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Home/Destinations/Africa/Tanzania/Arusha

Arusha Safaris and Trip Packages

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Overview

Take a trip to Arusha on your Tanzania Vacation

Located in northern Tanzania, Arusha serves as the de facto capital of the East African community. It is surrounded by some of Africa’s most famous destinations including Mount Meru, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro, making the city a popular starting point for many tourists on a Tanzania safari.

Originally a garrison town founded by German colonialists, the territory was part of German East Africa in 1900. Named after the local Wa-Arusha tribe, it quickly developed into an important centre for trading and administration. With the First World War came British occupation resulting in the relocation of German estates to British settlers who began to develop new communities.

Today, Arusha is known as “the Geneva of Africa” due to its role in human rights issues. The Arusha Accords were signed in 1993 by the government of Rwanda and the rebel Rwandan Patriotic Front to end the country’s three-year civil war. In 1994, the UN Security Council decided that Arusha would host the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and it is also the home of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights.

While perceived by many to be the starting point for other African destinations, the city hosts Arusha National Park and Mount Meru as well as the Maasai, one of Africa’s most iconic tribes making Arusha an interesting tourist destination in its own right. on a Tanzania vacation.

At a Glance

Languages

Swahili, English

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

What do the experts say?

Kelley Cleaveland

Kelley Cleaveland

Destination Specialist
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An ideal first-time itinerary starts in Arusha and ends in Zanzibar. To maximize time, “Sky Safari” packages using small aircraft to fly guests directly between lodges offer breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes as well as convenience.
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Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
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The people and wildlife are amazing. You always feel safe at the tented camps, even knowing animals are around. The locals treat you with such warmth and respect.
Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
We provide local experiences, manage client expectations, and work with trusted suppliers so travelers feel safe and enjoy every moment of their trip
Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park are simply spectacular. There’s no place quite like the massive crater or the migration-covered plains.
Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Tanzania’s hospitality is incredible. You’ll always feel welcomed, wherever you go

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