Arusha is a city of northern Tanzania surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. The city is beautifully situated below Mount Meru.
Arusha is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park.
Not far from the border with Kenya. Safari tours to Serengeti, Ngoronogoro, Manyara and Tarangire usually start in Arusha. The city is also an excellent base for visiting the Arusha National Park where you find a wide range of habitats, from the lakes where many water birds can be watched, through the highland montane forest and on up to the imposing summit of Mt. Meru.
What to see
Arusha National Park (137km˛) has terrain ranging from open savannah through acacia scrublands to Afro-mountain cloud and rain forest, and Afro-alpine vegetation similar to Mount Kilimanjaro. Mammal species include elephant, buffalo, various primates, giraffe and leopard. Hiking is allowed if accompanied by an armed guard, and the climb up Mount Meru is superb, often giving the best views available of Mount Kilimanjaro.
At 4,556m, Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa, and although it can be climbed in two days, it is far better to give it three days or more. Because of the low density of tourism, the chances of seeing forest animals and, especially, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, are far better than on Kilimanjaro. Take similar kit to that needed for Kilimanjaro, although it is significantly warmer on the summit – and much cheaper than climbing its neighbouring big brother.
The vast majority of tourists and tour operators generally overlook this gem of Tanzania. Arusha National Park (137km˛) has terrain ranging from open savannah through acacia scrublands to Afro-mountain cloud and rain forest, and Afro-alpine vegetation similar to Mount Kilimanjaro. There are several alkaline lakes, and the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater is unmissable.
Mammal species include elephant, buffalo, various primates, giraffe and leopard. Hiking is allowed if accompanied by an armed guard, and the climb up Mount Meru is superb, often giving the best views available of Mount Kilimanjaro.
At 4,556m, Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa, and although it can be climbed in two days, it is far better to give it three days or more. Because of the low density of tourism, the chances of seeing forest animals and, especially, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, are far better than on Kilimanjaro. Take similar kit to that needed for Kilimanjaro, although it is significantly warmer on the summit – and much cheaper than climbing its neighbouring big brother.
Arusha is not a particularly attractive city in itself and is regarded by many visitors as little more than a necessary stopover before their safari starts in earnest. However, the natural charm of the Tanzanians and the buzz of a fast-growing city mean that Arusha has plenty to offer for those who are prepared to see beyond their air-conditioned safari trucks and satellite-TV hotel rooms.
Getting there
Arusha is served by two airports. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) has regular flights to Amsterdam with KLM, and to Addis Abbaba, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi. Kilimanjaro Airport is approximately 60km (45 minutes) from the city centre. Arusha Municipal Airport is on the outskirts of the city but only runs domestic flights, mostly to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and charters.
Arusha can be reached by coach from Nairobi (6 hours) and Dar es Salaam (12 hours). Some companies offer first-class tickets which are slightly more comfortable although it is worth noting that standards are generally comparable with most African bus services. Moshi can be reached in about one hour. there are various shuttle buses between Arusha and Moshi which are more comfortable than coaches.
The main mode of public transport is daladala, the ubiquitous minibuses which ply their trade on all the main routes in town. Although very cheap (typically Tsh 200 for any trip within town) they will become very cramped and safety is a serious consideration. Taxis are plentiful and cheap.
What to do
Climb Mount Meru (4,667 m). It can be done in from 2 up to 4 days must be escorted by armed rangers. Temperatures can be freezing, so prepare for warm clothing and sleeping bags.
There is a craft market where you can shop around.
Where to eat
Arusha has a wide variety of restaurants and informal eating places, with a predominance of Indian cuisine.
The big bite Indian restaurant is somewhat expensive but the food is great, genuinely Indian.
Cafe Bamboo Restaurant - Higher end cafe/restaurant serves western, Indian and traditional African dishes.
Dragon Pearl Chinese food restaurant is located on Old Moshi Road
Khan's Chicken on the bonnet Pakistani BBQ.
Accommodation
Arush Accommodation is plentiful and caters to all ends of the scale. Maasai Camp (near the city centre) or the Snake Park (which is in a village called Meserani, about 16km out on the Dodoma Road). These are both bars and good services at a very low price.
For a quieter stay, Centre House, run by nuns is located a few minutes walk from the clock tower and offers basic rooms, both dormitory style and smaller rooms. Food and drink.
Meru House Inn located in the centre of town is another budget option with double rooms. It has clean rooms with shared toilet and showers. Has a very reasonably priced Indian restaurant on the ground floor.
There are many hotels in the centre of the town, including the international-grade Impala hotel and the New Arusha. At the highest end of the scale there are numerous luxurious lodges in and around the city, some of which offer stunning scenery and the best standard of accommodation. Worth a mention is the Kigongoni Lodge which is run by an NGO.
Advice
Arusha is a moderately safe city by African standards. Caution should be taken when walking around the city centre during the day as bag-snatching and camera thefts have been reported. It is not advisable to walk at night, alone or in groups - cabs are plentiful but fares should always be agreed upon at the start of a journey.
