Arusha Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Arusha tours and safaris, the gateway to Tanzania’s legendary northern circuit: the endless plains of the Serengeti, the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater, the elephants of Tarangire, the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, the Materuni waterfalls and coffee farms, and the markets and culture of Arusha itself. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect Tanzania safari.
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Explore Arusha by interest
Whatever brings you to Arusha — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Serengeti safari
Plains and the migration.
ExploreNgorongoro Crater
Big Five in a caldera.
ExploreKilimanjaro & Meru
Climb Africa’s peaks.
ExploreWaterfalls & coffee
Materuni and hot springs.
ExploreCity & culture
Markets and Maasai.
ExploreArusha National Park
Safari near the city.
ExploreBalloon safari
Float over the Serengeti.
ExploreZanzibar & beyond
Stone Town and beaches.
ExploreTop attractions in Arusha
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Serengeti
Endless plains.
Ngorongoro Crater
Big Five caldera.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa’s highest peak.
Materuni Falls
Waterfall and coffee.
Arusha National Park
Giraffes and lakes.
Arusha City
Markets and culture.
Tarangire
Elephants and baobabs.
Zanzibar
Stone Town and beaches.
3 hrs awayNgorongoro Crater
Big Five caldera.
1 hr awayArusha National Park
Giraffes and lakes.
1.5 hrs awayMateruni Falls
Waterfall and coffee.
1.5 hrs awayKilimanjaro Day Hike
The lower slopes.
Multi-day awaySerengeti
Plains and migration.
Short flight awayZanzibar
Stone Town and beaches.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Arusha visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
June to October is the dry season — the best time for safaris, with thinner vegetation, easy wildlife spotting and the river crossings of the migration.
Dry season (Jun–Oct)
Cooler, dry and ideal for game viewing as animals gather at water; the peak and busiest safari season.
Short rains (Nov–Dec)
Brief afternoon showers, lush green scenery, fewer crowds and the wildebeest calving build-up; a good-value time.
Calving season (Jan–Feb)
The southern Serengeti fills with newborn wildebeest and predators; warm, green and spectacular for wildlife.
Long rains (Mar–May)
Heaviest rains, lush and quiet with the lowest prices, though some camps close and roads can be muddy.
Climbing seasons
Kilimanjaro is best climbed in the dry months of January–March and June–October for clearer, safer conditions.
One day
Ngorongoro Crater or Arusha National Park.
Three days
Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Five days
The sweet spot: the full northern circuit.
Seven days+
Add the Serengeti at length and a balloon safari.
A week or more
Climb Kilimanjaro or add Zanzibar’s beaches.
Travelling with kids
Mix Arusha NP, waterfalls and a short crater trip.
Safari vehicles
Safaris are run in 4x4 vehicles with a driver-guide, including pickup — by far the main way to reach the parks.
Airport transfers
Pre-booked transfers connect Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) with Arusha and Moshi, about 45–60 minutes away.
Local flights
Light aircraft link Arusha to the Serengeti airstrips and Zanzibar, saving long drives on longer trips.
In the city
Central Arusha is walkable for markets and cafés; use a trusted taxi or your tour operator after dark.
Taxis & bajaji
Taxis and bajaji (tuk-tuks) are available in town; agree the fare first, as there are no meters.
From the city
Most lodges and operators arrange all transport for safaris, so independent transfers are rarely needed.
Money & currency
Tanzania uses the shilling, but US dollars are widely used for tours and tips; carry some cash, as cards are accepted only at larger hotels and operators.
Health & vaccines
Malaria precautions are essential, and a yellow-fever certificate may be required; check current advice and pack repellent.
Tip your guides
Tipping safari guides, drivers and camp staff is customary and an important part of their income.
Pack for safari
Bring neutral-coloured clothing, layers for chilly mornings, a hat, binoculars and a good camera.
Choose your operator
Book with a reputable, licensed safari operator — Excurgo compares trusted options with clear inclusions.
Park fees included
Quality safaris include the considerable national park and crater fees — check they are covered in the price.
Multi-day safaris
Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris sell out in peak season — book well ahead.
Balloon safaris
Serengeti balloon flights have limited places — reserve early.
Kilimanjaro climbs
Multi-day climbs need planning and permits — book ahead.
Crater day trips
Ngorongoro day safaris are popular — pre-book.
Zanzibar add-ons
Flights and beach stays fill up in high season — plan ahead.
Peak seasons
June–October and the festive season are busy — book early.
Crater day trip
Around €150–300 for a Ngorongoro Crater day safari.
3-day safari
About €500–1,000+ for a 3-day northern-circuit safari.
5-day safari
Roughly €1,000–2,500+ for a 5-day full-circuit safari.
Waterfalls & coffee
Around €40–80 for the Materuni waterfall and coffee tour.
Balloon safari
About €450–550 for a Serengeti hot-air balloon flight.
How to save
Join group safaris, travel in the green season, and combine parks to share costs.
Arusha through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Lush, low prices.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Muddy; some camps close.
- Best for
- Best game viewing.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak; book ahead.
- Best for
- Green, fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Brief showers.
- Best for
- Newborns, predators.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Warm, green; busy.