Positive Impact Safari

Located to the north of Mount Meru in northeastern Tanzania, West Kilimanjaro is a concession south of Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Wild, unspoilt and often overlooked in a clamour for the peak, this extraordinary destination is a wonderful place for private game viewing, hiking, night drives, horse safaris, and more. Vast stretches of savannah dotted with acacia woodland and wild bush are home to large numbers of elephants, as well as wildebeest, buffalo, gerenuk, warthog, zebra, giraffe, lesser kudus, and shy predators such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, hyenas, and jackals. Abundant birdlife adds appeal - spot tawny eagles, Masai ostrich, and more. The ancient Masaai tribe lives here with their cattle among the wildlife and allows visitors to stay with them and learn about their unique culture.

Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania and is just an hour's drive from Kilimanjaro Airport. Situated at the foot of the majestic Mount Meru – with the imposing Kilimanjaro in the background – Arusha is an ideal base for safaris in the northern national parks.

The city is also called 'the heart of Africa', because it is supposedly located exactly halfway between Cape Town and Cairo – although the actual midpoint is 25 kilometres outside the city. Arusha is known to the locals as "A' Town". At an altitude of around 1,400 metres, you can enjoy a pleasant climate and predominantly green surroundings here, making Arusha the perfect place to acclimatise and relax before going on safari.

Arusha is vibrant and lively, with a colourful streetscape and friendly, hospitable people. Although the city does not have any 'must-see' tourist highlights, it is certainly worth taking a walk through the city and its surroundings on your own. During the day, it’s safe here and every corner offers new surprises.

Tourist attractions in Arusha

Cultural Heritage Center: A large, free art gallery full of inspiring artwork.

Sokoine Road: The lively main street with the local fruit and vegetable market.

Maasai Market: Ideal for souvenirs, from wooden statues to jewelry. Be warned, haggling is a must here.

National History Museum: An interesting museum with a wing dedicated to human evolution.

Shanga: A unique workplace for people with disabilities, where beautiful, sustainable products are made from recycled materials. After a free tour of the workshop, you can also visit the shop.

Restaurant tips in Arusha

Arusha offers a varied culinary offering, from authentic local dishes to international cuisines. Here are some of our favorites:

🍛 Amber Restaurant – Located in the center of Arusha, this Indian restaurant serves a wide range of delicious meals, with many vegetarian and vegan options.

🌄 Blue Heron – On the outskirts of Arusha, enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Meru, while experiencing Western flavors in an African ambiance.

☕ Kitamu Café – The perfect place for a delicious Tanzanian coffee, combined with exotic cakes, local specialties and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

🍴 George Taverne – This Greek restaurant in the center offers an extensive intercontinental menu. Ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner in a cozy garden.

🏨 Gran Melia – The most luxurious hotel in Arusha City, where you can enjoy a great view of the city from the roof terrace - as if you were in a large European metropolis.

🥗 Sanaa Coffeeshop – For tasty salads, juices, sandwiches and cakes in a relaxed setting.

☕ Kahawa Coffee Shop – Located on the grounds of Arusha Coffee Lodge and Shanga, where you can enjoy delicious coffee, cakes and juices. There’s even a chance to spot monkeys!

🍽 Local food – Authentic Tanzanian food is everywhere in town, such as wali maharage (rice and beans), pilau (spiced rice with vegetables), samosas or chapati (a type of pancake). If you see lots of local Tanzanians dining there, you know you’re in good hands.

Tarangire National Park, situated within Tanzania’s spectacular Manyara Region, is an awe-inspiring national park comprising of granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and free-roaming wildlife. During the annual dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. With lion being among the most commonly spotted animal, it is a rare day that a visitor does not spot this majestic animal prowling or grazing. Tarangire is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are seen regularly. This expansive area is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the wondrous mountains to the south.

Situated in the Crater Highlands in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is best known for its archaeological and geological significance, rich wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The conservation area encompasses the famous Crater, the renowned Olduvai Gorge and vast plains of grasslands, forests and mountains extending to the Serengeti. This 8000-square-kilometre protected area is recognised for its natural beauty and has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors flock here to soak up the spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater, voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, it is famed for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Popular activities include: mountain biking, hiking, game drives, bush walks, and visiting a local Maasai village.

Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterised by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite and scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more. Popular activities include: game viewing, cultural tours, horse riding safaris, and hot air ballooning over the spectacularly scenic terrain.

As previously described

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to its rich and eventful history, in which various nations have held power over the centuries, resulting in a unique mix of architectural styles and cultural influences. A city full of history and culture.

The city is located on a triangular peninsula on a natural harbour on the west coast of Zanzibar. A maze of narrow alleys leads you past atmospheric houses, colourful bazaars, traditional hamams and impressive mosques. The architecture is a fascinating combination of Arabic, Persian, Indian and European styles.

One of the reasons why Stone Town has retained its authentic character is the architectural style: all historic buildings are built from coral limestone. New buildings are only allowed to be built when old structures collapse, so that the stones can be reused. This allows the city to retain its centuries-old charm. Walking through the streets you will discover the diversity of architectural styles, especially visible in the beautifully carved doors and graceful balconies.

Until the 19th century, Stone Town was an important centre for the clove trade and the Arab slave trade. A visit to the Slave Museum offers an impressive insight into this dark period.

The city is bustling with life and is known for its winding streets full of impressive buildings, lively markets, the Sultan’s Palace and the iconic House of Wonders. The city’s traffic consists of pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds – cars simply cannot fit in the narrow alleys.

Stone Town is also the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead singer of Queen. In front of the house where he spent his early years stands a commemorative plaque and several display cases with memorabilia.

The city is home to over fifty mosques, six Hindu temples and both a Catholic and an Anglican cathedral. The chants from the mosques resonate throughout the city, adding to the unique atmosphere.

For an unforgettable experience, visit the old fort on the waterfront, the Palace Museum or the famous Forodhani Gardens, where you can enjoy a lively open-air market with delicious local food in the evening. End the day with a spectacular sunset from a high terrace.

Eating & Drinking in Stone Town

Stone Town offers a wide range of dining options, from local food stalls to stylish restaurants. Everything is within walking distance, making it easy to discover different flavours. Here are some recommendations:

☕ Zanzibar Coffee House Café – A cosy coffee shop with delicious coffee, fresh cakes, mini pizzas and sandwiches. Is it full? Check out the charming rooftop terrace with a beautiful view of the city.

🍛 Lukmaan Restaurant – An authentic and busy place where you can eat delicious local food for a low price. Fresh fish, fragrant curries and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The atmosphere is chaotic but cosy, loved by locals and tourists alike.

🌊 Livingstone Café – A relaxed spot right on the beach, where you can enjoy drinks and simple meals with your feet in the sand.

🌴 Forodhani Gardens – A great place to relax during the day, but the place to be in the evening. The gardens transform into a lively food market with stalls full of local specialties. A kind of food truck festival with exotic snacks, often prepared live.

🍕 La Taverna – An atmospheric Italian restaurant and pizzeria where you can eat delicious food for a fair price.

🌅 Emerson Spice – A unique dining experience on the rooftop terrace of this boutique hotel. The teahouse offers panoramic views over Stone Town. Come around 6pm for a sunset cocktail, followed by a luxurious five-course dinner with lots of fresh fish. The menu changes daily, a bit pricier but definitely worth it.

🎶 Emerson on Hurumzi – A magical night out. Here you can enjoy an exclusive three-course dinner on the roof terrace, sitting on cushions, surrounded by a 360-degree view of the city. Live Taarab music completes the experience. Reservations are essential.

Forming part of the spectacularly scenic Zanzibar Archipelago, the island of Unguja is home to the charming village of Bwejuu. It is a seaside village situated on the southeastern coast just below the magnificent Michamvi Peninsula. This tropical island paradise features unspoilt white-sand beaches shaded by palms and fringed by crystalline waters. Home to an array of luxury restaurants and spas, but for those looking to explore further afield, bikes and scooters can be rented in the village. Travellers flock here to discover the natural beauty of the idyllic coastline and all its hidden treasures. Popular activities include swimming, snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing and spending slow days soaking up the African sun on pristine picture-perfect beaches.