Arusha lies in the north of Tanzania, at about 1,400 m above sea level on the southern slopes of Mount Meru. It is the headquarters of the East African Community and, for most visitors, the gateway to the northern safari circuit: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti are all within reach. This page covers how travellers usually arrive and what to sort out before you land.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Most international visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, which opened in 1971. It sits about 60 km east of Arusha, roughly halfway to Moshi. From there the onward journey to Arusha is by road. Many travellers arrange a transfer in advance through their accommodation or safari operator; others use taxis at the airport. Whatever you choose, confirm the pick-up arrangements, the meeting point and what happens if your flight is delayed.
Arusha Airport
Arusha Airport is a regional airport on the western side of the city. Flights from regional airports are typically domestic, so check with your airline or operator which routes currently use it. If your itinerary combines international and domestic flights, check carefully which airport each one uses, as the two are on opposite sides of the city and some distance apart.
By road
Arusha is connected by road to other towns in northern Tanzania and beyond. Road travel can be slower than distances suggest, especially in the rains. Avoid driving or arriving by road after dark where you can, and check current routes and border requirements with official sources if you are coming overland from a neighbouring country.
Practical arrival tips
- Entry requirements: check visa and passport rules with official government sources well before you travel.
- Health: ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria advice for your trip; see Health Prep and Travel Insurance.
- Money: the local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS); have a plan for cash on arrival.
- Language: Swahili is the national language and English is also official. A few words go a long way; try our Swahili phrases.
- Altitude and climate: evenings can be cool at Arusha's altitude, so pack a warm layer.
- First night: after a long flight, an easy first day helps before an early safari start.
Once you have arrived, our guides to where to stay, things to do and your first time in Arusha will help you plan the rest.