Tanzania

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Arusha

Gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Arusha Plan a trip around Tanzania

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Currency: TZS
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Tanzania

Photo: Halidtz, CC BY-SA 4.0

Arusha is a highland city below Mount Meru and the main starting point for safaris to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and nearby national parks. It is a busy, multicultural hub with markets, museums and a mild climate year-round.

Largest cities

Dar es Salaam
Dodoma
Mwanza
Arusha
Mbeya

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Tanzania
Capital: Dodoma
City population: 416,442
Population of Tanzania: 57.3M
Country area: 947,303 km²
Official language: Swahili and English
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) · 1 USD ≈ 2,635 TZS
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +255
Drives on the: Left
Elevation: 1,416 m
Plugs: D / G · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112 · 114 · 115
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	27°	27°	27°	24°	23°	21°	21°	23°	25°	27°	26°	26°
Low	16°	16°	16°	17°	16°	14°	13°	14°	14°	15°	16°	16°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$28
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$80
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$225

Plan a trip to Arusha

Top things to do

≈ $5
Arusha Natural History Museum
Housed in a former German administration building, it displays models of early human ancestors and a giant tortoise that roams the grounds; allow about an hour.
- Half day
- City Centre
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $3
Arusha Declaration Museum
Small museum beside the Uhuru monument explaining the 1967 Arusha Declaration and its role in African socialism; a quick, worthwhile stop.
- Half day
- City Centre
- Indoors
Free
Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre
A striking gallery shaped like a drum, spear and shield, selling TingaTinga paintings, carvings and jewellery; entry is free but prices are aimed at tourists.
- Half day
- City Centre
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Central Produce Market
Busy market for food, clothing, batik and souvenirs where bargaining is expected; go with small notes and keep valuables out of sight.
- Half day
- City Centre
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $15
Maasai Cultural Visit
Half-day trips to nearby Maasai and Meru villages arranged through the Tanzania Tourist Board teach pastoral life and local crafts; confirm what is included before paying.
- Half day
- Usa River
- Good for kids
≈ $350
Mount Meru Hike
A 3–4 day climb to 4,667 m through forest and moorland with an armed ranger; nights are freezing so bring warm layers and a good sleeping bag.
- Full day
- Usa River
≈ $100
Arusha National Park Day Trip
A full day of giraffes, buffalo and Momela Lakes with views of Mount Meru; park fees and a vehicle are usually arranged through a tour operator.
- Full day
- Usa River
- Good for kids
≈ $3
Century Cinema
Modern cinema complex on Njiro Road with restaurants nearby; tickets cost about TSh 5,000–7,000 and the road is not safe to walk at night, so take a taxi.
- Half day
- Njiro
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need a visa for Tanzania. Apply for an e-visa before you travel, or get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at major ports of entry if you meet all immigration requirements; multiple-entry visas are not available on arrival. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival with one blank page, proof of onward or return travel, and mandatory Tanzanian government inbound travel insurance, which you can buy online or at your first port of entry. From 1 October, if you arrive first in Zanzibar you must buy this insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), and if you arrive first in mainland Tanzania you must buy it from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). You also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with a transmission risk, and you will pass through mpox screening (body temperature checks) at all points of entry. Rules vary by nationality, so check the official Tanzanian Immigration Department page before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is about 60 km east, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road; taxis cost around US$50 and some airlines run shuttles for free or about US$10. Arusha Airport (ARK) on the western edge handles domestic flights only.

Getting around

Minibuses called daladalas cover most routes cheaply, while taxis are plentiful and fares should be agreed before departure.

Local tips

Dress modestly away from hotels and beaches; many residents are Muslim or Christian and conservative clothing is appreciated.
Carry US dollar bills issued from 2009 or later for visas and park fees, as older or torn notes are often refused.
Bargain at markets and agree taxi fares in advance; prices for tourists can start several times higher than local rates.
The long rains fall from March to May and short rains in November–December, so pack a rain jacket if visiting then.

Areas worth knowing

Njiro
Sakina
Majengo
Usa River
City Centre

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 9, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK