Arusha Region · northern Tanzania
Arusha
The gateway town for the northern circuit and for Kilimanjaro, below Mount Meru.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Typical access
- Kilimanjaro International Airport, or road from the Namanga border
- Usual stay
- 1 night in transit
- Terrain
- Highland town below Mount Meru
Overview
What Arusha is.
Arusha is where northern Tanzania's safaris and climbs begin. It sits at around 1,400 metres below Mount Meru, has the region's main safari operations base, and is roughly an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Most Ndurumo routes use Arusha as a transit overnight rather than a destination: arriving from the Namanga border on a cross-border circuit, or as the night before a northern circuit departure.
Arusha National Park is on the town's doorstep for travellers with a spare day, with Momella lakes, giraffe and buffalo on the lower slopes of Meru.
Wildlife
What you are likely to see.
- Giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkey in Arusha National Park
- Flamingo on the Momella lakes
- Mount Meru on the skyline, at 4,566 metres
Experiences
How the days work here.
Transit overnight
The practical stop between the Kenyan border and the northern circuit.
Arusha National Park
A half or full day option for travellers with spare time.
Best time to visit
When to come to Arusha.
- June – OctoberDry season. Clear views of Mount Meru and, on good mornings, Kilimanjaro to the east.
- December – FebruaryWarm and mostly dry, and the busiest period for northern circuit departures.
- March – MayLong rains. Green and quiet; road transfers west can be slower after heavy rain.
Where you stay
Our shortlist at each level.
Properties Ndurumo may recommend or use at each level. Final accommodation is confirmed with your quotation and remains subject to availability.
Budget
Charity Hotel
Midrange
Arusha Planet Lodge, or similar
Luxury
Gran Meliá Arusha, or similar
Routes that include Arusha
Safaris through here.
Kenya & Tanzania · 9 daysclassic safari
9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Arusha, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro
The Kenyan Rift Valley, then across the border to Manyara and the crater.
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Lake Nakuru · Lake Naivasha · Namanga · Arusha · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro · Arusha
Kenya & Tanzania · 10 daysclassic safari
10 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
One ecosystem seen from both sides, plus Kilimanjaro's shadow in between.
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Lake Nakuru · Amboseli · Namanga · Arusha · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Arusha
Kenya & Tanzania · 11 daysclassic safari
11 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
The ten-day circuit with Lake Manyara added, and less driving on the Tanzanian side.
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Lake Nakuru · Amboseli · Namanga · Arusha · Lake Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Arusha
Kenya & Tanzania · 12 daysclassic safari
12 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
The longest cross-border circuit, with a full stationary day in the Serengeti.
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Lake Nakuru · Amboseli · Namanga · Arusha · Lake Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Arusha
Questions
About Arusha.
Do I need a night in Arusha?
On cross-border routes, yes — the drive from Kenya arrives too late to continue. On a Tanzania-only trip it depends on your flight time.
Plan your safari
Build a trip around Arusha.
Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will shape a route that gives Arusha the time it deserves.