Arusha

Why go

One night is often enough. Coffee country, a market, and a short walk in Arusha National Park are the reasons to stay longer.

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  The gateway

  Most northern Tanzania light aircraft and most road safaris start in or near Arusha. Landing and driving straight to the Serengeti the same day is a hard first day.

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  A town, with a park beside it

  Arusha National Park is a half-day of forest, colobus, and a view toward Meru. It is not a substitute for nights on the plains.

Where to go

• The townHotels near the centre or on the coffee estates. Use it as the first or last night.
• Toward the parksKaratu and the crater rim are the next stop if the itinerary is Ngorongoro then the Serengeti. Do not add Arusha nights in place of those.

When to go

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  Year round

  The town is open in every month. The parks it serves are not equally good in every month. Choose the date for the Serengeti or the crater, then fit Arusha around the flights.

Travel advice

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  Time

  One night on arrival is the usual plan. A second night is for a coffee visit or a rest before an international flight. A week in Arusha is a town holiday.

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  Health

  The town sits lower than the crater rim and is a malaria area. Ask a clinic. Kilimanjaro climbs are a separate booking with their own fitness rules.

Accommodation

Costs

From the journal

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  Places

  Things to See and Do in Arusha

  Things to See and Do in Arusha is a planning note from Safari Continents Travel. It sits beside the destination guides for Arusha. Published trip prices are a guide. You receive a quote before anything is paid.