Tanzania
Arusha
The relaxed launch point for northern Tanzania’s safari circuit.
Know before you go
Welcome to Arusha
The launch point for Tanzania's northern safari circuit and for most Kilimanjaro climbs, sitting below Mount Meru in green, well-watered country. A working town rather than a resort, with more going on than most people stopping overnight ever notice.
Plan with confidence
Make Arusha work for you
Highlights
- The staging point for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara
- Arusha National Park — Mount Meru, giraffe, colobus and the Momella lakes, and one of the few parks allowing walking safaris
- Mount Meru itself, a serious climb in its own right and a genuine acclimatisation option before Kilimanjaro
- Coffee estates on the slopes, most of which take visitors
- A good craft and Tinga Tinga art market for anyone shopping before flying home
Getting around
- Kilimanjaro International serves the town, about an hour away.
- Most visitors are collected by their safari operator; that is the simplest arrangement.
- Taxis within town are cheap; agree fares before travelling.
Good to know
- One to three days, either side of a safari or climb.
- Arusha National Park is an excellent, underused first day — walking is permitted and it acclimatises you gently.
- Meru is a strong warm-up for Kilimanjaro and much less crowded.
- Confirm your safari operator's licensing and what the quoted price includes before paying deposits.
Street touts around the bus station and craft markets can be persistent — arrange safaris through your accommodation or a verified operator rather than on the street.
Before you book
Arusha questions, answered
Is Arusha worth a night of its own?
Yes, particularly if you use it for Arusha National Park or a coffee estate rather than just sleeping between flights.
Arusha or Moshi for Kilimanjaro?
Moshi is closer to the mountain. Arusha makes more sense if you are combining the climb with the northern safari circuit.
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