Gateway to Tanzania's Wildlife Wonders – Nestled beneath the towering peaks of Mount Meru, Arusha is not just a city, but the heartbeat of adventure. It serves as the starting point for safaris into some of the world's most acclaimed national parks, including Serengeti and Ngorongoro. With its vibrant markets, lush coffee plantations, and a melting pot of cultures, Arusha promises an exhilarating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Start Planning1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level
416,000
Average temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 25°C (77°F)
Swahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels.
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Arusha National Park: Offers a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and colobus monkeys. It's also a great spot for hiking and canoeing.
Cultural Heritage Centre: A place to learn about Tanzanian culture and buy local crafts and gemstones.
Mount Meru: Ideal for trekking, offering spectacular views and a challenging climb.
Visitor numbers to Arusha increase from June to October and from December to March. These periods coincide with key wildebeest migration events such as the river crossings and birthing season.
The nearest major airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, located about 60 km from Arusha. From there, it's about a 45-minute road transfer to Arusha.
Additionally, Arusha hosts a domestic airport, Arusha Airport (ARK), which facilitates regional flights within Tanzania.
Most resorts offer wireless internet connections, as do airports and even airstrips in national parks. For maximum connectivity throughout your trip, consider purchasing a local SIM card at the international airport upon arrival.
Vodacom and Airtel offer the best coverage in Tanzania, especially in national parks and rural areas.
A tourist visa is required for most tourists visiting Tanzania, which can be obtained upon arrival or preferably beforehand via the online e-visa system.
A yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever.
Arusha offers several unique wildlife and nature experiences:
Arusha National Park: Home to diverse wildlife including giraffes, buffaloes, and flamingos, with opportunities for walking safaris and canoeing.
Meserani Snake Park: Learn about various snake species and even handle some, with guided tours available.
Mount Meru Waterfall: A scenic hike leading to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for nature lovers.
For adventure seekers, Arusha offers:
Climbing Mount Meru: An adventurous trek offering stunning views and diverse wildlife.
Mountain Biking: Ride through scenic trails around Mount Meru and the surrounding landscapes.
Arusha serves as a gateway to Tanzania's national parks. Our guests typically stay for one night to rest before catching an early morning flight to the national reserves. If their schedule permits, spending an additional night can provide opportunities for memorable experiences, such as visiting the Cultural Heritage Centre.
It's important to carry enough cash, as many lodges and camps do not have facilities for tipping with credit cards and might not have enough cash for change.
A common practice is to tip $10-$15 per guest, per day. This usually goes into a communal tip box and is shared among all the lodge or camp staff, including those working behind the scenes.
For individuals who guide you through your safari (guides and trackers), a typical tip is about $10-$20 per person, per day.
At restaurants, tipping about 10% of the bill is customary.
Always ensure that your tips are given as a token of appreciation for good service, rather than out of obligation.
Drones are prohibited unless you have obtained a specific permit. Customs conducts scans of all bags upon arrival and will confiscate any drones, holding them until your departure day.
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