of Tanzania, set beneath Mount Meru, with a national park on its doorstep.
Photo: Tsturge · CC BY-SA 3.0
Arusha is the starting point for nearly every northern safari, and a lively city in its own right. Built on the slopes of Mount Meru at about 1,400 metres, it has a pleasant climate, a busy market, craft shops, restaurants and a growing cafe scene. Most visitors spend a night before and after safari, but a day or two here is worthwhile.
Mount Meru, a volcano rising to 4,562 metres, is Tanzania's second-highest peak and is often climbed as an acclimatisation hike before Kilimanjaro. The route passes through Arusha National Park, so you walk with an armed ranger among buffalo and giraffes, and on a clear morning the view of Kilimanjaro from the summit is memorable.
Arusha National Park is small but varied, with Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes with flamingos, colobus monkeys in the forest and canoeing safaris. It is only a short drive from the city, which makes it ideal for a first or last day. Nearby Lake Duluti and the coffee farms on the slopes offer easy half-day outings.
Why visit
Arusha gives you a practical base and a taste of safari life close to town.
Everything starts here.
A varied park close to the city.
A rewarding 3 to 4 day trek.
Maasai goods and local food.
Lake Duluti, waterfalls and coffee.
Main attractions
The city and its surroundings can fill a couple of days.
Giraffes, buffalo, colobus monkeys and Ngurdoto Crater.
Tip A walking safari is possible.
A chain of lakes with flamingos.
Tip Bring binoculars.
A volcano climb through forest and ridge.
Tip Climb with a ranger.
The geographic centre of Africa, jokingly.
Tip A good meeting point.
A big craft and art store with a gallery.
Tip Browse before shopping at markets.
A crater lake with canoeing and walks.
Tip A quiet escape.
Things to do
Arusha makes a good base for half-day activities.
With an armed ranger.
Tip Ask for the Little Meru trail.
A 3 to 4 day trek.
Tip A great Kilimanjaro warm-up.
A different view of wildlife.
Tip Book in advance.
Tour and taste.
Tip Combine with Lake Duluti.
Fruit, spices and fabrics.
Tip Bargain politely.
Try nyama choma and Swahili dishes.
Tip Ask your hotel.
Local food
Arusha has the widest range of restaurants in northern Tanzania.
Grilled meat.
Where to try it Local joints.
Maize with greens.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Skewered meat.
Where to try it Street stalls.
Spiced rice.
Where to try it Swahili restaurants.
Local beans.
Where to try it Cafes.
Accommodation
The city has good options at all budgets.
Transport
Arusha is the main hub for northern Tanzania.
Taxis and dala-dalas cover the city.
When to go
Dry months are best for Mount Meru and the park.
Dry and clear.
Warm and dry.
Long rains.
Short rains.
Worth planning around: March to May, when rain makes hiking difficult.
Itinerary
A city day and a park day.
Settle in
Giraffes and lakes
Travel tips
A few tips for your stay.
FAQ
Generally yes with normal care.
One to two nights.
It is steep but doable.
Here.
On clear days from the park.
Mild at altitude.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Arusha and Mount Meru, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Kilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A trekkable giant with five climate zones, several routes, a UNESCO listing and gentler options like day hikes in the foothills and coffee farms.
Don't miss Standing on Uhuru Peak at sunrise after a midnight summit push.
Explore Destination — Mount KilimanjaroMara and Simiyu regions, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed park of 14,750 square kilometres, home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, big cats, balloon safaris and classic acacia-dotted savannah.
Don't miss Watching a river crossing or a lion pride at sunrise from an open safari vehicle.
Explore Destination — Serengeti National ParkManyara Region, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Two compact parks on the northern circuit, famous for dry-season elephants, baobab landscapes, birdlife and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Don't miss Watching elephant herds feed beneath ancient baobab trees in the dry season.
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