Understand

Arusha, commonly referred to as "A" Town by the locals, is nestled at the base of Mount Meru, the fifth tallest mountain in Africa. This elevated location blesses the city with a pleasant climate and lush green surroundings. While Arusha may not be visually stunning, many visitors view it merely as a necessary stop before embarking on their safari adventure. However, for those willing to look beyond their air-conditioned safari trucks and satellite TV-equipped hotel rooms, Arusha offers a natural charm and the excitement of a rapidly growing city. Notably, Arusha is home to the IRMCT, the successor to the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. It also holds historical significance as the site where the Arusha Declaration was signed. This city may not immediately captivate you, but it has plenty to offer, both in terms of its warm Tanzanian hospitality and its vibrant urban atmosphere.

Get in

Planning a trip to Arusha? Lucky for you, the city is served by two airports. Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA: JRO) is your gateway to this vibrant destination. It offers regular flights to Amsterdam with KLM, as well as flights to Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Nairobi. Located approximately 60km from the city center, you can opt for a USD50 taxi ride or take advantage of the free or USD10 shuttle service provided by many airlines. Alternatively, if you're traveling within Tanzania, Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is a convenient option. From here, you can catch domestic flights to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and other destinations. Looking for flight options? Check out air viva for regular flights between Arusha and these fantastic locations. Don't forget that visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport for USD50, or USD100 for some nationalities. If you prefer to travel by land, Arusha can be easily reached by express coach from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala. First-class tickets are also available, offering a slightly more comfortable journey. And if you're planning to explore nearby Moshi, you can get there in just one hour. Consider taking one of the comfortable shuttle buses between Arusha and Moshi. For advance shuttle bookings, visit BusAfrica.net!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Wagasi - This Tanzanian staple food is a dish comprised of cooked cornmeal or masa dough, often served with a side of beans, fish, or meat. It's typically rounded into small balls, served with a sauce, and enjoyed by hand. The texture is soft, and its taste is neutral, allowing for various flavorings to be paired with it.

Mchuzi wa Samaki - A seafood stew commonly found in Tanzania, mchuzi wa samaki features a mix of fresh fish, shellfish, and crustaceans cooked in coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices. It often includes ingredients such as prawns, lobster, crabs, and fish, making it a rich and flavorful dish enjoyed by many.

Kuku Paka - A Swahili-style chicken stew, kuku paka is made by cooking chicken in a mixture of spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, and coriander, along with ripe tomatoes. The chicken is often cooked slowly to allow the flavors to fully develop, resulting in tender meat and a richly flavored sauce. This dish is typically served with rice, chapati, or other types of flatbread.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing