Arusha
Visited in August 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Tanzania
- Region
- Arusha
- Population
- 416,442
- Best time to go
- June to October, January to February
- Main airport
- Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
- Coordinates
- 3.37°S, 36.68°E
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Overview
Arusha is the starting point for safaris across northern Tanzania, a busy, green town on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. Land Cruisers rumble through the streets each morning, heading for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
The town itself is more about logistics than sightseeing, but the coffee farms, markets and cooler highland air make it a pleasant place to spend a day before or after the bush.
Things to see
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Photo: Christoph Buser, CC BY-SA 3.0 Arusha National Park
A small, varied park on the edge of town with giraffes, colobus monkeys, crater lakes and flamingos.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Khalidsalewa, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mount Meru
Tanzania's second-highest mountain, a dramatic volcano usually climbed over three or four days.
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Photo: George Lamson, CC BY-SA 2.0 Cultural Heritage Centre
A large gallery and craft centre on the edge of town showing East African art and carvings.
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Photo: Shamim mdoe, CC0 Central market
A crowded, colourful market for fruit, spices, kitenge cloth and everyday goods.
Things to do
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Photo: Grahampurse, CC BY-SA 4.0 Safari to Ngorongoro Crater
A huge volcanic caldera with dense herds of wildlife, about three hours' drive west.
Find tours -
Photo: xorge, CC BY-SA 2.0 Safari in Tarangire
Famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, a shorter drive south.
Find tours -
Photo: rjones0856, CC BY 2.0 Coffee farm tour
See how coffee is grown, picked and roasted on the slopes of Meru, then taste it fresh.
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Photo: Fanny Schertzer, CC BY-SA 3.0 Paddle on Lake Duluti
A quiet crater lake just east of town, good for canoeing and birdwatching.
Where to stay
Town centre
Practical and good value, close to safari operators and restaurants.
Hotels in Town centreNjiro
A quieter residential area with guesthouses and gardens.
Hotels in NjiroUsa River
Lodges set among coffee estates east of town, near Arusha National Park.
Hotels in Usa River
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option in town; dala-dala minibuses are cheap but crowded. Safaris include transport.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is about an hour's drive east. Small planes to the parks use Arusha Airport on the western side of town.
When to go
The long dry season from June to October is best for wildlife, and January to February is good for the Serengeti calving. The long rains fall from March to May.
Plan your trip to Arusha
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.