Most people treat Arusha as a layover — the city where the safari starts. You fly in, sleep one night, and head into the bush at dawn. I did exactly that on my first trip and missed everything that makes this highland city worth its own time.
Here's a Q&A covering the stuff nobody tells you before you arrive.
Q: Which airport do I fly into?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 46 km east. Not to be confused with Arusha Airport (ARK), which handles small domestic flights. JRO gets direct flights from Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar Airways), and connects through Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Addis Ababa.
Q: How do I get from JRO to Arusha city?
Pre-arranged hotel transfers cost $30-50 and are the easiest option. Shared shuttles (Impala Hotel runs one) cost about $10. Taxis at the airport will quote $50-60 — negotiate before boarding, always. The drive takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Q: Do I need a visa?
Yes. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz at least 10 business days ahead. Single-entry costs $50 ($100 for US citizens, because reciprocity). Visa on arrival is technically possible at JRO but expect long queues. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
Q: How do I choose a safari operator?
Arusha has 200+ operators ranging from $150/day (budget camping) to $800/day (luxury lodge). Vet them through SafariBookings.com reviews or TripAdvisor. Legitimate companies are TATO (Tanzania Association of Tour Operators) members. Always get a written itinerary before paying deposits.
Genuine deals below $150/day/person usually indicate cut corners on food, vehicle quality, or guide experience.
Q: Should I book before I arrive or negotiate in Arusha?
Book before. Safari touts approach tourists aggressively near the Clock Tower and bus stations. Many are unlicensed and unreliable. I watched a couple hand over $400 to a tout near the Central Market and later found out the "company" didn't have a vehicle. Book through established operators or your hotel.
Q: How many days do I need for a safari?
Minimum 3 days for the northern circuit (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, part of Serengeti). Five to seven days if you want the full Serengeti experience including the Great Migration (June-October). Budget travelers often do 3-4 days; splurgers do 7-10.
Q: What's worth doing in Arusha beyond safari prep?
More than you'd think.
Arusha National Park (25 km from city center) is a compact 552 km² park with Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, and Ngurdoto Crater. Half-day drives from $50/person plus $53 park fee. Walking safaris with armed rangers are possible here — rare in Tanzania. Colobus monkeys, giraffes, and flamingos are common.
Coffee plantation tours on the slopes of Mount Meru are excellent. Arusha Coffee Lodge and Shamba Estate offer bean-to-cup experiences with lunch for about $40 per half-day. Genuinely interesting even if you're not a coffee nerd.
The Maasai Market (busiest Wed and Sat) sells beadwork, Tingatinga paintings, and Tanzanite jewelry. Bargaining is expected — start at 40% of the asking price.
Q: Is Tanzanite worth buying in Arusha?
Arusha is the world's only source of Tanzanite. Buy from certified dealers at the Cultural Heritage Centre or reputable shops on Goliondoi Road. Insist on a certificate of authenticity. Prices range from $50/carat (commercial grade) to $500+/carat (AAA). Bargain hard.
Q: Can I see Kilimanjaro from Arusha?
On clear mornings — yes. The viewpoint along the Moshi highway near Usa River offers an unobstructed view. Best between 6-8 AM, June to February. Cloud cover rolls in by 10 AM most days. Free.
Q: How much should I budget for pre-safari time in Arusha?
Budget guesthouses: $20/night. Mid-range hotels like Arusha Hotel or African Tulip: $80-150/night. Food is very affordable — Indian and Swahili restaurants serve full meals for $5-10. A pre-safari night plus a coffee tour and market visit runs about $100-150 total.
Q: Is Arusha safe?
Generally safe during the day. Standard precautions apply: don't flash valuables, use hotel-recommended taxis at night, avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas. The Clock Tower area and bus stations have the most persistent touts.
Q: What about getting around the city?
Dalla-dallas (local minibuses) cost 500-1,000 TZS ($0.20-0.40). Bajajis (tuk-tuks) are faster at 3,000-5,000 TZS ($1-2) for short trips. Agree on fare before boarding. For airport runs or day trips, hire a private driver through your hotel.
Q: Should I climb Mount Meru before Kilimanjaro?
If you're planning a Kili attempt, absolutely. Meru (4,566 m) is a challenging 3-4 day trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. It's far quieter than Kilimanjaro and better value — around $600-800 all-inclusive versus $1,500+ for Kili. Excellent acclimatization. Permits through TANAPA.
Q: Can I do Meru without doing Kilimanjaro?
Yes, and frankly, Meru is more interesting as a trek. The rainforest section has wildlife (buffalo, colobus monkeys), the summit ridge is dramatic, and you'll share the mountain with maybe 20 other trekkers instead of 200.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Airport | JRO (Kilimanjaro International) |
| Visa | Required — $50-100, apply online |
| Currency | TZS (Tanzanian Shilling) |
| Budget hotel | $20/night |
| Mid-range hotel | $80-150/night |
| Safari (budget) | $150/day/person |
| Safari (luxury) | $500-800/day/person |
| Altitude | 1,400 m (mild, pleasant) |
| Best time | June-October (dry season, migration) |
Arusha deserves more than a sleep-and-leave stopover. Give it a day before your safari and a day after. The coffee tours, the market, and the views of Meru and (on a good morning) Kilimanjaro make the city a destination in its own right — not just a departure lounge for the Serengeti.
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