_-_Flickr_-_romanboed.jpg){kind=link}
Arusha
Africa · Tanzania
See also
Moshi
Tanzania3.36°S 37.34°E · 830 m
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Tanzania3.21°S 35.46°E
Nairobi
Kenya1.28°S 36.82°E · 1,661 m
Overview
Arusha is a city of approximately 416,000 people in the northeast of Tanzania, regarded as the gateway to the popular Northern Safari Circuit. It sits at the foot of Mount Meru, Africa's 5th highest mountain, offering a pleasant climate and lush environment.
Languages: English, Swahili
Why go?
Arusha is a city of approximately 416,000 people in the northeast of Tanzania, regarded as the gateway to the popular Northern Safari Circuit. It sits at the foot of Mount Meru, Africa's 5th highest mountain, offering a pleasant climate and lush environment. While not particularly attractive itself, it's a necessary stopover for safaris and cultural excursions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The main mode of public transport is "daladala" minibuses, which are very cheap and run on all main routes. Taxis are plentiful; standard fare for a small trip in town is Tsh 4,000-16,000 depending on distance. Car hire is possible but most companies prefer to provide drivers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Key attractions include the Arusha Declaration Museum, dedicated to the 1967 Arusha Declaration defining African socialism, and the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre. The Tanzania Tourist Board can arrange cultural excursions to nearby villages for Tsh 15,000-50,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Century Cinema shows movies for Tsh 5,000-7,000. Climbing Mount Meru (4,667 m) can be done in 3-4 days, guided by armed rangers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
Arusha has a variety of restaurants, with Indian cuisine predominant. Popular places include Africafe Coffee House (cakes from Tsh 5,000) and Khan's Chicken on the Bonnet (Tsh 4,500-9,000/person). For Nyama Choma (roast meat), Nick Bar in Njiro is popular. Street fare costs as little as US$0.40. Nightclubs like Velocity and Colobus Club are popular.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury. Maasai Camp (45 min walk) and Snake Park (16 km out) are popular budget options. Meru House Inn offers double rooms for Tsh 7,000 but has theft issues. For mid-range, Arusha Torch Budget Inn from US$30 double.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
It is not advisable to walk at night; take taxis. Avoid motorcycle taxis. Attacks on tourists occur in the city centre and along Old Moshi Road. Avoid drinking tap water due to high fluoride. In 2013-2014, bomb attacks targeted religious sites and restaurants.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Arusha, you can visit Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Annexe at L'Oasis Lodge
12 twin bedded rooms in the gardens surrounding the main lodge in the village Sekai, including access to lodge facilities. About 10 min drive from the town centre. Bookings not essential but much appreciated.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arusha Backpackers
A restaurant and a bar on the top floor of the hotel. An internet cafe on the top floor for quick browsing. The other facilities available are 24 hr hot water facility in the bathrooms, a TV room, a reading room and also a massage room. They charge around Tsh 40,000 for 1 hour of massage.
Recorded price: US$20/dbl
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arusha Naaz Hotel
A good option for travellers on a budget who still want a private room with a/c, TV and internet Wifi in a safe, central location. Very pleasant staff and good restaurant.
Recorded price: US$50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arusha Torch Budget Inn
Clean and bright spacious rooms as well as friendly staff and the central location make this a welcoming place attracting both tourist and business travelers. Breakfast includes a delicious fruit juice, coffee/tea, omelet and some bread & jam.
Recorded price: dbl from US$30 (incl. breakfast)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arusha by Night Annexe
Budget hotel located by the stadium and bus stations. Double rooms for Tsh 35,000 (October 2019). Basic breakfast included. Hot water only at certain times. Road-side rooms are very noisy.
Recorded price: Tsh 35000 for a double room
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
BaseCamp Tanzania
Hostel accommodation, in-house meals, wireless internet.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Briston Hotel
5-star hotel with spacious, clean rooms.
Recorded price: double US$50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Kigongoni Lodge
Run by an NGO. All the profits go to support a local school for mentally handicapped children so that you can stay in luxury while helping the nearby community.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Activities
Cultural tourism excursions to nearby villages: Tsh 15,000-50,000.
Money
Bargaining is expected at markets. Taxi fares must be agreed before journey.
Safety
Do not walk at night. Avoid motorcycle taxis. Beware of attacks in city centre and Old Moshi Rd.
Transport
Taxis: Tsh 4,000-16,000 for town trips. Daladala minibuses are very cheap.
Water
Avoid tap water due to unusually high fluoride levels.