Arusha is known as the 'safari capital' of Tanzania. It is a pleasant town, lying at the foot of the dormant volcano Mt Meru. Arusha has a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere and offers a range of entertainment options, from museums through to bars and nightclubs. It has several good restaurants, including Via Via Cafe.
Arusha is the administrative capital of the Arusha Region and has a population of 270,485 according to the 2002 national census. There are good transport links to other areas of the country and it is possible to combine a Northern Circuit safari with a visit to almost any other park in Tanzania (including Mahale ond Gombe)< by flying from Arusha Domestic airport.
Because the Northern Circuit of Tanzania is so well developed for tourism there is accommodation to suit all budgets. Here we list a few of the options, but, if you have heard of another hotel that you would like to stay in, just let us know and we can book it for you. Most Tanzania safaris begin and end in Arusha, due to its proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro and the world famous Serengeti National Park.
The nearby Arusha National Park is good for both wildlife and hiking, with Tanzania's second highest peak, Mount Meru. See our hiking itineraries for detailed Meru treks. It is also possible to go canoing around the Momella Lakes, mountain biking, horse riding and visit local cultural projects
Arusha is the place to start a northern circuit Tanzania Safari. It is, as you would expect, a good place to buy souvenirs at the end of a safari before transferring to the nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
For more information on visiting Arusha or climbing Mt Meru, please contact us.
Arusha National Park more info ->
Considering its small size (137 sq km) Arusha National Park boasts a remarkable range of habitats - a miniature volcanic crater, highland rain forest, acacia woodland and a string of attractive lakes, as well as hosting Africa's fifth highest mountain, Meru.
Arusha Town more info ->
Arusha is a fairly large town, set in the heart of the fertile agricultuaral lands at the base of Mount Meru. Similar in appearance to many towns in East Africa, with old buildings left over from the colonial era alongside in increasing number of modern buildings. Arusha is the traditional starting point for a Northern circuit Tanzania Safari.
Mt Meru more info ->
Mt. Meru is part of the Arusha National Park located 45 km from Arusha town. The Park contains the 4556m high mountain (5th highest in Africa), Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella soda lakes, as well as thick cloud and montane forests, acacia woodlands and grasslands. Home to elephants, large herds of buffalo, bushbuck, giraffe and duiker, the park is the also a good place to observe the interesting black-and-white colobus monkeys.
