February 5, 2026
Arusha Travel Guide
A general orientation to Arusha for first-time visitors — how to get there, how to get around, and what to expect from the city itself.
Getting to Arusha
Most international visitors arrive via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), roughly between Arusha and Moshi, or the smaller Arusha Airport (ARK), which handles domestic and regional flights.
Getting around
Arusha's city centre is walkable in parts, but the surrounding residential areas — including Moivaro — are best reached by car. Safari operators and hotels typically arrange transfers directly.
What the city is like
Arusha functions as Tanzania's safari and conference hub — busier and more commercial in the centre, quieter in residential areas like Moivaro. It's a genuinely useful base rather than a tourist attraction in its own right, which suits travellers who want to rest between safari days or settle in for a longer stay.
Where to base yourself
For anything longer than a couple of nights, a serviced apartment with a real kitchen and reliable Wi-Fi is worth comparing against a standard hotel room — particularly for families, business travellers, and anyone staying more than a few days.