Arusha Overview
Arusha is a regional city of approximately 400,000 people in the Kilimanjaro region of northern Tanzania, sitting at 1,400m elevation at the base of Mount Meru (4,566m). It is the organisational centre of Tanzania's safari industry — most of the country's tour operators, wildlife offices, and safari preparation infrastructure is concentrated here and in Moshi, 90 minutes to the east.
The city itself is vibrant but not a tourist destination in the traditional sense. The primary value of Arusha for most visitors is proximity to the national parks and the infrastructure (gear shops, flights, accommodation) needed before a safari. Most travelers spend 1–2 nights in Arusha before or after a safari, rather than as a standalone destination.
Getting There
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) serves Arusha and Moshi — approximately 45–60 minutes from Arusha by road. Arusha Airport (ARK), a smaller domestic-only facility 10 minutes from town, handles charter flights to safari airstrips. Most international travelers arrive at JRO and are transferred to Arusha or Moshi by road.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park sits 35km east of Arusha and encompasses Mount Meru — Tanzania's second-highest mountain and an excellent acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro. The park has no Big Five predators (excluding occasional leopard) but excellent giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and colobus monkey populations. Flamingos on the Momella Lakes. The Ngurdoto Crater — a smaller, greener version of Ngorongoro — is within the park.
For travelers with a day before their northern circuit safari, an afternoon game drive in Arusha National Park is a practical option — closer than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Accommodation
| Tier | Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Guest houses and backpacker lodges in town centre | $30–70/night |
| Mid-range | Business hotels near Arusha town | $80–150/night |
| Comfort | Country lodges outside Arusha, colonial-style properties | $150–300/night |
| Luxury | Private lodges on Arusha outskirts, Mount Meru area | $300–600+/night |
Safaris from Arusha
Arusha is the departure point for all northern circuit safaris. Drive times: Tarangire National Park (2 hours), Lake Manyara (2 hours), Ngorongoro Crater (3 hours), Serengeti (5–6 hours via Ngorongoro). Most of our clients based in Moshi use Arusha as a transit point rather than an overnight stop. See our Tanzania safari packages for all northern circuit options.
FAQ
All our northern circuit safaris depart from Moshi and Arusha. Free quote for any combination of parks.
