Located in north eastern Tanzania, Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region. The city is situated under the towering giant Mount Meru, and Mount Kilimanjaro is just 82.6km away.
Arusha was first settled in the 1830s by the Arusha Maasai. These agropastoral settlers belonged to the Arusha Chini community who lived south of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania, and a popular stopover for adventurers who are preparing for a Kilimanjaro trek. is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern circuit. Perched under Mount Meru and surrounded by coffee plantations and flower farms, Arusha is the starting point for many Tanzanian safaris, and the base town for Kilimanjaro climbs.
How to get to Arusha?
There are two airports near Arusha. Arusha Airport is a domestic airport with only a few daily flights. It is 15 minutes from the town centre, and it is often the starting point for safaris.
Kilimanjaro International Airport receives daily flights from domestic, African, and international airlines. This airport is around 45 minutes from the centre and a taxi to the airport will cost around $50. Some drivers may accept a cheaper fare, but you will need to haggle.
If you are travelling from Kilimanjaro Airport to the local Arusha airport, allow at least one hour for the journey.
Where to Travel in Arusha
Arusha Region
Arusha Region (Swahili: Mkoa wa Arusha) is one of Tanzania’s 31 administrative regions and is located in the north of the country.
Karatu
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Mto wa Mbu
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Ngorongoro Crater
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Serengeti
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Tarangire
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Arusha City
Surrounded by rolling green farmland and enjoying a temperate climate, Arusha lies at the foot of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest peak
Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park houses Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,985 meters tall, the most indispensable mountain peak of Africa
Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park: Nestled away in the Great Rift Valley, just 2 hours from Arusha and on the way to Ngorongoro/Serengeti,
Getting around Arusha
It is possible to rent a car in Arusha but parking costs $0.50 per day throughout the city. It is far more common to hire a driver, and this is particularly useful for daytrips to Arusha National Park. If you are renting a vehicle, make sure that there is no charge for ‘extra kilometres’, as this can become expensive.
Dala dalas (small minibuses) are common throughout Tanzania and these only depart when they are full. They cost 400 TSH/person and they operate along the major roads throughout the day. You will find a large station on Stadium Street.
You can also take a bajaji (tuk-tuk) for a one-dollar ride to the city centre. None of these options are particularly comfortable or safe, but they do offer an authentic Tanzanian experience.
Taxis are available and they can usually be found parked in front of hotels. A ride across town should not cost more than $2.50.
Arusha FAQs
There are some Bureaus de Change in Arusha clustered around the Clock Tower, and some ATMs in the city centre. It is a good idea to stop by these before your safari to take out some notes. There are not many other options during the Northern Circuit and it is good to have cash to buy souvenirs or tip drivers and guides.
Arusha is relatively safe for tourists, but it is wise not to wear too much jewellery. The risk increases at night, and we do not recommend walking the streets after dark. But in general, the city is known for its welcoming atmosphere, and the people are very pleased to have such a thriving tourism economy, meaning the locals treat tourists well. We recommend that you travel the city by taxi since dala dalas (small minibuses) and bajajis (tuk-tuks) are more dangerous. A taxi ride across town should not cost more than $2.50.
On the one hand, you must visit Arusha on any trip to Tanzania – this is the starting point for some of Tanzania’s most famous sites, including Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. So, should you stay more than one night in Arusha? There is certainly plenty to do in the town – from cultural programmes, to museums, to shopping to day trips – there is enough to spend at least two days. If you already have a full itinerary, including hiking, safaris, and beach work in Zanzibar, then perhaps it is best to only stay one night in one of Arusha’s attractive plantation guesthouses.
Arusha is known for being the safari capital of Tanzania, and a popular stopover for adventurers who are preparing for a Kilimanjaro trek.
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Arusha Safari Tours and Travel Links
- 4 days Mount Meru Climb
- Arusha Airport - ARK
- Arusha airport Taxi and Shuttle
- Arusha Airport Transfer to Moshi
- Arusha Bus Terminals
- Arusha City Guide
- 3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Lake Manyara Day tour
- Machame route 7 Days Itenerary
- Marangu route 6 Days Itenerary
- Serengeti Trips
- Tanzania Work and residence permit
- Where to Eat in Arusha
- Arusha City Tour
- Arusha Maasai Village Tour
- Arusha National Park
- Arusha National Park Day Trip
- Arusha Online Shopping
- Arusha Tours and Safari
- Arusha Transfer to Kilimanjaro
- Day Trip to Kikuletwa Hot Spring
- Materuni Waterfall & Coffee tour
- Meserani Snake Park Tour
- Mount Kilimanjaro Day Trip – Hike
- Nairobi Airport transfers to Arusha
- Where to Stay in Arusha
- Day Trip to Ngorongoro Crater
- Hire a Mini Bus in Arusha
- Hire Safari Car Arusha
- How to get to Arusha
- Kilimanjaro 10 Days Lemosho
- Kilimanjaro airport transfers & Taxis
- Airport transfers to Mto wa Mbu
- Airport transfers to Serengeti
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Northern Circuit Tanzania National
- Volunteer in Arusha
- Things to do in Arusha
- Walking Safari in Arusha