Arusha, home to more than 600,000 people, sits at 1,400 m elevation on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, in the shadow of Mount Meru. Widely known as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, the city sits within easy reach of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara and Kilimanjaro, making it the starting point for most northern Tanzania itineraries.
The city at a glance
- Population of more than 600,000, at 1,400 m elevation below Mount Meru
- Sits on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley’s Eastern branch
- Gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Kilimanjaro
- Serves as the capital of the East African Community and hosts the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
A city of diplomacy and history
Beyond its safari-gateway role, Arusha carries real diplomatic weight: the 1967 Arusha Declaration, a foundational document of Tanzania’s post-independence policy, was signed here, and the city later hosted the 1993 Rwanda peace accords and the 2000 Burundi peace agreement. This history has given Arusha a level of international infrastructure unusual for a city of its size in East Africa.
A base for northern Tanzania
Most northern-circuit safaris begin or end in Arusha, with the city’s airport and network of tour operators supporting everything from short Ngorongoro excursions to multi-week Serengeti and Kilimanjaro combinations. The nearby, separate Arusha National Park adds a compact wildlife and hiking option close to the city itself.
Things to do
- Arranging and launching a northern circuit safari
- Visiting local markets and the Maasai cultural exhibits around the city
- Day outings to nearby Arusha National Park
Practical information
- Served by Kilimanjaro International Airport, roughly 45 minutes away, and Arusha’s smaller domestic airport
- A natural starting or ending point for a northern Tanzania safari
- Mild, temperate climate thanks to its elevated setting
Arusha is the practical and historic heart of northern Tanzania’s safari circuit. Offmap Safaris can build it into the start or end of a Tanzania itinerary. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.
