Arusha (or ‘A Town’, as it’s known locally) is the gateway to Tanzania’s world-famous national parks. Despite the vibrant city scenes, visitors tend to make a beeline for the nearby safaris and picturesque landscapes - and who can blame them? Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro crater are just some examples of the big-name attractions within day-trip distance. When it comes to spectacular scenery and wildlife spotting, you really are spoiled for choice here.
It should come as no surprise that the northern national parks are a top priority for visitors to Tanzania. Dubbed the ‘northern circuit’, these epic destinations are brimming with unique flora and fauna and are home to some of the most amazing natural wonders on the planet. Whether you’re watching wildebeests and zebras migrating in their millions across the Serengeti plains or gazing in awe at the sheer majesty of Africa’s highest mountain, spine-tingling sights await around every corner. This is a place that will captivate you from the get-go and continue to surprise.

When you’re not spotting wildlife or scaling mountains, Arusha is the perfect place to rest and recharge before your next big adventure. Though admittedly not the most scenic of cities, it offers a pleasant climate, fantastic hotels and a variety of places to eat. Spend a leisurely day exploring the museums and hunting for souvenirs at Masai Market before sampling the buzzing nightlife. The selection of live-music venues, pubs and nightclubs will keep you occupied until the early hours.
Though Arusha itself might be a brief stop-off on your Tanzania itinerary, it’s the ideal gateway to some of East Africa’s most sought-after national parks and conservation areas. So what are you waiting for? Slip on your hiking boots and prepare yourself for a wild adventure.