Arusha
Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa - the gateway city for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and Tanzania's new Safari + Golf circuits.
Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa - the gateway city for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and Tanzania's new Safari + Golf circuits. Set at 1,400 metres on the slopes of Mount Meru, the city enjoys a temperate climate, vibrant markets, and a growing collection of world-class hotels. For golfers, the Arusha Golf Course offers a pleasant warm-up round before the safari-led journey continues north. Gran Melia Arusha provides five-star accommodation in coffee-plantation gardens, while the city's restaurants serve increasingly sophisticated cuisine blending Tanzanian, Indian, and international influences.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Arusha's highland climate is pleasant throughout the year with temperatures of 15-28 degrees Celsius. The short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May) bring occasional afternoon showers but rarely disrupt travel plans.
What You'll See
Arusha National Park, just 30 minutes from the city centre, is home to giraffe, buffalo, colobus monkeys, flamingos, and over 400 bird species. Mount Meru (4,566m) dominates the skyline and offers a challenging 3-4 day trek for those wanting to add altitude to their safari and golf journey.
Getting There
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is 50 km east of the city - approximately 45 minutes by road. Arusha Airport handles domestic flights to the Serengeti, Zanzibar, and other bush airstrips. Most Safari + Golf packages include airport-to-hotel transfers.
Arusha in Pictures
Where to Go in Arusha
Arusha National Park
Walking safaris, Momella Lakes, Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro views
A compact gem just 30 minutes from the city, offering walking safaris among giraffe and buffalo, canoe trips on the Momella Lakes, and views of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. The perfect half-day excursion before or after a Safari + Golf journey.
Mount Meru
4,566m summit — Africa's fifth-highest peak
Africa's fifth-highest peak at 4,566 metres, offering a challenging 3-4 day trek through montane forest and alpine desert. Often used as an acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru provides a rewarding trek in its own right with summit views that stretch to Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
Arusha Safari + Golf
Lodges in Arusha
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