Arusha City Guide for Safari Travelers

Arrival & Getting Around · 3 min read · By Ndovu African Expeditions

Arusha is more than a gateway; with a spare day you can explore markets, coffee farms, museums and a national park on the edge of town.

Almost every northern Tanzania safari passes through Arusha, a lively, green city at the foot of Mount Meru. Many visitors see it only from a car window, but a free day here can be a highlight, especially as a gentle start after a long flight.

Our home base is here, and our team loves showing guests the town. These are the experiences and practical tips we share most often.

Getting your bearings

Arusha sits at roughly 1,400 meters, so days are warm and evenings fresh. The center is compact, with the clock tower roundabout often used as a landmark. Traffic can be heavy at rush hours, and most visitors use taxis or their operator's vehicle rather than walking long distances.

English is widely spoken in hotels and shops, while a few words of Swahili, such as jambo and asante, are always appreciated.

Things to do in and around town

A short list of activities that fit easily into a half or full day:

• Arusha National Park: giraffes, colobus monkeys, crater views and the chance of a guided walking safari, all under an hour from town.
• Coffee farm tours: visit a plantation on Meru's slopes and follow the bean from cherry to cup.
• Local markets: the central market is busy and colorful, while curio markets offer carvings, fabrics and beadwork.
• Museums: the Natural History Museum in the old German boma and the Arusha Declaration Museum offer insight into the region's past.
• Lake Duluti: a small crater lake east of town with walking trails and canoeing.

Shopping tips

Bargaining is expected at curio stalls; start lower and settle on a price you are happy with, always in good humor. Larger galleries and craft centers have fixed prices and can arrange shipping.

Tanzanite, a gemstone found only in Tanzania, is sold widely. Buy only from reputable dealers who provide certification, and never from street sellers.

Practical errands before your safari

Arusha is the last big town before the parks, so it is the place to sort essentials. ATMs, pharmacies, supermarkets and phone shops are easy to find. Pick up a local SIM card, withdraw some shillings for small purchases and buy any toiletries you forgot.

Remember that plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, so take a reusable bag shopping.

Staying safe and comfortable

Arusha is generally welcoming, but use the same common sense as in any city. Avoid walking alone at night, keep phones out of sight in crowded places and use registered taxis or your operator's driver after dark. Street vendors and informal guides may be persistent; a polite but firm no thanks works well.

Where to eat and unwind

Arusha has a good spread of places to eat, from simple local spots serving nyama choma, grilled meat with kachumbari salad, to garden cafes and restaurants with international menus. Try a plate of chipsi mayai, a chip omelet that is a local favorite, or fresh tropical juices made from passion fruit, mango and avocado.

Many lodges on the outskirts of town have peaceful gardens where you can sit with a Tanzanian coffee and watch sunbirds. After a dusty safari, an unhurried evening like this is often exactly what guests want before the flight home.