Arusha
The 'Safari capital' at the foot of Mount Meru, the starting point of northern circuit trips, with the Maasai Market, a Cultural Heritage Centre and Arusha National Park nearby.
Arusha lies on the southern slopes of Mount Meru (4,566 m) at about 1,400 m, with a cool climate. It is northern Tanzania's tourism and business hub and the headquarters of the East African Community. Nearly all northern safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs depart from here or from nearby Moshi. Sights in town include the clock tower in the city center, said to sit at the midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town; the Maasai Market and Central Market, where you can buy wood carvings, Maasai beadwork, kangas and Tanzanian coffee; the Cultural Heritage Centre, with a large African art gallery and tanzanite displays; and nearby coffee plantations. Arusha National Park, about 40 minutes from the town, suits half-day walking safaris or canoeing, and offers giraffes, colobus monkeys, flamingos and views of Mount Meru. Transport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is about 1 hour away by road, and Arusha Airport has small planes flying to the Serengeti and Zanzibar. Tips: bargain when shopping in town; do not walk around at night, and keep valuables out of sight; buy tanzanite only from reputable shops and ask for a certificate.
Opening hours
Open all day; market approx. 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Arusha Central Market
- Arusha Declaration Museum
- Arusha Clock Tower
- Natural History Museum (Old Boma)
- Cultural Heritage Centre
- Lake Duluti
- Mount Meru
- Arusha National Park