Tanzania

Arusha

Safari capital of East Africa — gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro

2 areas to explore3 photos6 packages

About Arusha

Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa — the gateway city for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and now, championship golf safaris. 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 in highland conditions before the main event on the Serengeti. 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.

Wildlife & Ecosystems

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 golf safari.

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Areas Within 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 golf safari.

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.

Getting to Arusha

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 golf safari packages include airport-to-hotel transfers.

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