​Arusha

Often the perfect place to begin a Tanzania adventure, the Arusha region is perfectly located for some of the finest safari destinations in Africa. However, it would be a mistake to write it off as purely a gateway destination, the region has plenty to offer.

When in the City of Arusha at the foot of Mt Meru you are also blessed with great views of Mt Kilimanjaro - the region is draped in stunning scenery. There are over 100 nationalities living in Arusha, and this presents wide opportunities for cultural exploration. Many programmes are available to visit nearby villages and meet the indigenous tribes. There is a surprisingly good cafe culture in the city, along with a vibrant food market and general food scene. Despite the bustle that you find in all cities, Arusha features some wonderfully serene spots, a great example being The Mulberry - a venue nestled in a sanctuary of greenery with birds, fruit trees, hedgehogs and the odd monkey!

The region is known as the safari capital of Tanzania's northern circuit for good reason, with Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro within reach and Arusha National Park under an hour from the city. The wildlife on offer is comprehensive, with added gems such as the rare Colobus monkey.