Explore Tanzania's Gems
Northern Tanzania
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.
Population
Altitude
Global Trading Hub
Mild Climate
Culture, food, adventure, and relaxation
Learn to cook authentic Tanzanian dishes like ugali, pilau, and nyama choma with local chefs.
Tour lush coffee plantations on Mount Meru's slopes. Learn about Tanzania's world-famous coffee production.
Explore bustling Arusha markets filled with fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods.
Discover Makonde wood carvings, Tinga Tinga paintings, and traditional Tanzanian art at this vibrant cultural hub.
Rejuvenate after your safari with therapeutic massages, saunas, and wellness treatments at Arusha's top spas.
Day trips to stunning waterfalls near Arusha. Hike through coffee fields, swim in natural pools, and enjoy picnic views.
Arusha is the global hub for rare Tanzanite gemstones. Visit local shops and learn why this blue-violet treasure is found only in Tanzania.
Just 30 minutes from the city, enjoy walking safaris, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and spotting colobus monkeys and giraffes.
A serene crater lake just minutes from the city. Paddle across calm waters surrounded by forest and spot birdlife along the shore.
These iconic experiences are within reach from Tanzania's gateway city
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.
Swim in crystal-clear, turquoise-blue geothermal springs surrounded by lush forest. A surreal and refreshing day trip from Arusha.
Experience Africa's highest mountain without a full summit attempt. Day hikes to Mandara Hut offer stunning alpine scenery.
Dive deeper into Tanzanian cuisine with multi-course cooking classes, market tours with chefs, and dinner with local families.
Complete your Tanzania adventure with Zanzibar's white-sand beaches, spice tours, and Stone Town's UNESCO heritage. Easily booked from Arusha.
Just 20 minutes from Arusha, canoe or walk around this serene crater lake. Surrounded by forest, it's a peaceful escape with great birdwatching.
Arusha places you at the doorstep of Tanzania's best safari destinations. Access the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara with ease.
KIA is just 45 minutes from Arusha, making it a convenient arrival point for international travellers connecting to safari lodges and Kilimanjaro climbs.
From budget guesthouses to luxury lodges, Arusha offers accommodation for every traveller. Many hotels arrange airport transfers and safari briefings.
GIES Tours and Safaris has operated from Arusha since 1985. Our experienced team ensures seamless safari planning, expert local guides, and reliable safari vehicles.

Let us craft your perfect Tanzanian adventure from the gateway city
Plan Your Trip