Set at 1,400 metres on the slopes of Mount Meru, the city enjoys a temperate climate, vibrant markets, and a growing collection of world-class hotels. For golfers, the Arusha Golf Course offers a pleasant warm-up round in highland conditions before the main event on the Serengeti. Gran Melia Arusha provides five-star accommodation in coffee-plantation gardens, while the city's restaurants serve increasingly sophisticated cuisine blending Tanzanian, Indian, and international influences.
Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa — the gateway city for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and now, championship golf safaris.
Discover the wild heart of Arusha
Explore Tours →Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Arusha's highland climate is pleasant throughout the year with temperatures of 15-28 degrees Celsius. The short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May) bring occasional afternoon showers but rarely disrupt travel plans.
What You'll See
Arusha National Park, just 30 minutes from the city centre, is home to giraffe, buffalo, colobus monkeys, flamingos, and over 400 bird species. Mount Meru (4,566m) dominates the skyline and offers a challenging 3-4 day trek for those wanting to add altitude to their golf safari.
Getting There
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is 50 km east of the city — approximately 45 minutes by road. Arusha Airport handles domestic flights to the Serengeti, Zanzibar, and other bush airstrips. Most golf safari packages include airport-to-hotel transfers.
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Where to Go in Arusha
Arusha National Park
Walking safaris, Momella Lakes, Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro views
A compact gem just 30 minutes from the city, offering walking safaris among giraffe and buffalo, canoe trips on the Momella Lakes, and views of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. The perfect half-day excursion before or after a golf safari.
Mount Meru
4,566m summit — Africa's fifth-highest peak
Africa's fifth-highest peak at 4,566 metres, offering a challenging 3-4 day trek through montane forest and alpine desert. Often used as an acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru provides a rewarding trek in its own right with summit views that stretch to Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
Arusha Tours & Excursions
Safari Blue Full Day
1 Days / 0 Nights
$95 per person
Sunset Dhow Cruise
1 Days / 0 Nights
$65 per person
Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling
1 Days / 0 Nights
$90 per person
Spice Plantation Tour
1 Days / 0 Nights
$45 per person
Nakupenda Sandbank Trip
1 Days / 0 Nights
$75 per person
Full Island Tour
1 Days / 0 Nights
$150 per person
Other Tanzania Destinations
Serengeti National Park
Home to the only championship golf course inside a major national park — Par 72, 7,065m, wildlife on every hole
Read Guide →Serengeti
The Serengeti — 14,763 km² of Africa's most iconic savannah and the heartbeat of the Great Migration.
Read Guide →Stone Town
UNESCO World Heritage Site — Swahili architecture, spice markets & rooftop dining
Read Guide →Nungwi
Zanzibar's sunset coast — tide-free swimming, dhow builders & vibrant nightlife
Read Guide →Ready to Explore Arusha?
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