2025 Arusha Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Discover Arusha’s Unmissable Gems! ✨🦓🌿 Ready to explore Arusha like a true wanderer? 1. Serval Wildlife where you’ll get up close with rescued animals in safari-style enclosures. Go for interactive feeding sessions and snap insta-worthy shots with giraffes. White lions, zebras and so many more. Best at early morning light for golden, soft backgrounds! If possible, book a night stay for bonus sunset safaris and starlit fireside stories. 2. Meru Eco Camp (Napuru Waterfalls, Olgilai)—nestled by waterfalls and forest. It’s an eco-friendly hideaway ideal for relaxing or hiking to the gushing falls (wear sturdy shoes!). The waterfall mist makes for magical, ethereal shots, especially in the afternoon glow. 3. Lake Duluti here you can rent a canoe or hike the lush forest trails, perfect for birdwatching and landscape pics. Bring bug spray, and if hiking, go with a guide for insider stories and safety. 4. Cultural Heritage Centre for a dose of Tanzanian art, craft shopping, and tribal history and set aside time to browse local gemstone galleries—great for unique souvenirs! 5. Materuni Waterfalls a 2 hour hike to this beautiful waterfall that falls too loud and hard, you can see the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro on your way back to the village. 6. Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, a beautiful place for horseback riding, ride on a wooden canoe. Here you can book for a stay or just a visit. #Arusha #WildlifeSafari #TanzaniaTravel #Culture #EcoAdventure

Hey everyone, my experience at the Selian Hotel in Arusha was absolutely amazing😍. Check out my story! 🌍 Prime Location: The Golden Starting Point for Exploring Africa The Selian Hotel boasts a superb location📍 in the heart of Arusha. With easy access to transportation hubs, it's incredibly convenient for embarking on adventures to the Serengeti plains to witness the breathtaking wildebeest migration, or venturing to the Ngorongoro Crater to marvel at nature's wonders. The hotel is also surrounded by local shops and bustling markets, offering a taste of authentic African culture. 🛏 Comfortable Rooms: A Perfect Blend of Warmth and Style Stepping into the room, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere🛌. The bed was incredibly soft and comfortable, like sleeping on a cloud, allowing for instant relaxation. The room's decor seamlessly blends modern minimalism with traditional African elements, from tribal-inspired murals to handcrafted wooden furniture, showcasing unique charm in every detail. High-end amenities include a smart TV with a wide selection of channels and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring entertainment and leisure at your fingertips📶. The bathroom features a separate shower and bathtub, stocked with top-quality toiletries that emit a subtle fragrance, creating a luxurious experience. 🍽 A Feast for the Senses: A Culinary Journey Through Africa and Beyond The hotel's dining options are a true celebration of flavors🍽️! The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both authentic African specialties, such as expertly spiced grilled meats, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, with rich, lingering flavors😋, and exquisite international cuisine. The Italian pasta in the Western restaurant is perfectly al dente, coated in a rich sauce, transporting you to the streets of Italy with every bite. The breakfast spread is equally impressive, with fresh fruit, delicious bread, and local beverages, providing a perfect start to an energetic day. 🌳 Unique Amenities: Embrace Nature and Fun The hotel's amenities are truly exceptional🌳. The swimming pool, nestled amidst tropical plants, offers a refreshing escape, evoking the feeling of being in a rainforest. The garden is a vibrant tapestry of colorful tropical flora, inviting you to stroll through a botanical paradise. The fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to cater to all your workout needs. The children's play area is filled with exciting facilities, keeping the little ones entertained for hours. 👩‍💼 Attentive Service: Warmth and Care Like Home The hotel staff is incredibly welcoming, attentive, and caring👩‍💼. From the warm smiles at check-in to the prompt responses to every request during my stay, I felt completely at ease. When I inquired about local attractions, the staff provided detailed information and helped me plan my itinerary, making my trip even smoother. My time at the Selian Hotel in Arusha was truly wonderful and unforgettable. If you're planning a trip to Arusha, don't miss out on this gem!

Thinking of visiting Tanzania Here is your local tour operator that can tailor affordable packages for safaris and Zanzibar beaches, The package will take you to embark at Serengeti Np , Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire Np , we give assurance of best services to our clients though our experienced and experts guides ! Welcome to Tanzania with us 💰Average Price per Person: From usd 1000 💞Reasons to Recommend:Explore authentic nature and discover undiscovered #trip #summervacation #summer #summertrip #summerdream #couplestrip #urbanexplorer #songkran2024 #mytravelhacks #cherryblossom2024 #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip #trip #tripmoments #travelinspiration #travelling

after our struggle but worth hiking experience at Kilimanjaro peak, we decided for a safari adventure at The Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is a protected 8292km area and labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site The main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. we thought it was a very expansive area where Masaai people and wildlifes live harmonily. Personally, i like Ngorongoro because we see more animals, faunas and wildlifes here. they are everywhere. we had the best guide Anthony who drove us around this area on jeep. #safari #wildlifes #wildlifepark

Day 2 Safari: still at Ngorongoro Conservation Area after the tour with the cool Masaai peeps, we continue to hunt for the Big 5. which is the most wanted animals people looking for are looking for in safari. They are lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo & leopard. we excited to spot simba, angry buffalo, leopard hanging on the trer & elephants looking for foodz unfortunately, rhino was nowhere to be found. borengggg we saw abundance of zebras, impala & hyena! we had the feeling of Lion King set #travel3sixty #thebigfivesafari #safari #ngorongoroconservationarea #ngorongoro #tanzania #eastafrica #africa

#safari

This is a fantastic hotel in Arusha, with staff who are incredibly friendly and professional. After three flights and 30 hours of travel, we booked two nights with Red Level Lounge, and it was the perfect place to unwind. We enjoyed the snacks and drinks at Red Level; Adam Cassim was always attentive and maintained his smile throughout. We also loved our breakfast at the Rooftop Lounge, where Adam (Guest Experience) and Stellah went the extra mile; their warmth made our first morning unforgettable. The food, drinks, and snacks at both Red Level and Rooftop Lounge were fresh, varied, delicious, and beautifully presented. We only wish we could have stayed longer!

Bottom line up front: Request to meet Praygod for an amazing exploration around the lodge grounds and the nearby lake. We enjoyed a delightful 3-day stay at Arusha Lodge before starting our travels. Upon arrival, our tour director proposed a walk with the gardener, Praygod, a budding naturalist. He was an excellent source of information about the region. His knowledge of plants, birds, agriculture, Arusha's culture, and Tanzania at large was impressive. We gained so much insight from him! We joined him for two hikes outside the property, and his enthusiasm was truly contagious. Our treks with Praygod were the best part of our visit.

Our family of five, including kids aged 15, 14, and 12, spent two weeks on a safari and Zanzibar adventure with Duma Explorer/Alika Africa. Planning the trip with Stacy was a breeze, and she organized everything, even the flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. Our tour guide Justin was with us for 11 days and was exceptional. He had extensive knowledge of all the sites and wildlife. Justin's calm demeanor made us feel comfortable from day one. He answered all our questions, enhancing our understanding of Tanzanian culture. Every evening, he briefed us on the next day's activities. All the camps were very comfortable for us, and every host we encountered was wonderful. A standout was the Mysigio camp, where we stayed right next to a Maasai village, experiencing their homes and culture firsthand. The food everywhere was also fantastic. Highlights of the trip included a balloon ride over the Mara River during the Great Migration and a performance by Maasai children at Mysigio.

We had a truly remarkable trip with Ranger Safari guides. Our group consisted of 8 people (4 couples). We began in Arusha, headed to Nimali Tarangire, then visited Serengeti, and concluded at Ngorongoro Crater. They accompanied us every step of the way, expertly leading all our safaris. Our guides, Raymond David and Godson, were simply outstanding! We were incredibly fond of them when it was time to say goodbye. I wholeheartedly recommend their company and these two guides!

My daughter and I enjoyed an incredible journey through both our Safari and our stay at St Judes. On the Safari, Jackson, our guide, was truly knowledgeable and a skilled driver, making us feel secure throughout. We encountered many beautiful—and some less so—African animals up close, often in large groups. The Serengeti impressed us most; staying in the glamping tents was wonderfully comfortable, with the animals' nighttime sounds adding a unique touch. Sitting around the fire and gazing at the multitude of stars was unforgettable, as were the sunrises and sunsets over the Serengeti. The entire experience was truly special. Our stay at St Judes was equally remarkable. The children's joy and impressiveness stood out. The school is excellently maintained, and we had the pleasure of two delightful girls who cared for us, ensuring we felt truly welcomed. The team at St Judes was very accommodating in arranging the itinerary and adjusted as necessary. This entire escapade will remain a cherished memory forever.

We recently completed our safari journey with Alika Africa and had an astonishing experience. From the moment we were picked up at the airport to our drop-off, we felt well cared for and in excellent hands during our debut safari adventure. Justin was outstanding! He ensured we saw everything we desired and more. His knowledge of the animals and ecosystem was exceptional—he knew exactly where to go and when to pause, such as when elephants crossed the road before us :) He was very thoughtful, considerate, and attentive, and we highly recommend him as your guide. A big thank you to everyone at Alika for an unforgettable honeymoon!

My visit to Sanna Boutique Hotel in Arusha was a flawless combination of modern design and comfort. The room was remarkably spacious, spotlessly clean, and strategically arranged. I appreciated the blend of tiled floors in the entry and bathroom with soft carpet in the sleeping section. The bathroom was particularly striking — boasting a full-four piece setup with a whirlpool tub, generous walk-in shower, soft bathrobes and slippers, and a hairdryer. If anything was lacking, it was a bit more counter space. Ample storage was available, featuring lots of closet space, a double luggage rack, and a complete kitchen counter. The lighting system is automatic, and an in-room safe keeps valuables secure. The rooftop restaurant provided an ideal setting to begin and conclude the day — breakfast is included, and dinner was both tasty and elegantly served, accompanied by stunning city and mountain views. Service throughout the hotel was outstanding. I also enjoyed a wonderful massage from Neema — highly recommended, especially following a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb. A note: credit card transactions include a 4% fee. A $50US deposit is also required. I paid with cash, receiving a receipt, to avoid another fee and guarantee my refund the next day. Although the $70 airport transfer was punctual, the driver’s carelessness was notable in an otherwise excellent stay.

We opted for this 2-day Lights on Africa Destinations & Safaris tour for a quick weekend getaway, and it turned out to be far beyond what we anticipated. On the first day, upon entering Tarangire National Park, I was thrilled to witness large herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, and lions. The guide offered detailed information about the animals. On the second day, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater felt like stepping into a dream world—seeing black rhinos, lions, hippos, and countless gonos together was an incredibly remarkable experience. Despite the limited time, I hadn't imagined seeing so much. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience a taste of Africa in a short period.

For our holiday, we chose Zorilla Safaris & Treks, which included climbing Mount Meru, followed by safaris in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, then finished with some relaxing days on Zanzibar. Hesbon proved to be an exceptional mountain guide whom we trusted completely, and he possesses comprehensive knowledge of Tanzania. The safari was a wonderful experience, thanks to the excellent camps Hesbon picked and Stanley's detailed knowledge of the many animals we encountered, not to mention his driving expertise on the park's rough roads. We strongly recommend Zorilla Safaris for their superb service and excellent quality-to-price ratio!

I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend in Arusha staying at Planet Lodge. The lodge is staffed by friendly and gracious individuals who go out of their way to enhance your stay. The staff provided a thorough demonstration of the room's amenities, including the air conditioner, water heater, and television. The spacious room was clean, featuring a large window and a big, comfy bed, with a spotless, sizable bathroom. The lodge boasts an attractive environment; some plants are labeled, adding to the experience. Each building has a modern design with a cozy balcony for bird watching or reading. There's an intriguing plantation within the gardens as well. The swimming pool is excellent, spacious, and immaculate, with a nearby counter offering a variety of drinks. This meant I didn't have to walk far for refreshments. Housekeeping is commendable, with a delightful turndown service that includes a piece of chocolate. The restaurant served delightful dinner and breakfast during my one-night stay. Breakfast was particularly impressive, featuring a wide array of favorites such as fresh milk, fruits, juice, yogurt, fried eggs, cereals, sausage, coffee, bacon, pancakes, toast, and tea. Finally, the lodge is conveniently placed outside the town of Arusha but is close enough for a quick trip to the shops; I highly recommend this accommodation to anyone.

We embarked on a 6-day Standard Safari Experience with the family. The itinerary was Arusha, then Tarangire National Park, followed by Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and finally Lake Manyara. Each day brought new thrills with our guide providing extensive knowledge and having a remarkable talent for spotting animals. The sight of a lion in the Serengeti and the natural wonder of Ngorongoro remain vivid. Lights on Africa Destinations & Safaris organized the trip wonderfully. It was an amazing experience for family togetherness.

All I can say about this hotel is wow! Our room was not only cozy and spotless, but the check-in process was super smooth, especially given how exhausted we were after our 18-hour flight. Diana welcomed us warmly and directed us to dinner right away so we wouldn't miss out before heading to our room. We arranged for box lunches the following day as well. The dinner was fantastic, offering both Indian dishes and allergy notes for safe dining. The room itself was exceptionally comfortable and clean, and the property was stunning. It featured a farm with chickens, eggs, and a coffee plantation. There's a lovely pool and a spa. The coffee here was amazing, and we ordered Kar coffee to accompany us on our travels. I highly recommend staying here before heading on any Safari. The experience was comparable to what we encountered at the Four Seasons and Nimali resorts.

My husband and I were extremely fortunate to ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro alongside Albert and the G2G team. Each individual part of his team, spanning guides, porters, and cooks, prioritized our safety and success at every moment. Our group consisted of 11 climbers, and we were supported by 43 guides and porters. We couldn’t have felt more supported. No task was too much, every need was foreseen. Their expertise, skill, and dedication were remarkable. While ensuring our safety and well-being without fail, they made the entire experience enjoyable and entertaining. They took time to truly know each member of our party and treated us like family. During our climb, many other tour groups were tackling the mountain. I genuinely felt sympathetic for all those teams as they missed out on climbing with Albert and his crew. If you're aiming to conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro, there's no better team than Albert and G2G. G2G! Good to Go!

We embarked on two remarkable safari journeys in Tanzania in 2023 and 2025, and wholeheartedly endorse Ranger Safaris—particularly our exceptional guide, Leodigard Sumawe. During our initial trip, we began at Lake Natron, renowned as the premier location to view flamingos, providing an unforgettable experience. We proceeded to explore Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha National Park—all amazing sites boasting exceptional wildlife views. Leveraging his 27 years of expertise, Leodigard persuaded us to return for the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Thus, in 2025 we planned a second excursion, and Leodigard's advice was spot on: the Serengeti and its migration are astounding! We started this time in Tarangire National Park before advancing to the Southern Serengeti, where we observed lions, leopards, cheetahs, and various other wildlife. Our adventure continued to the Mara River region, where we spent 3 nights. This choice proved ideal—we witnessed several awe-inspiring river crossings, including thrilling crocodile assaults. Ranger Safaris is a truly professional organization with adept guides and well-conditioned jeeps. Both expeditions were organized through Native Escapes, who we also strongly suggest for personalized safari itineraries and exceptional guidance. Sincere gratitude to Leodigard for revealing the wonders of Tanzania—and for convincing us to return!

We are still mesmerized by our journey through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater with Zorilla Safari and Treks. Stanley and Hesbon are an extraordinary duo for crafting a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witnessing the big five and understanding the geological, environmental, and cultural history of the parks and their people through Stanley's perspective is truly tough to surpass. He seems to know everyone and everything in the region, including every bird and beetle. Visits to locals and sharing meals and breaks enriched our already thrilling days with more experiences, great humor, and engaging discussions. We felt their absence minutes after bidding them farewell.

Our safari through Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park exceeded all expectations, becoming the trip of a lifetime. We encountered over 32 different mammals and saw more than 70 bird species, including amazing family groups and charming babies. The wildlife was captivating, and the sunrises and sunsets were mesmerizing. Our guide, Daniel Nyamoga from Ranger Safaris, was exceptional. His deep knowledge of every animal and engaging explanations made the experience unforgettable. His ease and enthusiasm in addressing all questions, paired with his passion for the wildlife, made each day remarkable. The lodges we stayed at were incredible, offering comfort and ideal locations. African Adventure Company did an amazing job organizing every detail, and Daniel's guiding expertise elevated it further. We truly observed more than we ever expected. This safari fulfilled all our hopes and beyond—I will never forget it. Strongly recommend African Adventure Company, Ranger Safaris, and Daniel Nyamoga for anyone longing for an African safari!

Our tour guide and driver, Yuda, made sure our holiday with our two adult sons was unforgettable. We saw all the wildlife we hoped for from the most optimal vantage spots. Highlights included observing a cheetah chase and catch a gazelle, elephants strolling by, enjoying lunch by a pride of 15 snoozing lions, and seeing an amazing variety of birds. Yuda was truly instrumental in creating our cherished memories of Tanzania.

We enjoyed an incredible 7-day safari in Northern Tanzania, exploring Tangarire, Ngorongoro, Southern, Central, and Northern Serengeti with Duma/Alika Africa. From the start, Stacy provided a fantastic experience; she was highly responsive, adaptable, and customized our trip to match our preferences. Her extensive familiarity with the region was clear and greatly contributed to planning a wonderful journey. Our guide Ibrahim was fantastic and versatile, continuously adjusting each day's itinerary based on our preferences and his insights into weather and wildlife behavior. The lodges and tent camps where we stayed were impressively equipped (especially considering the location). Our interactions with the wildlife of the Serengeti and Tanzania were extraordinary. We witnessed thousands of zebras and various antelope, along with hundreds of elephants and giraffes. We also had multiple lion sightings, including some with small cubs, and spotted a leopard and a cheetah with her cubs. Ibrahim excelled at tracking the wildebeest, and we were fortunate to see them crossing the river—an experience that will remain one of the most cherished memories of my life.

The safari experience with Ilmaasai was simply perfect. Our driver and guides were Loth and Colin, who made our time genuinely enjoyable overall. They were excellent—friendly, honest, and engaging in conversation, as well as providing exceptional guidance. They knew all our destinations, gave us helpful tips, and showed us everything possible. Although our vehicle wasn't the latest model, it operated smoothly throughout. Being a family-run business, we felt well cared for during our trip. We visited Tarangire for a day, then spent a day at the Ngorongoro Crater before heading to Serengeti for a two-day game drive. It was an amazing experience, with delicious meals and excellent hotel recommendations from Colin. We met wonderful people and find it hard to express the unique experience fully. I highly recommend this company 100%.

I had an incredible experience on our Safari with Safaris-R-Us. I saw an array of animals that I never thought I'd encounter! Lions, lionesses, zebras, baboons, giraffes, elephants, hippos, warthogs, cheetahs, panthers, monkeys, and so many birds! I always felt secure with our guide, Severin. He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, taking wonderful care of my dad and me. Everything went smoothly, from airport pickup to meals and lodging check-ins. Safaris-R-Us is the Safari company I'll suggest to anyone interested in a Safari. Additionally, we had a great time at the School of St. Jude. I highly recommend spending time with the students and staff there.

Base Camp Tanzania was suggested to us by friends, and we're quite grateful for that. Among the various trips we've taken over recent years, this was undoubtedly our favorite. We enjoyed a fantastic 2-week adventure with delightful accommodations, stunning landscapes, and remarkable wildlife encounters. The owner, Achmed (who is British), promptly addressed all our queries while we planned the safari and personally welcomed us upon arrival and prior to departure. Thanks to this attentive service, my wife and I relished a safari with a knowledgeable guide (also our driver), without being crammed into a vehicle with strangers. Recognizing our interest in birds, Achmed arranged for us a guide, Thomas, who boasts 30 years of experience and assisted us in identifying over 200 bird species. Our other wildlife encounters were truly astonishing, including sights of over 50 lions, 9 cheetahs, 8 leopards, 6 rhinos, and countless other creatures. Thomas leveraged his expertise to secure us prime spots to witness the incredible wildebeest crossing of the Mara River. Despite observing numerous safari operators during our 'game drives,' I wholeheartedly attest that Base Camp Tanzania stands as one of the finest.

We recently completed an incredible tour of Tanzania with Alika Africa, exploring the Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti. Highlights included witnessing a lioness take down a giraffe, a close encounter with a leopard and her two cubs, and watching the wildebeest cross the Mara River. All camps we stayed in offered excellent service while minimizing environmental impact. The staff were very welcoming, and the meals were delicious, whether a packed lunch during a game drive or a three-course evening dinner. Special thanks to our guide, Justin, who consistently found prime view points for wildlife activity. His extensive knowledge enhanced our experience by providing insight into the animals we observed. I highly suggest booking with Alika Africa for an eco-friendly exploration of Tanzania!