Arusha

Arusha

Arusha is the lively safari capital of Tanzania, where many travellers begin and end their journeys. It is also the hub from where you can reach all major sights of the Northern Safari Circuit with a day’s drive. 

Arusha town is nestled at the foot of Mount Meru and makes a pleasant introduction to East Africa. It is a green, orderly town with several nice coffee bars and restaurants. On clear days, you have  stunning views of the Kilimanjaro.

1. Things to do
2. Restaurant tips
3. To: Tarangire
4. To: Mto wa Mbu / Manyara
5. To: Karatu / Ngorongoro Crater
6. To: Lake Eyasi
7. To: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) / Moshi
8. To: West Kilimanjaro
9. To: Lake Natron

• Buy a local SIM card
• Stock up on essentials
  In Shoppers, Village Supermarket or Pick n’Pay
• Visit the Clocktower roundabout
  A well-known local landmark and conveniently surrounded by different banks in case you want to take out Tanzanian Shillings.
• Visit Maasai Market
  Arusha’s Maasai Market is home to the finest collection of Maasai artistry in Arusha – from beaded jewellery to traditional clothing.
• Day trip to Napuru Waterfalls
  Enjoy breathtaking views of Arusha and start your walk in the forest; you then follow the riverbed to the Napuru Waterfalls. There will be a lot of monkeys and birds along the way. The hike takes between two and four hours (depending on which route you take).
• Day trip to Arusha National Park
  Visit Arusha National Park to see the soda lake, large mammals, flamingos and Mount Meru. This park is especially nice to explore on a walking or cycling safari. You can also canoe on Momella Lake inside Ausha National Park, or Lake Duluti, which is a 45-minute drive from Arusha. Enquire with your lodge, or contact Rivertrees Country Inn.
• Cultural Heritage Centre
  In the vibrant heart of Arusha, you’ll find the Cultural Heritage Centre — a mix of gallery, craft shop and museum. The centre showcases Tanzania’s rich traditions, art and history. You can wander past contemporary paintings, wood carvings, jewellery, and impressive stone sculptures. It’s also a good spot to pick up souvenirs: everything from small crafts to high-end pieces.
• Tanzanite Museum
  Tanzanite is one of the world’s rarest gemstones, found only in the hills near Arusha. At the Tanzanite Museum, you’ll learn how this blue-violet stone was discovered, why it is so valuable, and how it’s mined. The museum also shows the craft behind cutting and polishing — a delicate process that brings out the gem’s unique colour. 
• Coffee tour at Tengeru
  Walk through the coffee plantations of Tengeru and visit a local home, where you can learn all about the process of preparing coffee.

• Amber Bar & Restaurant
  All types of food with a good vibe
• Chowpatty Indian Restaurant
  For the best Indian food in Arusha! Don’t expect a fancy place; this is local style.
• Wraps Tasty Grills
  Enjoy a classic burger among the locals!
• Khan’s BBQ
  For the meat eaters: amazing BBQ, go there and see for yourself!
• The Blue Heron
  The Blue Heron is a relaxed garden café in the centre of Arusha. The menu combines European and Tanzanian flavours, with favourites like wood-fired pizza and coconut-crusted Nile perch. The garden is a peaceful spot to sit for lunch or dinner, and you’ll also find a few Maasai craft stalls on site.
• Five Chutneys
  A vegetarian haven offering a mix of Indian and fusion dishes. It’s a great choice if you’re seeking plant-based options in a relaxed atmosphere

Distance & time

• 110 km | approx. 2.5 hours

Route

• Follow the A104 towards Makuyuni town (good paved road).
• At the Makuyuni junction (by the petrol station), keep straight.
• From here it’s another 40 km to Tarangire Main Gate. Signs are clear.
• If you’re booked in a lodge outside Tarangire, you’ll likely stay near Sangaiwe (southern gate).
• Pass the main gate and continue on the paved road parallel to the park boundary for 30 km.
• After the village Mbuyu wa Mjeruman, turn left onto a dirt road and continue to Sangaiwe Gate.

Tip

• There are no fuel stations in Tarangire. Check your tank and top up before entering.

Distance & time

• 115 km | approx. 2.5 hours

Route

• Take the A104 (well-paved).
• Follow it to Makuyuni town.
• At the junction by the petrol station, turn right.
• Continue straight to Mto wa Mbu.

Driving times overview

• Arusha → Karatu (last town for groceries): 140 km | 3 hrs (tarmac)
• Karatu → Loduare Gate (Ngorongoro entrance): 15 km | 30 min
• Loduare Gate → Ngorongoro Crater entrance: 15 km | 1 hr
• Crater entrance → Naabi Hill Gate (Serengeti entrance): 85 km | 2–3 hrs

Route

• Follow the A104 towards Makuyuni town.
• At Makuyuni junction (petrol station), turn right.
• Continue to Mto wa Mbu (good stop for coffee, lunch, or a walk through the craft markets).
• Drive through town. After Lake Manyara NP, the road climbs steeply up the Rift Valley escarpment with sweeping views. Watch out for baboons on the road!
• The road descends into Karatu.

To continue to Ngorongoro

• From Karatu, take the B144 west.
• The road climbs 500 m into the Highlands. It’s steep and twisty — take it slow.
• Enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Loduare Gate.

• • Peak season (Jul–Sep, Dec–Jan): expect queues of up to 30 minutes.

  • Watch out for baboons near the parking area — lock your doors!

• After the permit check, stop at the viewpoint (great photo spot). You may already see wildlife.
• Continue to the junction: left to Serengeti, right to descend into the crater.
• Pass the checkpoint and begin your Crater floor safari!

Distance & time

• 185 km | approx. 4.5 hours

Route

• Take the A104 towards Makuyuni town.
• At Makuyuni junction (petrol station), turn right.
• Continue to Mto wa Mbu. Stop for coffee, lunch, or explore the craft markets.
• Drive through town. After Lake Manyara NP, climb the Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy the views, but beware of baboons!
• Descend into Karatu. Just past town, turn left at the junction for Lake Eyasi.
• Follow the dirt road. It narrows and is bumpy in places.
• You’ll pass farmland (sunflower, teff) and Maasai herders with cattle.

On the way

• Stop in Mto wa Mbu or Karatu for a break.
• Pass Lake Manyara on your left.
• At the Rift Valley top, stop at the viewpoint.

Tip

• Karatu is your last place to stock up on supplies, withdraw cash, and refuel.

Distances

• Arusha town (e.g. Tulia Boutique Hotel) → JRO: 55 km | 2 hrs
• Arusha outskirts (e.g. Mtoni River Lodge) → JRO: 45 km | 90 min
• USA River (e.g. Rivertrees Country Inn) → JRO: 30 km | 1 hr
• Arusha town → Moshi: 85 km | 3 hrs

Route

• From Arusha, take the A23 east towards JRO and Moshi.
• Traffic can be heavy, especially at rush hours.
• If catching a flight or returning a car, allow extra time.

Distance & time

• 100 km | 3 hrs

Route 1 (mostly paved)

• From Arusha, head east on the A23 towards Moshi (be aware: the road can be busy and congested).
• Continue to Boma La Ngombe.
• At Panone Petrol Station, turn left towards West Kilimanjaro.
• After 28 km, reach a junction: continue straight for Simba Farm and turn left for Original Maasai Lodge.

Route 2 (scenic)

• From Arusha, take the A104 towards Nairobi.
• Turn right at Oldonyosambu Sokoni Baptist Church (look for lodge signs).
• The paved road becomes a dirt road. Follow it until it becomes paved again.
• Signs will point you to Original Maasai Lodge and later Simba Farm Lodge.

On the way

• Carry a packed lunch.
• Enjoy views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro!

Distance & time

• 225 km | 5–7 hrs

Route 1 (scenic via Longido)

• From Arusha, take the A104 towards Nairobi.
• Continue to Longido town.
• Just outside town (near Orbomba Livestock), take the last left. The road turns to dirt.
• At Losirwa Primary School/Shimo la Mungu viewpoint junction, turn right.
• Continue to Engare Sero, the checkpoint for Lake Natron Wildlife Conservation Area.

Note: The road from Longido to Engare Sero can be rough — drive slowly.

Route 2 (via Mto wa Mbu)

• Take the A104 towards Makuyuni.
• At Makuyuni junction (petrol station), turn right.
• Continue to Mto wa Mbu: a good stop for coffee, lunch, and craft markets.
• From Mto wa Mbu, head north via Selela and Engaruka villages.
• Continue to Engare Sero, the checkpoint to Lake Natron WCA.

Tip

On the way to Lake Natron, bring a packed lunch and enjoy the changing scenery and small villages along the route. It’s a beautiful but remote drive. Remember to fill up your tank beforehand, as there are no fuel stations at Lake Natron.