Arusha: Tanzania's Safari Gateway, Airports, Markets and Things to Do
Most northern circuit safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs start in this busy town below Mount Meru.
Arusha sits at the foot of Mount Meru and is the gateway to the northern circuit. Kilimanjaro International Airport is about an hour away, and Arusha's airport handles small domestic flights.
The town has markets, cafes, a cultural heritage centre and coffee plantations nearby. Spending a day here before or after your trip allows for rest, shopping and a briefing. See Arusha National Park.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Airport: Kilimanjaro International, ~1 hour
- Mountain: Mount Meru
- Things to do: Markets, coffee, walks
- Start of: Northern circuit
Getting There
International flights land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and your transfer takes you to a lodge in Arusha.
What to Do
Visit the Maasai market, coffee farms or the museum. Pick up last-minute supplies.
Onward Travel
From Arusha, head to Tarangire or the Serengeti. See Tarangire and northern circuit safari.
Adding Tanzania to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will arrange one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges for both countries.
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
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Tanzania Travel Guide: Where It Is, Capital, Map, Parks and Best Time to Visit
- Mount Meru and Arusha National Park: Walking, Colobus Monkeys and Acclimatisation
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Height, Location, Map and Climbing Routes
- Tanzania Safari Itineraries: 4, 7 and 10 Day Ideas for the North, South and Zanzibar
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Great Migration, Wildlife and Best Time to Visit
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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