Arusha landscape

    Tanzania

    Arusha

    Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, the city is the country's safari capital located close to some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks, which are Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) as well as Mt Kilimanjaro - Africa's highest mountain.

    Explore Arusha

    Things to See & Do

    Highlights and experiences in Arusha

    Arusha highlight

    Arusha is a city in northern Tanzania, the capital of the Arusha Region, with a projected population of 1,288,088, including 516,000 for the Arusha District. It is a major international diplomatic hub, and hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the East African Community. Tourism sector is a major contributor to the economy of this city, being the second largest contributor of income in Tanzania.

    Arusha highlight

    The many activities in Arusha include attending conferences, game drives, forest walks, mountain biking, canoeing, and visiting numerous picnic sites, and a 3 to 4 day Mount Meru climb – a good acclimatization for Mt. Kilimanjaro. Other activities offer cultural tourism and visiting of different places like museums, Masai markets, and local markets.

    Arusha highlight

    The lakes, forest and Ngorongoro Crater can all be visited in the course of a half-day outing at the beginning or end of your holiday.

    Best Time to Visit Arusha

    Month-by-month travel guide with weather, highlights, and expert recommendations.

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    Arusha in May

    Weather

    May sees the end of the long rains, with decreasing rainfall and temperatures around 24-27°C. Skies begin to clear.

    Highlights

    The Serengeti is still very green as the Great Migration continues to move north. Excellent birdwatching continues.

    Best Areas

    Central Serengeti for resident wildlife, and Tarangire National Park for its baobab trees and recovering elephant herds.

    Pros

    Green landscapes and fewer crowds than peak season. Good value for money as prices begin to drop.

    Cons

    Roads can still be muddy in some areas. Wildlife can be dispersed and harder to spot.