Near the Kenyan border, Arusha stands in the foothills of Mount Meru at an altitude of about 1,500m. It's a bustling town where safaris are big business and every other vehicle seems to be related to a safari company. There are two airports nearby: Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 40km north-east of town, and Arusha Airport is on the town's western fringes.

Although not a destination in itself, some travellers need to stop here for a night during their safari in northern Tanzania, to make flight and transport connections work. If so, there are several pleasant places to stay:

Arusha Coffee Lodge is close to the airport and a very convenient place to stay before heading off on a safari.

Rivertrees Country Inn is a beautiful rural retreat, with farm-fresh food and a swimming pool.

Mount Meru Game Lodge & Sanctuary is a tasteful lodge that has been welcoming guests since 1959.


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