Arusha Travel Guide

Arusha’s dining scene is compact yet increasingly cosmopolitan, featuring a mix of international restaurants, coffee shops, and upmarket hotel eateries. Onsea House and Themi Living Garden offer refined cuisine in tranquil settings, while the rooftop restaurant at Gran Meliá Arusha serves elevated East African and international plates with wonderful views of Mount Meru.

Arusha enjoys a mild climate year-round, but evenings can be cool, so pack light layers with a warm option for after dark. Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable while exploring the town, but you may want something smart-casual for more upmarket hotel restaurants. Most hotels provide laundry services, and pharmacies and supermarkets are easily accessible in town.

Located at an elevation of over 1300 metres (4200 feet), Arusha enjoys a temperate climate. Although daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, evenings are often chilly, especially from June to August. The ‘long rains’ occur from March to May, making an umbrella useful, while November typically brings short showers. The dry season, from June to October, is the most popular time for safari travel, and Arusha is usually dry and pleasant during this period.

Although the risk of malaria is lower in Arusha than in many other regions of Tanzania due to its altitude, prophylactic medication is still advised. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under a net when available. Consult your travel doctor before departure.

Arusha is served by two airports: Most international flights land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), which is approximately a 60-minute drive from the city. Most travellers fly into KIA and continue to Arusha via private transfer or shuttle. A short drive outside the city brings you to Arusha Airport (ARK), which handles regional flights and serves as the departure point for most northern circuit safaris, offering road and air connections to all major parks. Charter flights to the Serengeti and beyond typically operate from Arusha Airport.