Arusha
Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa and the gateway to Tanzania's northern circuit, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and Tarangire. Sitting at 1,400 metres on the slopes of Mount Meru, the city has a pleasant year-round climate and a lively mix of cultures, markets, and restaurants. The accessible Arusha National Park provides rewarding game walks and drives in the shadow of Mount Meru, with colobus monkeys, giraffes, and flamingos visible within 30 minutes of the city centre.
Attractions & Wildlife
Arusha National Park
Compact and often overlooked, Arusha National Park offers giraffes, colobus monkeys, buffalo, hippos, and the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater — all within 30 minutes of the city centre.
Cultural Heritage Centre
One of Tanzania's finest collections of Tingatinga paintings, Makonde carvings, Maasai jewellery, and safari-related art — a worthwhile hour before or after a safari.
Maasai Market
Arusha's main markets offer an excellent selection of Maasai beadwork, shanga jewellery, safari clothing, and local produce — the best place in Tanzania to buy genuine Maasai crafts at fair prices.
Mount Meru
Dominating the skyline above Arusha, Mount Meru is a dramatic volcanic peak offering rugged trekking, stunning views of Kilimanjaro, and a chance to summit one of Africa's most beautiful — yet underrated — mountains.
Lake Duluti
Tucked into a lush volcanic crater just outside Arusha, Lake Duluti is a serene emerald oasis perfect for guided canoeing, lakeside forest walks, and spotting over 130 bird species in a tranquil, ancient setting.
Ngurdoto Crater
Enclosed by a primeval rainforest, the "Little Ngorongoro" of Ngurdoto Crater is a hidden sanctuary where buffalo, warthogs, and elephants graze on a lush marshy floor, viewed from spectacular rim-side lookouts.
Photo Gallery
Our Insider Tips
Don't linger too long — the parks are better. Arusha is primarily a transit point. 1 night on arrival and 1 night on departure is usually enough — the real Tanzania is in the parks.
Eat at Via Via or The African Tulip. Via Via courtyard cafe and The African Tulip hotel restaurant are consistently excellent and represent the best of Arusha's growing food scene.
