Arusha – The Safari Capital of Northern Tanzania
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is often called the “Safari Capital” of Northern Tanzania. This vibrant hub serves as the perfect gateway to Tanzania’s iconic Northern Safari Circuit, offering easy access to some of the most famous wildlife destinations on the continent — including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
Blessed with a temperate climate, lush surroundings, and majestic mountain views, Arusha is more than a transit city — it’s a destination in its own right, offering cultural charm, adventure, and a taste of authentic Tanzanian life.
Location – Northern Tanzania
Arusha lies in northeastern Tanzania, approximately 90 kilometres (1.5 hours) southwest of Kilimanjaro International Airport and about 80 kilometres west of Moshi.
Perched at an elevation of 1,400 metres above sea level, the city enjoys cool, spring-like weather year-round and sits between Mount Kilimanjaro to the east and Ngorongoro Highlands to the west.
Its prime location makes it the starting point for most safaris across northern Tanzania and a convenient stopover for travellers en route to Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.
Unique Features
Gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit: Arusha is the launching point for trips to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks, making it the safari capital of East Africa.
Proximity to Two Great Mountains: The city sits beneath Mount Meru — Africa’s fifth-highest peak — and within sight of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest.
Arusha National Park: Just 30 minutes from the city, this underrated park features lush forests, alpine meadows, volcanic craters, and abundant wildlife, including giraffes, colobus monkeys, and flamingos.
Cultural Melting Pot: Home to Maasai, Meru, and other Tanzanian communities, Arusha offers rich cultural experiences, bustling markets, and friendly hospitality.
Activities in the Area
Arusha offers something for every traveller — from wildlife adventures to cultural immersion and mountain trekking:
Game Drives & Safaris: Use Arusha as your base to explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara — all within a few hours’ drive.
Arusha National Park: Take a day trip to this beautiful park for walking safaris, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and wildlife spotting beneath the slopes of Mount Meru.
Climb Mount Meru: Trek to the summit of Mount Meru (4,566 m), Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, for panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley.
Cultural Tours: Visit Maasai villages, craft markets, and local farms to learn about Tanzanian traditions and crafts.
Coffee Tours: Explore the coffee plantations surrounding Arusha, where you can follow the process from bean to cup and sample Tanzania’s finest brews.
City Exploration: Stroll through Arusha Central Market, visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, or relax in one of the city’s cafés overlooking Mount Meru.
Day Trips: Enjoy excursions to Kilimanjaro National Park, Materuni Waterfalls, or nearby hot springs for a refreshing escape.
Travel Information
How to Get There
By Air:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main gateway, located about 45 km (1 hour) from Arusha.
Alternatively, Arusha Airport (ARK) handles domestic flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Serengeti.By Road:
Arusha is well connected by highway to Moshi (80 km), Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. Shuttle services also operate to Nairobi, Kenya (approximately 5–6 hours).
Travel Distances
Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha: ~1 hour (45 km)
Arusha → Moshi: ~1.5 hours (80 km)
Arusha → Tarangire National Park: ~2 hours (120 km)
Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park: ~2.5 hours (125 km)
Arusha → Ngorongoro Conservation Area: ~3.5 hours (190 km)
Arusha → Serengeti National Park (Central): ~6 hours (320 km)
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June – October & December – February):
Perfect for safaris and trekking, with clear skies and good wildlife visibility.Wet Season (March – May & November):
The city and its surroundings are lush and green, ideal for photography, birdwatching, and cultural tours.
Why Include Arusha in Your Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Arusha is the heartbeat of Tanzania’s safari adventures — a place where wildlife, culture, and mountains converge.
Its strategic location, vibrant atmosphere, and accessibility make it an essential stop for anyone exploring Northern Tanzania.
Whether you’re preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, embark on a Serengeti safari, or simply relax amid mountain views and coffee aromas, Arusha offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.
Key Attractions
Mount Meru – Tanzania’s second-highest peak and a rewarding climb
Arusha National Park – giraffes, flamingos, forests, and craters
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater – world-famous safari destinations nearby
Cultural Heritage Centre – Tanzanian art, crafts, and history
Coffee Plantations – guided tours and tastings
Maasai Villages – cultural interaction and handicrafts
City Markets & Restaurants – local cuisine and vibrant culture
Mount Kilimanjaro – The Roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. Straddling the Kenya–Tanzania border, this iconic freestanding volcano rises to a staggering 5896 metres above sea level, making it Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing peak in the world.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park encapsulates an astonishing variety of ecosystems—from lush tropical rainforests and alpine meadows to barren high-altitude deserts and the glacial summit of Uhuru Peak. Its sheer scale, dramatic landscapes, and accessibility have made it a bucket-list destination for trekkers, climbers, and nature lovers worldwide.
Location
Located in northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro rises majestically from the open plains that border Amboseli National Park in Kenya. The surrounding Kilimanjaro National Park spans over 750 square kilometres, encompassing diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery.
Unique Features
Africa’s Tallest Peak: Standing at 5896 metres (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is both the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.
Triple Volcanic Cones: The mountain comprises three extinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo hosts Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point.
Five Ecological Zones: The climb traverses distinct zones—from cultivated farmland and rainforest to moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit—each with unique flora and fauna.
Glacial Ice Fields: Despite being near the equator, Kilimanjaro retains glacial ice fields and snowcaps, remnants of its once vast ice sheet.
Cultural Significance: The mountain holds deep spiritual meaning for the Chagga people, who live on its fertile lower slopes.
Activities in the Area
Mountain Climbing & Trekking: Take on the challenge of summiting Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. There are several established routes, each offering a unique combination of scenery, duration, and difficulty level:
Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola Route”) – The only route with hut accommodation; shorter and less steep, but with lower summit success rates.
Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”) – The most popular and scenic route, featuring diverse landscapes and a higher success rate due to better acclimatisation.
Lemosho Route – A longer, less crowded route through remote forest and moorland areas, offering excellent acclimatisation and stunning vistas.
Rongai Route – Approaches from the north near the Kenyan border; quieter, drier, and ideal during the rainy season.
Shira Route – Begins at a higher elevation on the western side, merging with Lemosho later; beautiful but recommended for experienced hikers.
Umbwe Route – The steepest and most direct ascent; best suited for seasoned climbers seeking a challenge.
Northern Circuit Route – The newest and longest route, offering exceptional acclimatisation, minimal crowds, and panoramic views from multiple aspects of the mountain.
Guided Nature Walks: Explore the lush lower slopes and foothills of Kilimanjaro, home to tropical forests, waterfalls, and wildlife such as blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
Cultural Experiences: Visit Chagga villages on the mountain’s lower slopes to learn about local traditions, coffee farming, and folklore tied to the mountain.
Travel Information
How to Get There
By Air: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 40 km from Moshi and 50 km from Arusha.
By Road: Accessible via well-paved roads from Arusha (2 hours), Moshi (1 hour), and Nairobi (5–6 hours via border crossing at Namanga).
Travel Distances
Arusha → Moshi: ~85 km (2 hours)
Moshi → Kilimanjaro National Park Gate: ~45 minutes
Kilimanjaro → Nairobi: ~300 km (5–6 hours)
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June – October):
Clear skies, minimal rain, and the best visibility for climbing.Short Dry Season (January – February):
Another excellent period for trekking with warm, stable weather.
Why Include Mount Kilimanjaro in Your African Safari Itinerary
Mount Kilimanjaro offers one of the world’s most unforgettable natural experiences — a chance to walk from equatorial forests to glacial peaks in a matter of days. Whether you’re summiting Africa’s highest point, exploring its biodiverse slopes, or marvelling at its beauty from afar, Kilimanjaro embodies the spirit of adventure and wonder that defines Africa.
Combining a Kilimanjaro trek with nearby safaris in Amboseli, Tarangire, or Serengeti National Parks makes for an unparalleled East African journey.
Key Attractions
Kilimanjaro National Park
Uhuru Peak (5896 m)
Kibo, Mawenzi & Shira Cones
Chagga Cultural Tours
Lush Rainforests & Waterfalls
Diverse Flora, Fauna & Birdlife
Avoid the long rains (March – May) and short rains (November) for the most comfortable trekking conditions.
As previously described
As previously described
