ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

1 Deal Offers

The gateway city to Tanzania’s safaris and mountain treks

You’ll most likely fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport if you’re looking to scale Mount Kilimanjaro or witness the annual Great Migration of the region’s wildlife, including wildebeest and zebra, as they move across the Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara and vice versa.

The city of Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region of Tanzania, located in the northeast of the country, close to the Kenyan border, and directly below Mount Meru. It’s the perfect base for trips to Serengeti National ParkLake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation AreaTarangire National Park, Arusha National Park and of course, Mount Kilimanjaro, among other famous sites.

Arusha is a multi-cultural city and a major diplomatic hub; between 1994 and 2015, the city hosted the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and is currently the headquarters for the East African Community (EAC).

Today, the population includes Tanzanians, indigenous Africans, Arab-Tanzanians, Indian-Tanzanians, as well as a small European and American community.

If you have time before starting your Tanzania safari, Kilimanjaro trek or tour of this colorful country, you may wish to explore Arusha and get to know what life is like in a busy Tanzanian city.

The lush surroundings and temperate climate (Arusha sits around 1,300 meters above sea level) means that it’s a great starting point for your African adventure if you’re apprehensive about the heat.

One interesting thing to do in Arusha is to take a trip out to a local village to learn about rural life in the region. These cultural tourism programs usually include a short hike and activities in the village you visit, as well as options for camping and home stays.

Ask ahead if this is something you would be interested in, as there are many of these programs available and it can be difficult to know just how much the local community is benefiting from your visit. We are more than happy to organize this activity for you, through a reputable provider.

Another tip is to be mindful of the many touting street sellers in Arusha offering safaris, souvenirs and other deals – some of these may be genuine, but many are not.

Even if you’re just staying one night in Arusha, make sure you take advantage of the great food and drink options available in the city. Arusha is home to pretty garden cafes, a vibrant pub scene and lively nightlife, including a growing interest in live music.

Your stay in Arusha may be short and sweet, but this exciting city is a great introduction to Tanzania, offering a taste of what East Africa has to offer.

Tour to ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK Find More

0 Review

Departure

Moshi Urban, Tanzania