Arusha, the gateway to the safaris: what to do, where to sleep, the flight from Zanzibar and traps to avoid
Arusha is the starting town for almost every northern Tanzania safari (Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Manyara) and for climbing Mount Meru; Kilimanjaro is about an hour and a half by road. The city itself is not a destination, but you often spend one or two nights here before and after the safari. From Zanzibar, direct flights link the island to Arusha in about 1 hour 5 to 1 hour 16 according to comparison sites consulted in October 2026 (Auric Air, Precision Air and others; airlines change, check). This page says what to do with half a day, how to choose an agency and which traps to avoid.
Highlights
Downtown Arusha and Mount Meru
On a clear day Mount Meru (4,562 metres) towers over the city. Half a day is enough for the market, a coffee and a museum.
The market and the craftspeople
Markets of fabrics, carved wood and spices. Haggle, and pay nothing to someone who approaches you in the street to "guide" you.
A coffee roastery or coffee farm
Several agencies offer a half-day of coffee between town and the Meru slopes; offers consulted start from about 15 to 136 dollars depending on the package.
Practical info
Tips
- Book your safari with an agency you have checked (recent reviews, licence, price broken down by day) and beware of street touts selling a "cheaper" safari. Compare what is included: park fees, private or shared vehicle, meals, camping or lodge accommodation. Classic safaris from Arusha run from about 600 dollars (4 days, camping) to over 3,000 dollars private (October 2026). If you come from Zanzibar for a 2-day safari, the agency can pick you up at the airport of departure and drop you off on the way back. For the island stay, see where to stay in Zanzibar. To decide which safari and how many days, see Tanzania safari or Zanzibar, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
How to get there
Direct flight Zanzibar - Arusha of about 1 hour 5 to 1 hour 16. Arusha has a small airport; Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 50 kilometres away. From Dar es Salaam the road is long: better to fly. See Dar es Salaam.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.