ARUSHA TOWN
ARUSHA TOWN
Tour SummaryArusha is a historic city in northern Tanzania, often referred to as the "gateway" to some of Africa's most renowned game reserves, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. These parks are famous for their rich wildlife and stunning landscapes, making Arusha a prime starting point for safaris in East Africa. Arusha, one of the oldest towns in Tanzania, originated as a small German military outpost in 1900. Over the years, it has evolved into the country’s tourism capital, with a population of about 400,000 people. Situated 1,390 meters above sea level, the city enjoys a mild and comfortable climate year-round. Its location at the heart of Africa, along the Great North Road that stretches from Cape Town to Cairo, places it at a geographical crossroads. Arusha serves as the administrative seat of the East African Community (EAC), a regional organization consisting of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. This role gives the city a strategic and political importance beyond tourism. Culture and Economy Arusha is also a vibrant cultural hub where visitors can find authentic African crafts. Notable among these are Makonde carvings, famous for their intricate detail, and the colorful, expressive Tinga Tinga paintings and batiks, which reflect the vivid culture of Tanzania. The city is also home to Tanzanite, a gemstone unique to the region. Discovered in 1967 near Mererani, about 40 kilometers southeast of Arusha, Tanzanite is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable gemstones in the world. It is sold in numerous shops around the city, alongside other precious stones like ruby, tourmaline, and rhodolite. Mererani remains the only commercially viable source of Tanzanite globally, and the gem is even named after Tanzania, the country of its origin. Modern Arusha Today, Arusha is not just a gateway to Tanzania’s national parks but also a key player in tourism, culture, and the gemstone trade. It is a bustling, rapidly developing city, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and commerce. Whether you're looking to embark on an unforgettable safari or purchase world-renowned Tanzanite, Arusha remains one of Tanzania's most important and dynamic cities.
Availability
Whole Year
Price
$3,600/Person
Duration
5 Days
Tour Highlights
Day 1
Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
- Our guide meets you on your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha
- Located beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha City is the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit of national parks and marks the starting point of your safari into the African Bush
- Before dinner, set out to explore the vibrant sights and sounds of local life
- Coffee connoisseurs can enjoy popular coffee tours – weaving in and out of the evergreen coffee trees, while learning about how beans are nurtured, harvested, dried and finally roasted to produce myriad different blends which are exported and enjoyed all over the world *
- Meals included: Dinner
* These activities are at an additional cost
Day 2
Arusha – Serengeti
- Get set to kickstart your safari adventure as we head to the Serengeti where you are dropped off and given time to settle in
- Guests raring to get out and explore can take advantage of a sunset game drive
- Back to your hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening listening to the sounds of the Serengeti at night
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3
Serengeti
- We set out in the early morning for a full day’s game drive in search of lion prides
- Expect to spot animals you’ve only seen in National Geographic – great herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebra, thousands of Eland, as well as exceptional year-round lion sightings
- Enjoy a delicious picnic and spend the entire day out exploring the rolling plains of the Serengeti National Park
- After an action-packed day in the bush, your guide drops you back at your accommodation inside the national park, in time for a gourmet dinner
- Take to the African skies in a hot air balloon to appreciate the pristine natural beauty of this 14,763km2 savannah stretching as far as the eye can see *
- Cosy around the campfire and enjoy sharing stories of the day’s wildlife sightings
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* These activities are at an additional cost
Day 4
Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
- After an early breakfast, you depart with your lunch for a final morning game drive in the Serengeti
- Few lions hunt during the heat of the day and so early morning is often the best time to observe the thrill of the chase
- Once back at your accommodation, enjoy your last few moments in the Serengeti National Park before we make the three-hour transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
- Check-in to your accommodation in Ngorongoro and settle into your new surroundings
- Enjoy a guided walk around the rim of the mighty Ngorongoro Crater. In addition to seeing breathtaking views of the volcanic crater and the diverse wildlife, our expert guides will also teach you about its incredible indigenous flora and fauna *
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* These activities are at an additional cost
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater – Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Wake up early to panoramic views of the crater, and after breakfast, head off for a day trip to explore the many fascinating species that are protected within its rim
- Here, we can see the Big Five in high concentration against the stunning backdrop of the crater walls
- After a day of exploring, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport – where we wave you a fond farewell
- Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Gallery
Phone: +255 762 026 599
