Explore Tanzania's Gems

Northern Tanzania

Gateway to Tanzania's Safari Wilderness

Arusha is one of Tanzania's most vibrant and picturesque cities — a lively cultural and administrative centre nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru at 1,390 metres above sea level.

Positioned almost equidistant between the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria, and strategically located between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, Arusha has long been regarded as the gateway to adventure in East Africa.

Why Visit Arusha?

  • Perfect starting point for northern circuit safaris
  • Gateway to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara
  • Rich cultural scene with Makonde art and Tinga Tinga
  • Centre for rare Tanzanite gemstone shopping
  • Mild climate year-round at 1,390m altitude
  • Exciting day trips: Lake Duluti, Meru Waterfalls, coffee tours
Tanzanite Gemstone
400K+

Population

1,390m

Altitude

Tanzanite

Global Trading Hub

Year Round

Mild Climate

Things to Do in Arusha

Culture, food, adventure, and relaxation

African Cooking Classes

Learn to cook authentic Tanzanian dishes like ugali, pilau, and nyama choma with local chefs.

Coffee Plantation Tours

Tour lush coffee plantations on Mount Meru's slopes. Learn about Tanzania's world-famous coffee production.

Local Markets & City Tours

Explore bustling Arusha markets filled with fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods.

Cultural Heritage Centre

Discover Makonde wood carvings, Tinga Tinga paintings, and traditional Tanzanian art at this vibrant cultural hub.

Spa & Wellness

Rejuvenate after your safari with therapeutic massages, saunas, and wellness treatments at Arusha's top spas.

Materuni & Napuru Waterfalls

Day trips to stunning waterfalls near Arusha. Hike through coffee fields, swim in natural pools, and enjoy picnic views.

Tanzanite Shopping

Arusha is the global hub for rare Tanzanite gemstones. Visit local shops and learn why this blue-violet treasure is found only in Tanzania.

Arusha National Park Day Trip

Just 30 minutes from the city, enjoy walking safaris, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and spotting colobus monkeys and giraffes.

Lake Duluti Canoeing

A serene crater lake just minutes from the city. Paddle across calm waters surrounded by forest and spot birdlife along the shore.

Bonus Experiences Near Arusha

These iconic experiences are within reach from Tanzania's gateway city

Hadzabe Tribe Experience

Visit the Hadzabe, one of Africa's last hunter-gatherer communities, near Lake Eyasi. Join them on a traditional hunt and learn ancient survival skills.

Chemka (Kikuletwa) Hot Springs

Swim in crystal-clear, turquoise-blue geothermal springs surrounded by lush forest. A surreal and refreshing day trip from Arusha.

Kilimanjaro Day Hike

Experience Africa's highest mountain without a full summit attempt. Day hikes to Mandara Hut offer stunning alpine scenery.

African Cooking & Food Tours

Dive deeper into Tanzanian cuisine with multi-course cooking classes, market tours with chefs, and dinner with local families.

Zanzibar Beach Extension

Complete your Tanzania adventure with Zanzibar's white-sand beaches, spice tours, and Stone Town's UNESCO heritage. Easily booked from Arusha.

Lake Duluti Day Trip

Just 20 minutes from Arusha, canoe or walk around this serene crater lake. Surrounded by forest, it's a peaceful escape with great birdwatching.

Why Start Your Safari in Arusha?

Strategic Gateway

Arusha places you at the doorstep of Tanzania's best safari destinations. Access the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara with ease.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

KIA is just 45 minutes from Arusha, making it a convenient arrival point for international travellers connecting to safari lodges and Kilimanjaro climbs.

Quality Accommodation

From budget guesthouses to luxury lodges, Arusha offers accommodation for every traveller. Many hotels arrange airport transfers and safari briefings.

Expert Safari Planning

GIES Tours and Safaris has operated from Arusha since 1985. Our experienced team ensures seamless safari planning, expert local guides, and reliable safari vehicles.

Arusha Town

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