Arusha City

Arusha sits in northern Tanzania at the foot of Mount Meru and is known as the country's safari capital. It is the gateway to the Northern Circuit and the starting point for virtually all Northern Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main international gateway for the Arusha region, while Arusha Airport (ARK) mainly handles domestic and charter flights. Ecological Wilderness Adventure can advise on the best arrival point and arrange your transfers as part of a tailored itinerary.

Most guests use Arusha as an overnight stop before and after their safari or Kilimanjaro climb, since it is where Northern Circuit trips begin. Adding a full day lets you explore the town and nearby Arusha National Park before heading out.

Arusha National Park, which surrounds Mount Meru, offers game drives, walking safaris and canoeing, and the town itself has craft markets, the Cultural Heritage Centre, coffee farms and Tanzanite shops. These are commonly built into the first or last day of a Northern Circuit itinerary.

Yes. Mount Meru rises directly above Arusha and its multi-day trek starts inside Arusha National Park, often used as acclimatisation before a Kilimanjaro attempt. Ecological Wilderness Adventure can tailor a Mount Meru trek or combine it with a longer climbing or safari programme on request.

It is the standard base for Kilimanjaro expeditions, since most climbs are organised and outfitted from Arusha before driving to the trailhead. Its elevation and mild climate also give you a comfortable place to rest and prepare before the climb.