Arusha city: A lively place and the best starting point for a safari in northern Tanzania

Facts Arusha city:

  • Capital of the region of the same name Arusha
  • Approximately 420,000 inhabitants
  • Main starting point for your safari in the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania

Highlights: 

  • Visit to the nearby Arusha National Park
  • Climb Mount Meru, which is also not far away
  • Shopping for souvenirs at the Maasai market
  • Try fruit at one of the local markets and join in the hustle and bustle
Auf dem Markt in Arusha werden viel Obst und Gemüse angeboten
Shops in Arusha mit dem Gipfel des Mount Meru im Hintergrund
Wandbemalung in einer Lodge in Arusha "If you can only visit two continents in your lifetime. Visit Africa - twice!" (R. Elliot)

The city of Arusha at the foot of Mount Meru is home to more than 400,000 Tanzanians. Due to its elevation of around 1,400 meters, the climate in Arusha is not as hot and humid as in other regions of the country. Arusha is the administrative seat of the East African Community and was the location of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Rwandan Genocide until 2015. The city has some very beautiful and authentic souvenir stores to offer, where you can also buy the authentic blue-violet gemstone tanzanite, which is only found in northern Tanzania, during your Tanzania vacation. You can also admire and purchase sculptures, paintings and other works by local artists at the Cultural Heritage Center. If you also want to visit a local market, try typical food or enjoy an evening in a club with live music, Arusha is definitely worth a visit. We will be happy to show you the city afterwards or before your safari and give you tips on where to find what you are looking for. The proximity to Kilimanjaro International Airport and the northern national parks of Tanzania also make Arusha the best starting point for a Tanzania round trip in the north of the country. Either way, you will get to know the city at least once during your safari.