Arusha National Park

Arusha City | Where the Journey Begins

Arusha is most likely the very first place that travelers to Tanzania will see; especially if they are visiting the north of the country or going on Safari. Arusha is home to the second biggest airport on the Tanzanian mainland, and it is where most Tourists are deposited to embark on their Tanzanian northern safari adventure. Due to the city’s close proximity to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Serengeti National Park & Mount Kilimanjaro, it makes it the perfect starting point for many Safari holidays in Tanzania & Kenya.

Arusha is situated in the north eastern of Tanzania, just below the volcanic Mount Meru which towers near by the city. Arusha is also the major international diplomatic hub for the country and hosts the East African Community which makes it a politically important city in East Africa. 

The city itself is vibrant and friendly and there is plenty to see and experience. One or two of the more notable tourist attractions (apart from the Safari Parks) is the Cultural Hermitage Centre and The Tanzanite Experience; Tanzanite being a valuable gem that exclusively found in Tanzania. 

When you land from your flight you may want to stay a day in the city before traveling out to the national parks. The Arusha Coffee Lodge is a perfect example of the safari accommodation that emerce you into the safari adventure right away. Nestled among the coffee plantations just outside the city, you can relax before or after your safari tour, and use this amazing accommodation as a base between itineraries. 

Safaris in Arusha National Park

The Arusha National Park is small but it is home to a rich variety of wildlife, but it is not as spectacular as some of the other more notable national parks in Tanzania’s north. The Animals include giraffes, Buffaloes, zebras, warthogs and monkeys alongside flamingos, elephants, lions and leopards. The Arusha National Park is also well known for its bird-life, and tourists come often for bird watching activities.