"Your Gateway to African Adventure and Culture"
Arusha Tourism
Arusha City, often dubbed the "Safari Capital" of Tanzania, is a small town nestled in the country's northern region. Arusha serves as the starting point for incredible adventures, like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring Tanzania's famous national parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Beyond its role as a gateway to wildlife wonders, Arusha is a place to experience local culture.
With the magnificent Mount Meru standing guard nearby, Arusha is a haven for those seeking outdoor thrills. Trekking enthusiasts can take on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, the fifth-highest peak in Africa. The city also hosts wildlife conservation centres, diverse culinary experiences, and a bustling Maasai Market. Arusha invites visitors to not only embark on unforgettable safari adventures but also to explore its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and captivating landscapes.
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Must Know Before You Travel to Arusha
- Gateway Town: Arusha is commonly seen as a stopover for safaris. However, if you have some extra time, explore the vibrant town with its blend of colonial and modern architecture.
- Local Transportation: Arusha offers affordable taxis, minivans (dala-dala), and motorbike taxi options for getting around the city.
- Inter-Country Travel: If you're driving from Nairobi, remember you'll need separate visas for Kenya and Tanzania, along with a yellow fever vaccination certificate for border crossings.
- Diverse Population: Arusha is a diverse city with various communities, including Iraqw, Hadzabe, Maasai, South Asian, and European residents.
- Advance Booking: Book accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak season from June to October.
Things To Do In Arusha
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Shopping in Arusha
Arusha offers diverse market experiences. Guided tours from your lodge can be helpful for first-time visitors.
- Shanga, situated at Arusha Coffee Lodge, showcases over 70 differently-abled artisans crafting high-quality products using various techniques and recycled materials.
- The Cultural Heritage Centre is a unique collection of galleries and boutiques featuring African artists, wildlife sculptures and a wide range of mementoes.
- The Tanzanite Experience offers ethically mined Tanzanite gems and an adjoining museum for an educational visit.
- The Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre, managed by MWEDO, supports Maasai women and girls through funky jewellery inspired by traditional designs.
- The Kilombero Market is a lively spot for fresh produce, spices, and more, providing a vibrant sensory experience.
- Explore the Maasai Market for colourful clothing, beads, jewellery, and other unique finds. A tip for market shopping is to start at the back with less-crowded traders for potential bulk deals.
Nightlife in Arusha
Arusha offers a lively nightlife that may not match big cities but has its unique charm. You'll find bars and clubs like Masai Café with live music and dancing, Triple-A with a mixed crowd, and the relaxed Blue Canoe offering good drinks and pool tables. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, with a mix of music from local hits to international tracks. Popular nightclubs among both locals and foreigners in Arusha include AQ Club, Babylon, Velocity, Colobus Club, Maasai Camp, Triple A, 777, and Polygon Triangle.
History of Arusha
Arusha's history is closely tied to its location. It was initially a crucial trade centre for the Waarusha people, later becoming a German military base in the late 1800s. In World War I, it was taken over by the British and eventually became part of British East Africa. In 1961, it joined the newly independent nation of Tanganyika, which later merged with Zanzibar to form Tanzania.
The city's historical significance is seen in the Arusha Declaration of 1967, where Tanzania's first president, Julius Nyerere, introduced a vision of socialism and self-reliance that left a lasting impact on the country. Today, Arusha is a diverse city known for its diplomatic role, rich culture, and as the gateway to remarkable natural attractions like Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The city's historical significance is seen in the Arusha Declaration of 1967, where Tanzania's first president, Julius Nyerere, introduced a vision of socialism and self-reliance that left a lasting impact on the country. Today, Arusha is a diverse city known for its diplomatic role, rich culture, and as the gateway to remarkable natural attractions like Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Safety in Arusha
- Avoid walking alone or in groups at night; take cabs, but ensure fares are agreed upon in advance as they lack meters.
- Refrain from using motorcycle taxis, particularly at night outside of clubs, as thieves may take advantage.
- Exercise caution in the city centre and certain areas, especially when walking with backpacks or bags, and consider taking a cab when arriving or leaving.
- Be prepared for approaches by touts, who are usually harmless; avoid engaging with them and simply say "hapana asante" (no thank you) if approached.
- Consider taking a guide when walking in areas beyond the central district, especially near the notorious mugging spot at the bridge on Old Moshi Road.
- If sitting alone in the park near the bridge, be prepared for police to approach and insist that you leave.
Travel Tips for Arusha
- Flying to Safaris: For safaris in Tanzania's Northern circuit, consider flying directly to bush airstrips near national parks like Serengeti for added convenience, although it can be a bit pricier.
- Taxis: Taxis are easy to find and quite affordable. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Carry Cash: Cash is handy for shopping and tipping, especially as smaller shops may not accept credit cards.
- Stay Alert for Pickpockets: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Safeguard your valuables by keeping them in bags on your lap.
- ATMs & Currency Exchange: Get some Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) at Bureaus de Change near the Clock Tower or ATMs in the city centre before your safari for shopping and tipping.
- Local Customs: Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking before taking photos of people, particularly in Maasai villages.
- Water: Tap water is generally not potable. Stick to bottled water.
Best Time to Visit Arusha
How to Reach Arusha
How to Reach Overview
You have two airports, Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) for domestic flights and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for both domestic and international travel. By road, you can reach Arusha from cities like Nairobi, Moshi, and Dar-es-Salaam. There are also shuttle services available from Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam to Arusha.
How to reach Arusha by flight
Arusha is conveniently accessible through two airports: Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) for domestic flights and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for both domestic and international travel. Hotels in Arusha are located about 15-60 minutes from these airports.
Arusha Airport (ARK) serves as a popular choice for tourists with daily flights from various local destinations, making it well-connected to major airports in Tanzania. Flight costs typically range from $100 to $300 per person.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the nearest international airport, offers daily flights from local, African, and international airlines. The drive to Arusha hotels from JRO takes about an hour.
Arusha Airport (ARK) serves as a popular choice for tourists with daily flights from various local destinations, making it well-connected to major airports in Tanzania. Flight costs typically range from $100 to $300 per person.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the nearest international airport, offers daily flights from local, African, and international airlines. The drive to Arusha hotels from JRO takes about an hour.
How to reach Arusha by road
Arusha is accessible by road from cities like Nairobi (Kenya), Moshi, and Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania). The 85-kilometre journey from Moshi to Arusha takes about 2 hours and costs $100 for a private transfer, making it a convenient option for those finishing a Kilimanjaro trek.
If you plan to travel by road from Nairobi, be aware that you'll require separate visas for Kenya and Tanzania. Private transportation between Nairobi and Arusha is available at $250 per vehicle.
The road trip from Dar-es-Salaam to Arusha spans approximately 620 kilometres and takes 11-12 hours.
If you plan to travel by road from Nairobi, be aware that you'll require separate visas for Kenya and Tanzania. Private transportation between Nairobi and Arusha is available at $250 per vehicle.
The road trip from Dar-es-Salaam to Arusha spans approximately 620 kilometres and takes 11-12 hours.
How to reach Arusha by bus
Shuttles from Nairobi to Arusha typically last about 6-6.5 hours, encompassing border crossings, with an approximate cost of $35 per person. On the other hand, the bus journey from Dar-es-Salaam to Arusha comes to around $45 per person.
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