Arusha is one of the most developed and fastest-growing cities in Tanzania. It is the headquarters of the East African Community, which leads the region’s social and economic cooperation, and the former seat of the Rwanda genocide tribunal, hence its name: the Geneva of Africa.
Arusha is also the safari gateway to the famous Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the garden of Eden, Tarangire National Park, the park of two giants (baobab trees & elephants), Lake Manyara National Park, the home of the tree-climbing lions, and Arusha National Park, small and beautiful.
Arusha in detail
Arusha is among the most popular cities in the country: the safari capital, and a multinational city with modern amenities. It sits in the foothills of two great peaks, Mt. Meru and, to the east, the famous Mt. Kilimanjaro, and has its own rhythm and its own cool mountain weather before you set out for the vast plains to the west. Most people will greet you with “Karibu sana” (you are very welcome) and see you off with “Karibu tena” (welcome back again).
The people you meet are known for their warmth, politeness and dignity.
What there is to do
There is enough here to make a journey on its own: half a day on a town tour, or a full day out in Arusha National Park. Markets, coffee farms, tanzanite (the famous blue gemstone) workshops, local restaurants and safari company offices, cafes, Maasai crafts and small businesses are all around the town. Beyond the town streets, Arusha opens into farmland, forests, mountains and wildlife.
Why take the extra night
After long hours of travelling, a layover day with an extra night before your safari gives you time to shake off the jetlag, and a chance to discover the places, the people and the everyday life that make Arusha the safari capital.
In town
Markets, coffee farms, tanzanite
Beyond the streets
Farmland, forests, mountains, wildlife
Add Arusha Layover to your safari
Bring your Arusha Layover plan to the team.
Direct line
Tanzania office
P.O. Box 746, Usa-River, Arusha