Arusha City

Arusha city also known as A-Town is located in the northern highlands of Tanzania, beneath the two peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the safari capital of the country.

Guests embarking on the popular northern safari circuit all stop in the ‘Geneva of Africa’ to prepare for their journeys into the African bush.

From two-lane streets, the dramatic crater of Mt. Meru stands over the town like a majestic sentinel, its crater strewn with thick clouds, its slopes dark with verdant forest.

Arusha’s ideal location near the major national parks and its highland setting make it a peaceful idyll of relaxation before the start of an exciting journey.

Built by the Germans as a center of colonial administration in the early 20th century, Arusha was a sleepy town with a garrison stationed at the old boma and a few shops around a grassy roundabout.

From its backwater status amidst the farmlands and plantations of northern Tanzania, today Arusha is one of the country’s most prosperous towns.

Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the East African Community.

Since 1994, the city has also hosted the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

It is a multicultural city with a majority Tanzanian population of mixed backgrounds: indigenous Bantu, Arab-Tanzanian, and Indian-Tanzanian population, plus a small White European and white American minority population.

Religions of the Arusha population are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu.

The current site of Arusha was first settled in the 1830s by the agro-pastoral Arusha Maasai from the Arusha Chini community, south of Mount Kilimanjaro.

They traded grains, honey, beer, and tobacco with the pastoral Kisongo Maasai in exchange for livestock, milk, meat, and skins.

Demand for Arusha’s foodstuffs increased substantially during the 1860s when the Pangani Valley trade route was extended through Old Moshi, Arusha, and ultimately to western Kenya. Although it was not yet a town, it was a regional center and had a number of urban features.

Despite its proximity to the equator, Arusha’s elevation of 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) on the southern slopes of Mount Meru keeps temperatures relatively low and alleviates humidity.

Cool dry air is prevalent for much of the year. The temperature ranges between 13 and 30 degrees Celsius, with an average of around 25 degrees.

It has distinct wet and dry seasons and experiences an eastern prevailing wind from the Indian Ocean, a couple of hundred miles east.

Why You Should Visit  Arusha?

Unshakable culture

Arusha consists of over 100 nationalities, making it diverse in terms of culture. You can also participate in a cultural tourism program where trips are organized to visit nearby villages.

Amazing architecture and historical monuments

Find out about Tanzania’s cultural, social, and political history by visiting the Arusha Declaration Museum.

Visit the Natural History Museum off Boma Road to learn all about human evolution.

Breathtaking landscape

Mount Meru provides a beautiful backdrop to Arusha. Marvel at the waterfalls of Arusha National Park or enjoy a camel safari on the lower slopes.

An exciting food scene

Dine on Nyama Choma (roast meat), and enjoy some biryani, pilau, or chapati.

Look for delicious roadside snacks on the streets of Arusha or visit the Arusha Farmers Market for a wide selection of Tanzanian delicacies.

Quiet scenery

Take a stroll in the gardens and sample some organic food at the eco-restaurant.

Stop for some cocktails as you watch the sunset, listen to the birds, and relax on the comfy day beds across many accommodations in Arusha.

Things to do in Arusha

Cultural Tourism

These are the unique experiences to be found in Arusha. Being the heart of Tanzania’s safari, Arusha remains an iconic city to visit while in Tanzania.

The beauty of nature and lifestyle entertain every traveler who dares to visit.

Many tourism activities are the core culture of this city, and many cultural program centers have been developed to entertain and educate travelers visiting Tanzania.

These programs become the backbone of these communities. Through sustainable tourism life of these people have been transformed.

Once you’re in Arusha don’t forget to give a visit to cultural centers. Support the economies of these communities by purchasing handmade products from beads, art, and unique design clothes offered by women groups or youths.

Visiting Arusha exposes you to different cultural centers, we hope you will enjoy reading and learning and if you wish to get more information, do not hesitate to talk with our team. We offer the following-day tour programs

Mountain Climbing

Arusha is the gateway to all three volcanic mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Oldonyo Lengai.

Apart from these great mountains, Arusha is surrounded by many hills which makes this region more attractive.

Mount  Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Meru is the second-tallest mountain in Tanzania but also the fifth-tallest mountain in Africa.

The Oldoinyo Lengai is the best mountain to climb too, It is the only active volcanic mountain in Tanzania.

Many people living in Arusha, especially youth are mountaineers, it is easy to plan your climb while in Arusha, there are many tour operators that offer mountain climbing activities and if unfortunately, you didn’t bring your own gear, it is easy to get them for rental.

You can choose one of our tours from 3 3-day Meru trek, 5 5-day Marangu route, 5 5-day Oldonyo Lengai hiking, 7 7-day Machame route, or 8 8-day Lemosho route climbing.

Waterfalls Hiking

The weather in Arusha is absolutely good for hiking, one of the best short tours that you must never miss while in Arusha is waterfall hiking (a day trip tour).

The waterfalls lie just inside the Mount Meru forest reserve in the Northeast of Arusha town, just 3 hour’s walking, or 45 minutes drive from Arusha town.

One must get an entry permit before descending the waterfalls. There are no dangerous animals, but the forest is protected by the park rangers.

We arrange biking and cycling tours from Arusha town to waterfalls where you will enjoy nature around the Masai villages and their culture

Biking tour

The weather of Arusha is convincing for bike riding, you can enjoy bicycle riding around the Masai villages on the rough roads which are less crowded.

Biking is not only leisure but also a great exercise to keep your body fit and fight against some diseases including heart attack, diabetes, respiratory systems, stress, and anxiety, and help improve our immunity.

Apart from health benefit, biking tours is one of the best practice for responsible tourism with no impact on the environment and the ecology.

Riding to the top of Africa is the dream of every biker visiting Tanzania.

Through tour operators, you can arrange Mount Kilimanjaro bike trekking through the Kilema route or Londros gate, the trip takes up to five (5) days with proper acclimatization.

Other professional bikers travel with their bikes, but others prefer renting options while in Tanzania.

Is a unique experience endowed with a passion to conquer the Mighty Mountain of Africa! Mount Kilimanjaro.

Wildlife Safaris

Arusha is the gateway for premium safari destinations, Arusha is the starting point for most of the well-known safari destinations in Africa.

You can visit either Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park.

There are many tour operators in Arusha who offer wildlife safaris, and most of them offer good services, at different prices depending on your budget.

The service quality varies depending on what you’re willing to pay.

Remember that many of these multiple safari options are available in the same areas and parks and what differs only is the accommodation facilities offered, not the wildlife and the scenery that you will see.

Tanzania Safaris is unique, whether you book a budget camping safari, luxury camping, or lodging safari.

Tanzanite Mining Experience

Tanzanite is only mined in Arusha (Mirerani) in Tanzania and is not available in other parts of the world.

When you visit Arusha, make sure you reach the Tanzanite gallery in Mirerani where you can see cutting and various gemstones on display.

The tour will proceed to the mining area on the hills, where you will get to know how mining is done in the area.

Here one will identify various other gemstones found near these blue rocks such as Green garnet, moonlight, and red light.

Your walk inside the tunnels to the blue rock surface is a lifetime adventure where you will learn how Tanzanite is explored from such hard rocks and then collected ready to be sold at the local market or processed for export.

Getting out of the mining area to the local market of Tanzanite, one will be amazed by a beautiful view of Mount Meru and the roof of Africa ‘ Kilimanjaro’

Maasai Market and Shopping

While in Arusha, you can visit one of the famous Maasai markets known as Ngaramtoni.

This is a special market on Thursday and Sunday where the Maasai people from different places in Arusha meet together to sell and buy cows, ships, and goats.

Apart from the cattle auction, the Maasai people also sell different local medicines (herbs) Maasai clothes, shoes, and souvenirs.

Nowadays, the market is growing bigger and more popular, so different businesses are going on daily.

This place is also among the popular places where you can get grilled meat, popular as the “nyama choma” The market is easily accessible, and it is possible to use private or public transport. There are small buses running daily from town to the market.

Tanzania Travel Tips

Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.

Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.

Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.

The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.

Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park’

(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.

Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.