Arusha is where almost every northern Tanzania safari begins. Set at the foot of Mount Meru, this lively city has a pleasant climate, colourful markets and plenty to do before or after your trip. It is also home to the Utmost Tanzania Tours team.
Getting to Arusha
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is about an hour's drive from Arusha. There is also a smaller Arusha Airport used for domestic and safari flights.
Things to do in Arusha
Arusha National Park
Just outside town, this beautiful park offers walking safaris, canoeing on the Momella lakes and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Read about Arusha National Park.
Coffee farm tour
Learn how coffee is grown, picked, roasted and brewed on a farm on the slopes of Mount Meru — and taste the result.
Cultural Heritage Centre
A large gallery and shop showcasing art, carvings and crafts from across Africa.
Central market
Explore stalls piled with fruit, spices, fabrics and household goods for a taste of everyday life.
Lake Duluti
A small crater lake near town, great for canoeing and nature walks.
Materuni and Mount Meru views
Day hikes and waterfall walks in the surrounding hills.
Where to stay
Arusha has hotels for every budget, from city hotels to peaceful lodges on coffee estates outside town. Many travellers stay one night on arrival and one night after their safari or climb.
Where to eat in Arusha
Arusha has a growing food scene, with cafés serving locally grown coffee, restaurants offering Tanzanian dishes such as nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali and pilau, and international cuisine from Indian to Italian.
Arusha before Kilimanjaro
Many climbers stay in Arusha before their climb. It is a great place to rest, check your gear, rent anything you need and attend a briefing with your guide.
Day trips from Arusha
- Arusha National Park — game drives, walking safaris and canoeing
- Tarangire — a full-day safari about two hours away
- Lake Manyara — wildlife and the Rift Valley escarpment
- Materuni waterfalls and coffee tour — near Moshi
- Mount Meru — a multi-day trek for adventurous hikers
Frequently asked questions
Is Arusha safe?
Arusha is generally safe for visitors. Use normal precautions, especially at night.
How far is Arusha from the Serengeti?
The Serengeti is around 7–8 hours' drive from Arusha via the Ngorongoro highlands, or about an hour by light aircraft.
Do I need a day in Arusha before my safari?
It is a good idea after a long international flight, so you start your safari rested.
Tips
- Use arranged transfers or registered taxis.
- Change money at banks or bureaux de change.
- Bring a light jacket — evenings can be cool.
Arriving soon? Your safari will start from here. Explore our Tanzania wildlife safaris or read about Arusha.
Utmost Tanzania Tours
Utmost Tanzania Tours is an Arusha-based tour operator specialising in tailor-made wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach holidays and cultural tours.
