Arusha National Park & town

Why visit Arusha? 

Arusha is the hub town for northern circuit safaris, so you might need a night or two here when arriving or departing. Arusha National Park is an attractive park nearby with the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s great for a short day’s wildlife viewing if you have the time. 
The reasons you should visit are:

• Arusha town is a useful place to stay on arrival or departure.
• Some good hotels and restaurants.
• Arusha National Park is small and quiet, great for a day’s safari. 
• Arusha National Park is also a great birding spot. 
• Gorgeous view, including of Mount Kilimanjaro, from the park. 
• Mount Meru is within the park. See here for details about climbing it. 

When to go to Arusha

Any time is fine, but to avoid the main rains you’re best avoiding April and May. 

How to do it? 

There is an airport in Arusha from where you can take domestic flights to most places within Tanzania. The closest international airport is just over an hour away at Kilimanjaro International Airport. A visit to the park is easy using Arusha town as your base. 

Accommodation at Arusha

There is a decent choice of hotels and lodges of different standards in and near Arusha, and also between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport. Within town, a good, standard hotel to choose would be Arusha Hotel or perhaps a luxury guest house such as Onsea House. Near Arusha Airport, Arusha Coffee Lodge is good.