Getting to Arusha

Arusha is served by two airports. Kilimanjaro International Airport ( JRO) has regular flights to Amsterdam with KLM, and to Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi.

Kilimanjaro Airport is approximately 60km (45min) from the city centre. A taxi ride costs $70 USD but many airlines run a shuttle service for free or $20 USD.

Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport for $50 USD, or $100 USD for some nationalities.

Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of the city but only runs domestic flights, mostly to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and chartered flights. Air Viva offers regular flights between Arusha and Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.

Buses from Arusha to Dar es Salaam cost about 40,000 TZS (about $25 USD) depending on the bus you take.

Moshi to Arusha is about 12,000 TZS ($7 USD) depending on the shuttle you take.

Before doing any extra activities that are payable in Tanzania, apart from the fixed prices of the government or transport system, make sure you discuss the terms of payment and amount in advance to avoid surprises

Arusha can be reached by express coach / Shuttles , i.e Impala Shuttle from Nairobi (Kenya, 6h, daily 08.00 and 14.00 from in front of Parkside Hotel, $25 USD), Dar es Salaam (12h), and Kampala (Uganda, 17h) with direct services also available from Mwanza, Tanga, and Lushoto. Some companies offer first-class tickets which are slightly more comfortable although it is worth noting that standards are generally comparable with most African bus services. Moshi can be reached in about one hour. There are various shuttle buses between Arusha and Moshi which are more comfortable than coaches.

 


 

Getting Around Arusha Town

The main mode of public transport is Dala Dalas & Boda Bodas.

The Daladala are the ubiquitous minibuses, which ply their trade on all the main routes in town. They are very cheap, 600 TZS ($0.25c USD) is the fixed price for any trip around town, (beware of those who quote more to foreigners). Dala Dalas are very cramped and are often involved in minor road accidents.

Boda boda’s are motorbike (piki piki) taxis that you will find parked all over the Arusha area. They also very cheap depending on the distance of the place you want to go. While cheap and usually faster than taking a taxi or a Boda Boda, it is definitely worth checking that the rider has a spare helmet for you – as with most developing countries, road users employ a ‘might is right’ policy with regard to other vehicles.

Taxis are plentiful, and affordable, especially for groups. Make sure you agree a price before setting off. Expect to pay no more than 10,000 TZS ($6 USD) for a trip within the city center, or 25,000 TZS (about $15 USD) for the outskirts, at any time of the day). At night like in any other city the Taxi prices are considerably higher.

Car hire is possible; most companies prefer to provide their own drivers. However if you want a self drive it is also possible. If you do decide to drive please exercise great caution as any accident will result in a certain level of drama, particularly if a visitor is involved.