Tours leaving from Arusha on Jul 1, 2026

The safari capital of Tanzania. Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit and a popular base for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Located at the foot of Mount Meru in northeastern Tanzania, Arusha City is the capital of the Arusha Region and has a population of about 617,630.

It is the largest city near Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the famous wildlife parks of northern Tanzania. Thus, Arusha is the main travel hub for Tanzania safaris to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. This bustling Tanzanian city has plenty of activities, restaurants, shops and accommodation options for travellers on various budgets.

Arusha Safari - Getting There

The closest international airport to Arusha is the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) about 50km (31 mi) east of the city. You can get direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from various local and international destinations in Europe, Africa and the Persian Gulf. A second, smaller airport, the Arusha Airport, also offers daily flights to Arusha from many local destinations.

Another popular way to reach Arusha is to catch a domestic flight from Dar-Es-Salaam (DAR) the largest city in Tanzania. One of the cheapest ways of getting to Arusha from abroad is to fly to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya. From Nairobi, you can take a shuttle or bus (about a 5-hour drive) to Arusha in northern Tanzania, crossing at the Namanga border (check visa requirements for Kenya and Tanzania). Another way to cut costs is to fly to the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (southern Tanzania) and then travel north to Arusha by road, but this drive is longer (12 hours) and not as cheap as driving from Nairobi.

Compare budget safaris that start or end in Arusha, or visit Arusha en route, or v

Arusha Accommodation

Arusha has many accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From low-key campgrounds and peaceful lodges on the fringes of Arusha to luxurious hotels and lively backpacker hostels in the vibrant city, there are plenty of places to stay.

Some of our affordable Tanzania safaris include an overnight stay or two in Arusha city or on the city outskirts. For East African safaris that begin and/or end in Arusha, accommodation is often not included in your tour price and needs to be booked separately. This enables you to choose the best Arusha accommodation option for your safari budget, travel plans and preferences. 

For help choosing and booking your ideal accommodation in Arusha, at no extra cost, contact African Budget Safaris.

Things to Do in Arusha - Activities & Attractions

Arusha is a bustling city with plenty of activities and attractions. There is a diverse range of things to do in Arusha, from cultural and historical to outdoor, contemporary, and tribal African experiences.

The Best Things to Do in Arusha

• Arusha City Walking Tour and Guided Arusha Tour (with transport)
• German and British colonial architecture
• Museums including The Boma Museum & Natural History Museum and Makonde Museum of Carved Masks
• Historical sites like the Clock Tower in the city centre
• The Cultural Heritage Centre with a museum, restaurant, spice centre, shops, and sculpture garden
• Local markets selling art, curios, local textiles, food, electronics etc.
• Lively nightlife, restaurants, cafes, shops and nightclubs
• Tanzanite Experience (tanzanite history and gems for sale)
• Coffee Tours and Experiences in and around Arusha

Activities & Attractions near Arusha City

• Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike
• Hike to Materuni Waterfalls
• Meserani Snake Park and Maasai Museum
• Visit Kikuletwa Hot Springs near Arusha
• Hal-day or full-day safari in Arusha National Park
• Day safari to Ngorongoro Crater
• Shanga Art Centre (glasswork, jewellery, beads, clothing, shopping and restaurant)
• Maasai Village Visit

See 16 Things To Do In Arusha, Tanzania for more ideas and details.

Is Arusha Safe?

Arusha is considered a relatively safe place to visit with Tanzania consistently rated as one of the safest countries to visit in Africa.

Avoid flashing jewellery and cash. Be aware of your belongings, especially at local markets where pickpockets sometimes target unsuspecting tourists. As is often the case in cities across the planet, avoid walking in the city after dark.

To learn more about Arusha in Tanzania, visit our free Arusha Safari Guide.