a monkey eating leaves
brown wooden armchair beside red plastic trash bin
a giraffe standing on top of a lush green field
a couple of giraffe standing on top of a grass covered field
an elephant with tusks

Holiday in Arusha

City in Tanzania — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇹🇿

Country

Tanzania

Type

City

Best time to travel

June to October (dry season) and January to February (short dry season)

Budget/day

150-300€: Safari lodge, guided day tours, restaurants

Getting there from Germany

Flight approx. 10h with a layover (Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Istanbul). Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) is located 50 km east.

What makes Arusha special as a destination?

Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania's legendary national parks and is dramatically located at the foot of Mount Meru with views of Kilimanjaro. The bustling city serves as a starting point for safaris to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. The pleasant highland climate at 1,400 meters and the vibrant cultural scene make Arusha more than just a transit point.

Nature
98
Adventure
95
Safety
60
Romance
55
Culture
50

What are the top highlights in Arusha?

The top highlights in Arusha include Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Maasai Markets, Kilimanjaro View.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Arusha National Park

The underrated park right outside the city offers giraffes, buffalo, flamingos at Momella Lake, and Mount Meru.

2

Ngorongoro Crater

The massive volcanic crater (3h drive) hosts the densest wildlife concentration in Africa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3

Maasai Markets

At the colorful Maasai market, you can find traditional jewelry, kangas, and handcrafted souvenirs.

4

Kilimanjaro View

On clear days, Arusha offers a spectacular view of Africa's highest mountain — just 80 km away.

Hotels in Arusha

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Reise-SIM für Arusha

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Arusha?

The best time to visit Arusha is June to October (dry season) and January to February (short dry season). Pleasant due to altitude, 20-28°C, rainy season March-May In winter: Dry season June-October, 15-25°C, perfect for safaris

Recommended travel time

June to October (dry season) and January to February (short dry season)

Summer

Pleasant due to altitude, 20-28°C, rainy season March-May

Winter

Dry season June-October, 15-25°C, perfect for safaris

How much does a holiday in Arusha cost?

Budget travellers: 40-60€: Lodge, local restaurants, Dala-Dala bus/day, mid-range: 150-300€: Safari lodge, guided day tours, restaurants/day, luxury: 500€+: Luxury safari camp, private guide, hot air balloon/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

40-60€: Lodge, local restaurants, Dala-Dala bus

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

150-300€: Safari lodge, guided day tours, restaurants

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

500€+: Luxury safari camp, private guide, hot air balloon

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Arusha?

Flight approx. 10h with a layover (Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Istanbul). Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) is located 50 km east.

Book a package holiday to Arusha

Compare thousands of package holidays to Arusha and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

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What travel tips are there for Arusha?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Booking safaris through local providers is often 30-50% cheaper than international operators

The dry season (June-October) is the best time for safaris — animals gather at waterholes

Malaria prophylaxis and yellow fever vaccination are recommended

Bargaining is common and expected at the Maasai market

What should you eat in Arusha?

Typical specialities in Arusha: Nyama Choma — Grilled meat (usually goat or beef) over an open fire, Ugali — The ubiquitous maize porridge, a side dish to almost every meal, Chipsi Mayai — Tanzanian fries omelette, the most popular street food, Pilau — Spiced rice with cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, Zanzibar's influence on the mainland.

These specialties you must try!

Nyama Choma — Grilled meat (usually goat or beef) over an open fire
Ugali — The ubiquitous maize porridge, a side dish to almost every meal
Chipsi Mayai — Tanzanian fries omelette, the most popular street food
Pilau — Spiced rice with cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, Zanzibar's influence on the mainland
Suitable for:SafariNatureAdventureKilimanjaroAfricaWildlifeTrekking

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