IMG 3716 — East Africa safari
Tanzania Safari Destination

Arusha

The Gateway to Africa’s Greatest Safaris


Arusha: Gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safaris


Where Journeys Begin

Set at the foothills of Mount Meru, Arusha is a vibrant town that serves as the starting point for Tanzania’s most iconic safari experiences. Blending lively local culture with scenic surroundings, Arusha is the heart of the northern safari circuit, offering a seamless balance of comfort, connectivity, and natural beauty.

What to Expect

Arusha is known for its pleasant climate, bustling markets, leafy neighborhoods, and views of Mount Meru rising above the town. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences, local cuisine, and relaxed lodge stays, while benefiting from easy access to nearby highlights such as Arusha National Park, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and the routes leading to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti — making it an ideal base before or after safari adventures.


Arusha city

A Natural Beginning to Your Journey

Arusha offers a welcoming introduction to Tanzania before your safari begins. Set against the backdrop of Mount Meru, the town’s relaxed pace, pleasant climate, and green surroundings create a comfortable space to unwind after travel and prepare for the adventures ahead. Evenings are lively yet unhurried, with opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, cultural experiences, and scenic views before setting off into Tanzania’s iconic wilderness.

Highlights

Top Parks Near Arusha

Arusha sits at the gateway to Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks, all easily accessible by road.

Ngorongoro
Included

Ngorongoro Crater

01

Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife areas, famous for its vast volcanic caldera and year-round game viewing within a dramatic natural enclosure.

02

Lake Manyara National Park

A scenic park known for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse habitats ranging from groundwater forests to open lakeshores and savannah.

03

Serengeti National Park

Home to endless plains and abundant wildlife, the Serengeti offers classic safari experiences, including big cat sightings and the Great Migration.

04

Tarangire National Park

Celebrated for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire is especially rewarding during the dry season when wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River.

ACCOMMODATION

Find Your Perfect Stay

Filter by category and travel dates to discover your ideal safari stay

Loading accommodations...

Visual Journey

Gallery

A glimpse into the extraordinary moments awaiting you in Africa

Lion Cubs in Serengeti
View Image
Serengeti Melia
View Image
Dunia camp central serengeti migration — East Africa safari
View Image
client in serengeti
View Image
Salinero Serengeti
View Image

Reviews

Trusted by thousands of travelers

Independent ratings and awards from the platforms that matter.

Google Reviews rating for Marvels of Africa safari tours

Top Rated

Read Reviews
TripAdvisor reviews for Marvels of Africa East Africa safaris

Ranked No. 1

Read Reviews
GetYourGuide partner — Marvels of Africa safari experiences

Top Rated

Read Reviews
Tourism award recognition for Marvels of Africa

Global Tourism

Winner 2025

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Ngorongoro Crater

How to Get to Karatu

Karatu is easily reached by road from Arusha in approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. It lies along Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and is commonly accessed via Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive passes through scenic highland landscapes, making Karatu a convenient and relaxing stop between major safari destinations.

What is Karatu best known for?

Karatu is best known for its lush highland scenery, fertile farmland, and coffee plantations, set against the cool slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands. It is widely valued as a peaceful safari hub, offering comfortable lodges and easy access to nearby parks like Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, making it an ideal place to relax between game drives.

Still have questions? We're here to help!