Arusha is a city located in the northern part of Tanzania, East Africa. It is a major tourist destination and serves as a hub for safaris to some of the most popular wildlife reserves in Africa, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.
Arusha, the gateway to the Northern Tanzania safari circuit, is a city situated at the foot of Mount Meru, the fifth-highest peak in Africa. Despite the fact that Arusha has its own airport, most visitors land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and then proceed to Arusha to connect to their next location. There are excellent lodging options in Arusha, frequently found on coffee plantations with views of Mount Meru, for those travelers who may need to spend the night there. There is a national park near Arusha as well, which is frequently disregarded but contains a variety of habitats and wildlife, including wetlands with hippos, forests with colobus and blue monkeys, and grasslands with elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Birdwatchers will love Arusha National Park, and tourists can learn about local customs by visiting markets, farms, and villages.
Mount Meru, a dormant volcano and Tanzania’s second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro, is situated at the foot of the city.
Along with having a diverse ethnic population that includes the Maasai, Chaga, and Meru, Arusha is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The best ways for tourists to get a taste of the local culture are to visit authentic Maasai villages, tour coffee and banana plantations, and watch tribal dance and music performances.
From luxury lodges and hotels to affordable hostels, the city offers a wide variety of lodging options. Additionally, there are a ton of eateries and bars that serve both regional and international cuisine. In the well-liked Arusha Central Market, shoppers can find everything from fresh produce to regional handicrafts.
Arusha is a hub for outdoor activities in addition to its cultural and safari offerings. On Mount Meru, hiking and trekking are very popular, and the nearby Arusha National Park provides opportunities for game drives, canoeing, and bird watching.
