Where to go

Arusha

A town in full flow, this is the hub for a northern safari

Onsea House
Onsea House

Once only a dusty town servicing the safari industry, Arusha has burgeoned into a thriving and energetic city and now holds the mantle of the second largest city in Tanzania, wrestled away from nearby Mwanza. What Arusha offers for many is as a stopping point to regroup either after a long international flight, in preparation or after a climb up Kilimanjaro, or as a “waiting room” before returning home…but this would be to miss out!

There is a truly wonderful atmosphere and energy to Arusha and we often recommend a stay of a couple of nights or so for those that are looking to see the day to day running of an African city and community, without being engulfed by the sheer size of cities such as Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. On top of this, it is a useful base for those looking to day trip out to the many working communities and projects that surround the city.

The city itself lies in the rain shadow of Mount Meru, the country’s fifth largest mountain, and at an elevation of around 1,500m. This altitude and temperate climate mean that, not only is the city an important hub for tourism, it has also become an important district for farming, which, as the world becomes more and more populated, could end up being one of Africa’s saving graces.

On the whole, many of the lodges that are on offer to tourists lie off the road that runs out of town, from Arusha to the nearby Moshi. This area was once a prolific producer of coffee and much of the accommodation is set in the leafy fields with views out to Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon.

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    At a glance... Arusha

    • Size 1.6 million inhabitants
    • Location Northern Tanzania
    • Recommended time 1 to 2 nights
    • Time to visit Year round
    • Activities Cultural visits, subsistence farming communities, Arusha National Park

    Further reading...

    Our top five hotels & lodges in Arusha:

    1. Onsea House - View

      Onsea House

      After bursting onto the safari circuit in 2007, Onsea House has really shaken up the regular Arusha options and is still very much leading the way as far as we are concerned. This quaint little guesthouse is located on the way out of Arusha and looks out to the slopes of Mount Meru. Warmly managed... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      2
    2. Katambuga House - pool

      Katambuga House

      Opening its doors in February 2017, Katambuga House is a relatively new property in Arusha, sat in a desirable location among the coffee estates. The house and the rooms itself, which can host up to 14 guests, feels cosy and welcoming – the perfect environment for a night’s stay before or after... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    3. Machweo House

      Machweo House

      Sitting next to its sister property, Onsea House, Machweo House is a beautifully elegant guesthouse overlooking the slopes of Mount Meru. The house shares its facilities (such as its pool, seating areas, and its restaurant) with Onsea House but there is plenty of space surrounded by lush tropical... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    4. Masai Camp - View

      Africa Amini Maasai Lodge

      The Africa Amini Maasai Lodge is run entirely by Maasai people from the local community and is truly one its kind in Tanzania, and all of Africa! Its location, between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in Northern Tanzania, offers guests an indescribable sense of space and freedom, and with breath-... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    5. Rivertrees Country Inn - Bedroom

      Rivertrees Country Inn

      Located just outside the bustling town of Arusha, the Rivertrees Country Inn is a charming property that was once an old coffee farm. The setting is delightfully picturesque. The cottages overlook River Usa, the colourful gardens are maintained perfectly and when the skies are clear, Africa’s... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4