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Arusha
(Tanzania)
Originally built as a German garrison in 1900, Arusha remained little more than a hamlet with a few shops, no cars and only accessible by ox wagon until the end of the First World War. Thereafter the town grew slowly with the railway from Moshi being opened in 1929.
Arusha, lies at the foot of Mount Meru, in the centre of Africa, half way between Cape Town and Cairo. Today it is an important centre for Tanzania's tourism and agriculture. It is a busy and bustling town with several good restaurants and a number of hotels and lodges of international standard. It is the gateway to the famous northern parks, namely: Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire. In addition it is the headquarters for the East African Community (EAC) of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Arusha National Park
A popular day safari for visitors about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris, Arusha National Park is a gem of varied ecosystems which also boasts spectacular views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name. The small national park includes the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes. Game viewing around the Momela Lakes is at a laid-back and quiet pace, and while passing through the forest many visitors stop to search for troupes of colubus monkeys playing in the canopy.
Climbing Mt. Meru or enjoying the smaller trails that criss-cross its lower slopes is a popular activity for visitors to Arusha National Park. The three-day trek to reach the crater’s summit is a quieter alternative to the famous peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the lower slopes, paths to rivers and waterfalls make a relaxing day hike for visitors who don’t want to attempt the rather arduous climb. Ancient fig tree forests, crystal clear waters cascading from mountain streams, and a chance to spot colobus monkeys are the attractions and pleasures of Arusha National Park.
Around Arusha
Arusha is the usual starting point for a northern Tanzania safari. From here you can visit Arusha National Park and Mount Meru on half day and full day trips. You can also visit Tarangire & Lake Manyara National Parks on full day trips. For the more adventurous, sky diving is possible from nearby Moshi airport, and Arusha is of course an ideal base from which to climb Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation in Arusha (Tanzania)
Arusha Coffee Lodge sits in a wonderful location, surrounded by the endless acres of berry-laden coffee bushes on Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation.
Ilboru Safari Lodge is a popular, affordable hotel, located at the base of the majestic Mt. Meru on the outskirts of Arusha Town. Set in 5 acres of plush land, an oasis after the bustle of the nearby city.
Impala Hotel is situated in a quiet suburb of northern Arusha, close to the base of Mt. Meru, giving you good access to Arusha central, as well as the nearby reserves and game parks.
Just a short drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport, KIA lodge is situated on a secluded hill among beautiful savannah scenery, and stunning views of Kilimanjaro.
Moivaro Lodge is set on a working coffee plantation and serves as a wonderful retreat from which to enjoy the impressive flora and fauna and safari opportunities of East Africa.
Other regions in Tanzania
Arusha National Park is located just outside the city, and encompasses the stunning Mt.Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.
The largest city in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is a bustling sea port with a great deal to offer to travellers
Gombe is the smallest of Tanzania's national parks, but thanks to the world renowned zoologist Dr Jane Goodall, it is one of the best known.
Located far off the beaten track, Katavi is Africa at its most wild - unadulterated bush settings, spectacular views, and rich wildlife.
Kilimanjaro climbs: dates, prices and information about treks and wilderness routes, Shira, Lemosho, Rongai, Kibo Uhuru and Mweka, from rain forest to the Arctic summit. Gane and Marshall is a dedicated tour operator and a centre of excellence for Kilimanjaro Climbs. Jeremy Gane was the project manager and leader of the Comic Relief 2009 celebrity Kilimanjaro climb.
Lake Manyara National Park occupies a 50km stretch along the base of the 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment
Mafia Island is a popular beach destination for those looking to relax after a safari.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park is located in one of the most remote and secluded areas of Tanzania
Mikumi National Park is situated along the northern border of the Selous
Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology
Traditionally part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba is fast becoming a unique destination in its own right.
Ruaha is a remote bastion of spectacular wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa and contains some of the greatest concentrations of big game left on earth.
The Serengeti National Park is one of the largest and best game reserves in Africa.
Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city.
Here ancient Swahili history, culture and hospitality combine with hundreds of miles of endless beaches and the warm Indian Ocean.
Named after the river that flows through the park, Tarangire National Park is one of the lesser known Tanzanian National Parks, giving it a real air of undiscovered Africa.
Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on.
