Full day · 8–9 hrs
Arusha National Park Day Trip
From $185 pp
Northern Tanzania
Arusha – Things to Do, Culture & Safari Gateway Guide
Tanzania’s safari capital at the foot of Mount Meru — a lively, green city of coffee farms, markets and culture, and the starting point for journeys into the northern parks.
Northern Tanzania · about 1 hr by road from Kilimanjaro Airport
Overview
About Arusha
Arusha sits at around 1,400 metres on the southern slopes of Mount Meru, which gives it a pleasant, spring-like climate for much of the year. It is the natural starting point for safaris to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, and most travellers to northern Tanzania pass through it.
But Arusha is more than a stopover. Its busy markets, coffee plantations, cultural centres and nearby villages give a genuine feel for everyday life in Tanzania, and the surrounding countryside — around Usa River, Lake Duluti and the slopes of Meru — is green, fertile and beautiful.
Arusha is also an important diplomatic and conference city: the 1967 Arusha Declaration was signed here, and it is home to the headquarters of the East African Community. A night or two at the beginning or end of your safari is a relaxed way to recover from your flights and settle into Tanzania.
Highlights
Top reasons to visit Arusha
- 01
Gateway to the parks
The starting point for the northern safari circuit — Tarangire is just two hours away.
- 02
Coffee country
Visit a coffee farm on the slopes of Meru and follow the journey from bean to cup.
- 03
Culture & markets
Browse local markets and craft centres, and meet communities around the city.
- 04
Mount Meru views
Wake up to views of Meru — and, on clear days, Kilimanjaro on the eastern horizon.
- 05
Arusha National Park
Walking safaris, canoeing and colobus monkeys less than an hour away.
- 06
A gentle start
A perfect place to rest after a long flight before your adventure begins.
Landscapes & ecosystems
The land itself
Arusha spreads across the lower slopes of Mount Meru, surrounded by coffee estates, banana groves and smallholder farms. Rivers run down from the mountain through the city, and to the east lie quiet lakes such as Lake Duluti, a small crater lake ringed with forest.
To the west and south, the land drops towards the dry plains of the Rift Valley — the first view of the wide, open country that leads to the safari parks.
Experiences
Things to do in Arusha
- 01
Coffee farm tour
Pick, roast and taste coffee with a local farming family on the slopes of Meru.
- 02
Arusha National Park day trip
Walk, canoe and drive among giraffes, buffalo and colobus monkeys.
- 03
Cultural tourism programmes
Village walks around Arusha led by local guides, often visiting farms, schools and waterfalls.
- 04
Markets & crafts
Explore the central market and craft markets with a guide, and shop for Tanzanian art and textiles.
- 05
Lake Duluti
Walk or paddle around a small forested crater lake on the edge of the city.
When to go
Best time to visit Arusha
Arusha is pleasant year-round thanks to its altitude. June to August is cool and dry; the rains in March to May and November bring green landscapes and cooler afternoons.
Green season
January · Warm and bright
Warm days with occasional showers. A lovely, quieter time to visit Arusha.
Green season
February · Warm and green
Mostly dry spells between showers, green countryside and clear mornings.
Long rains
March · The rains begin
Afternoon showers become more frequent. Mornings are often still bright for outings.
Long rains
April · Long rains
The wettest month — unpaved roads can be muddy. Plan flexible days.
Long rains
May · Rains ease
Showers ease later in the month and the landscape is at its greenest.
Dry season
June · Cool and dry
Dry, comfortable days and cool evenings — easy travel on every road.
Dry season
July · Dry season
Sunny days and cool nights. One of the busiest travel months in Tanzania.
Dry season
August · Dry season
Reliable, dry weather for walks, visits and road journeys.
Dry season
September · Warm and dry
Warming up, with clear skies and dusty roads.
Dry season
October · Warm and dry
Warm, dry days. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and late afternoon.
Short rains
November · Short rains
Brief showers, usually in the afternoon, freshen the countryside.
Short rains
December · Green and festive
Warm, green and lively over the holidays, with passing showers.
- Dry season
- Green season
- Short rains
- Long rains
Getting there
Getting there & getting around
Most international visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour’s drive from Arusha. Arusha also has its own airport (ARK), used for domestic flights and light-aircraft transfers to the parks and Zanzibar.
We meet you on arrival and transfer you in a private vehicle. From Arusha, the main safari road leads west to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Arusha
Choose a peaceful lodge in the coffee estates around Arusha for a restful start or end to your safari.
Mid-RangeArusha Planet Lodge
ArushaA relaxed garden lodge of African-style chalets on the edge of Arusha, with Mount Meru views, a pool and spa — an easy first or last night of a safari.
View the lodge →
LuxuryMount Meru Hotel
ArushaA large, full-service hotel in Arusha with a pool, gym, spa, two restaurants and a range of rooms and suites — convenient for business and leisure travellers alike.
View the lodge →
Ultra LuxuryGran Meliá Arusha
ArushaArusha’s grandest hotel, set among coffee plantations with views of Mount Meru — infinity pool, spa, rooftop bar, six restaurants and bars, and suites with butler service.
View the lodge →Recommended itineraries
Safaris that visit Arusha
Every northern safari begins or ends in Arusha. These journeys start here.
Wildlife safari
7-Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara · Arusha
Seven days from Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs to two nights on the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — at a rela…
- Begins
- Arusha
- Comfort
- All tiers
- Travel
- Private
from $2,100 ppView journey
Mount Meru
3-Day Mount Meru Climb
Tanzania’s second-highest mountain in three days: wildlife on the lower slopes, montane forest, a dramatic crater rim and Socialist Peak.
- Summit
- 4,566 m
- Pace
- Challenging
- Begins
- Momella Gate
from $750 ppView journey
Mount Meru
4-Day Mount Meru Climb
Mount Meru at a balanced pace: wildlife, montane forest, a sunrise summit on Socialist Peak and a second night at Miriakamba Hut.
- Summit
- 4,566 m
- Pace
- Challenging
- Begins
- Momella Gate
from $850 ppView journey
Before you go
Essential travel information
Arrival
Allow a night in Arusha after a long-haul flight — it makes the first safari day far more enjoyable.
Money
Cash machines are widely available in Arusha. Carry some US dollars and Tanzanian shillings for tips and small purchases.
Safety
Arusha is generally relaxed, but take normal city precautions and avoid walking alone at night.
Visas
Most visitors need a visa for Tanzania. Apply online through the official e-visa website before you travel.
Fees, rules and opening times can change. For the latest official information, visit Tanzania e-Visa (Immigration Department) ↗
Year-round
National Park
Arusha
Walking & canoe safaris, colobus
Forests, crater lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru, less than an hour from Arusha — walk, canoe and drive among giraffes, colobus monkeys and flaming…
1 day · Meru 3–4 daysExplore
Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct
National Park
Kilimanjaro
Summit climbs, rainforest hikes
Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing peak — climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m with our team from Moshi, or explore its rainfo…
6–9 days to climbExplore
Year-round
Kilimanjaro gateway
Moshi
Waterfalls, coffee, hot springs
Our home town at the foot of Kilimanjaro — waterfalls, coffee farms, hot springs and crater lakes, with Africa’s highest mountain watching over every…
2–3 nightsExplore
Questions
Arusha safari FAQs
Can’t find your answer? Our team in Moshi is happy to help.
Ask on WhatsAppIs Arusha worth visiting?
Yes — as well as being the gateway to the safari parks, it offers coffee farms, culture and Arusha National Park, all close by.
How far is Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport?
About an hour by road. We arrange private transfers on arrival.
How many nights should I spend in Arusha?
One night is usually enough before or after a safari. Stay two if you would like to visit Arusha National Park or a coffee farm.
What is the weather like in Arusha?
Mild for most of the year thanks to the altitude, with cool evenings from June to August and rain in March to May.
What is there to do in Arusha?
Coffee farm tours, cultural village walks, markets and craft centres, Lake Duluti and day trips to Arusha National Park.
Is Arusha safe for tourists?
Arusha is generally welcoming and relaxed. Take normal city precautions, use trusted transport and avoid walking alone at night.
Photo gallery
Start planning
Start your journey in Arusha
From your airport welcome to your first night in the coffee country, we will make sure your safari begins in comfort.
- Call us+255 762 032 480
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Email[email protected]
- OfficeMoshi, Kilimanjaro, TanzaniaEvery day · 08:00 – 18:00 EAT