Arusha City Guide: Tanzania's Safari Capital Beneath Mount Meru

Arusha is a working city rather than a resort. It has traffic, markets, offices, shops and safari operators, but also a pleasant climate, tree-lined streets and views of Mount Meru on clear days.

This guide is about the city itself: what it offers, how to use a spare day and how it fits into your safari.

This guide is part of our Uganda districts and towns guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

What Arusha Is

Arusha sits on the slopes below Mount Meru, in a fertile area of coffee farms, bananas and flower nurseries. It is a major regional centre, hosts regional institutions, and is known across Africa for diplomacy and conferences. For visitors it is the main base for the northern safari circuit, with operators, outfitters, banks, supermarkets and hospitals. The altitude keeps the climate temperate, with mild days and cool evenings. Hotels, guesthouses and lodges are spread across the city and its leafy outskirts. See where to stay in Arusha for accommodation choices.

Getting There

Most international visitors arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, between Arusha and Moshi, and travel to the city by road. Domestic flights use Arusha Airport, which serves the Serengeti, Zanzibar and other destinations. Roads connect the city to Moshi, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, and long-distance buses link it to Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. Confirm transfers with your operator. See Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha route for the first leg.

What to See in the City

The Cultural Heritage Centre has a large collection of crafts, art and jewellery, and gives a good sense of Tanzanian design. The Natural History Museum, housed in an old German fort, covers the region's fossils and wildlife, and the Arusha Declaration Museum recalls the country's post-independence history. The clock tower is often described as marking the halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town. Markets offer spices, fruit, fabrics and everyday goods, and bargaining is expected in some, though polite and relaxed. See Tanzania money and tipping.

Outings From the City

Arusha National Park is just a short drive away and offers forest walks, Momella lakes and views of Mount Meru. Coffee estates, waterfalls and cultural tours in nearby villages fill a free day, and many travellers use the city's calm for a slow first day before a long drive. Walks on Mount Meru give a taste of the highlands. See Arusha National Park wildlife guide and Mount Meru guide.

Arusha as a Safari Launch Pad

Practical Tips

Carry small notes for markets and tips, keep valuables out of sight, use reputable taxis or arranged transfers and drink bottled water. Pack for variable weather, with a light jacket for evenings. Mobile coverage is good in the city but weaker on safari. Allow a buffer day before climbing Kilimanjaro or flying home, because delays can occur. See health and vaccinations and packing list.

Planning Your Time

One night is the minimum, but two nights allow a recovery day, kit check and a visit to the craft centre or national park. On departure, an extra night in the city avoids rushing to the airport. For longer plans see the northern circuit guide, Tanzania safari itineraries and the Arusha gateway guide.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team