Arusha travel guide
Arusha Tourism | Arusha Guide
You're Going to Love Arusha
Arusha sits in expansive volcanic land in the foothills of Mount Meru. Viewing Arusha simply as a safari destination is not doing it justice, as it offers superb views of Kilimanjaro, beautiful scenery, and amazing architecture. Whether you're traveling on a budget or have some money to splurge, Arusha has something for everyone.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Arusha
1. Intriguing Culture
Arusha consists of over 100 nationalities, making it diverse in terms of culture. You can also participate in cultural tourism program where trips are organized to visit nearby villages.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. An Exciting Food Scene
Dine on Nyama Choma (roast meat), 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.
5. Quiet Scenery
Take a stroll in the Themi Living Gardens and sample some organic food at the eco-restaurant. Stop at the Mulberry and sip some cocktails as you watch the sun set, listen to the birds, and relax on the comfy day beds.
Where to Eat in Arusha
Visit Africafe coffee house for amazing coffee, burgers, salads, and delicious pastries. Visit the Café Bamboo restaurant for Indian, Western, and traditional African dishes. Lunch will cost you TZS 50,000 and dinner typically in the range of TZS 100,000.
When to visit Arusha
High season in Arusha falls between June to September, when you can easily spot wild animals. The driest season is from June through October, while the long rainy season begins from March to May.
How to Get to Arusha
Plane
Visitors getting in to Arusha can enter via Kilimanjaro International Airport or the Arusha Airport. You can access Arusha via a shuttle for TZS 22,355 or by taking a cab, which will cost you TZS 111,775.
Car
You can choose to drive in from Nairobi or Dar-es-Salaam via the Nairobi-Mombasa Road.
Bus
You can take an express coach from Nairobi to Arusha. From Dar-es-Salaam, it will take you 12 hours. Arusha has direct bus services available from Tanga, Mwanza, and Lushoto. You can take a shuttle bus between Arusha and Moshi.
Airlines serving Arusha
Where to stay in Arusha
Luxurious lodges in and around the city offer stunning scenery and a world-class standard of accommodation; Arusha Hotel and Impala Hotel are some of the hotels located in the center of the town.
Popular neighbourhoods in Arusha
Kijenge - Kijenge is three miles away from Arusha and features a variety of attractions such as Lake Duluti, a crater lake.
Sakina - a newly built area on the slopes of Mount Meru, Sakina is strategically located on the northern side of Arusha. It provides a quick getaway to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Tengeru - Tengeru is easily accessible by bus; try grinding your own coffee or just wander the streets and marvel at this beautiful village.
Where to stay in popular areas of Arusha
Most booked hotels in Arusha
How to Get Around Arusha
Public Transportation
The main mode of transportation in Arusha are the minibuses, commonly referred to as daladala. They are cheap; any trip around town costs TZS 400.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available and a trip within the city center should cost you TZS 5,000.
Car
Arusha has plenty of car rental companies although most of them prefer to provide their own drivers. If you wish to drive, exercise great caution as the roads can be difficult to navigate to those unfamiliar with the area. You can rent a simple car for TZS 55,000 per day or an SUV for TZS 110,000 per day.
The Cost of Living in Arusha
Shopping Streets
Arusha offers a wealth of traditional artifacts between India Road and the Clock Tower. Explore the Central Market, which boasts an array of African curios and Maasai blankets at a reasonable price.
Groceries and Other
Arusha has big supermarket brands like Nakumatt and Clock Tower Supermarkets that provide a wide range of fresh and organic produce. You can also visit the Central Market for some groceries. A week of groceries will cost you TZS 250,000.