📖 About Arusha

Arusha stands as the safari capital of East Africa, serving as the gateway to Tanzania's legendary northern circuit including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. This vibrant city at the foot of Mount Meru has been recognized by CNN Travel as one of the best places to visit in 2026, cementing its status as a world-class destination.

In September 2025, Arusha made history by hosting the first-ever APTA Global Forum in Tanzania, welcoming nearly 100 high-profile travel agents from across the globe. This prestigious event highlighted the region's international acclaim, partly driven by The Royal Tour documentary featuring President Samia Suluhu Hassan that brought global attention to Tanzania's tourism potential.

The International Tourism Summit Africa chose Arusha as its venue, positioning the city alongside Marrakech as a premier meeting point for tourism professionals, investors, and stakeholders. With wildlife safaris departing daily for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Arusha represents the perfect blend of adventure tourism and modern hospitality infrastructure.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Tourism drives Arusha's economy, with the city serving as headquarters for safari operations across northern Tanzania. Hotels, lodges, tour companies, and supporting services form the backbone of employment. The 2025 APTA Forum and International Tourism Summit Africa demonstrate Arusha's growing role in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector.

Arusha's culture reflects the diversity of Tanzania's 120+ ethnic groups, with Maasai, Meru, and Chagga traditions prominently featured. The city blends modern African urbanity with traditional markets, local crafts, and vibrant music scenes. Coffee culture thrives here—the slopes of Mount Meru produce some of Africa's finest arabica beans.

📜 History

Arusha's modern history began as a German colonial outpost in the late 19th century, later becoming part of British Tanganyika. The 1967 Arusha Declaration, announced by President Julius Nyerere, established Tanzania's socialist path and remains a defining moment in African political history. The city hosted the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda from 1994.

Today's Arusha has evolved from a colonial outpost to East Africa's premier tourism hub. The city continues to host international conferences and diplomatic events, earning its unofficial title as "The Geneva of Africa." With CNN Travel's 2026 recognition and the Royal Tour documentary effect, Arusha is experiencing a tourism renaissance.