Arusha

About Arusha

Arusha is the starting point for Tanzania's famed Northern Circuit and the base for many safari operators in the region. It is also a beautiful spot in its own right and well worth a night or two at the start or end of your trip to relax and unwind. Boasting stunning views to Mount Meru and some beautiful coffee plantations to visit, as well as the Arusha and Mount Meru National Parks there is plenty to keep you occupied for a couple of days here and you will find your stay very rewarding.

Accommodation in and around Arusha is varied in style, but we love the traditional Arusha Coffee Lodge, which is nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. The feel here is very laid back and relaxed, with superb food and lovely gardens where you can relax after your overnight flight and connection to Kilimanjaro. Lake Duluti Serena Hotel is another excellent option, a little larger but still offering a relaxing atmosphere and stunning views. 

Although many people pass straight through Arusha, there are a plethora of activities to enjoy in the area. The coffee plantations for which the region is so well known are very interesting to visit and you learn about the cultivation of coffee beans and how they get from the plantations to your cup. You will be able to watch the beans being roasted and ground before enjoying a cup of the freshest coffee you could ever wish to taste. The Arusha National Park lacks the predators you will see later on in your adventure, but nonetheless, it is a beautiful park with its series of lakes and exquisite views across to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Do consider stopping for a day or two in Arusha, it will help you relax after your overnight flight and will recharge your batteries for what will be a busy safari journey ahead. You may even find a new favourite blend of coffee during your stay!

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• January to March - Warm and dry, a lovely time of year to spend some time in Arusha
• April and May - Tanzania's long rains and the wettest time of year to be here
• June to September - The temperatures rise throughout this period and everywhere starts to get a lot busier - the most popular time of year for safaris in Tanzania
• October to December - Another great period to be here, the warmest time of year and excellent for safaris

Wildlife

The pattern of a zebra's stripes are unique to each individual zebra

Warthog - Africa Travel

Giraffes can run as fast as 35 miles per hour

African Buffalos have a symbiotic relationship with many African birds such as the Oxpecker

Colobus babies are born pure white and gradually change to their adult colour as they get older

In The Know

• Arusha is the half-way point on the old colonial Cairo to Cape Town road with the old clock tower in the town marking the spot
• Nearby Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano and at 14,977 ft high, is the tenth highest mountain in Africa
• Coffee is Tanzania's largest export crop. Enjoy an exclusive coffee tour from Arusha Coffee Lodge and relax in the colonial splendour with the freshest, quality cup-a-joe
• Don't be offended if you get called 'Mzungu' by the locals - this is their common term for foreigners and stems from the local language use for 'white farmer'