199 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Arusha.
B & C
London
"We could not hope for a better honeymoon"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 21 Jun 2022 and 5 Jul 2022
"This was the most amazing trip of our entire life (so far at least). It made us feel special from start to finish.
We almost teared up as we left some of the places. We can't thank Olivia and Jessica enough for helping us create such unforgettable memories.
We could not hope for a better honeymoon.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We really liked the wildlife survey but it could have been more comprehensive." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
We almost teared up as we left some of the places. We can't thank Olivia and Jessica enough for helping us create such unforgettable memories.
We could not hope for a better honeymoon.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We really liked the wildlife survey but it could have been more comprehensive." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms J.
Los Angeles
"Amazing Trip!"
I visited Tanzania between 3 Jun 2022 and 14 Jun 2022
"The trip was great from start to finish and will definitely rank as one of our top trips ever!
Jessica was super helpful in making suggestions for our first safari and we appreciate her rebooking the trip twice due to covid.
I will definitely be recommending Expert Africa to any interested friends and cannot wait to plan another trip with them!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Jessica was super helpful in making suggestions for our first safari and we appreciate her rebooking the trip twice due to covid.
I will definitely be recommending Expert Africa to any interested friends and cannot wait to plan another trip with them!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Prof & Ms M
MD
"Our March 2022 expedition "
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 2 Mar 2022 and 31 Mar 2022
"Seven days in the Serengeti at the peak of the migration and then three days at the beach in Zanzibar -- can't top that.
Thanks, Maruska.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: The Covid situation made international travel difficult, but the wonderful experiences at the places we visited were worth it." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Thanks, Maruska.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: The Covid situation made international travel difficult, but the wonderful experiences at the places we visited were worth it." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs A.
Oregon
"My Oct 2021 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 1 Oct 2021 and 14 Oct 2021
"A great trip.
Wonderful experience for a first time safari and Expert Africa made the planning much easier.
Coordinating delays from the original plan due to the pandemic and then rearranging plans for a different time of year and with 2 of us flying in at different times was handled well." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Wonderful experience for a first time safari and Expert Africa made the planning much easier.
Coordinating delays from the original plan due to the pandemic and then rearranging plans for a different time of year and with 2 of us flying in at different times was handled well." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms T.
OC, CA
"My Sep 2021 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 11 Sep 2021 and 22 Sep 2021
"This trip was a “bucket list trip” from me to my mom for her 70th birthday. We originally planned to go in June 2020, rescheduled to June 2021, and then finally to Sept 2021. It was worth the wait!
Truly a trip of a lifetime and I don’t think we could have had a better experience. All the properties we stayed at were great and all the staff at all the properties were just so kind, friendly and attentive. Personally I preferred the experience and the guides at the Nomad properties (Kuro and Lamai) just a touch more than at the Asilia property (Highlands), but all were great. I thought Nomad did a little bit better job of seeming more “connected” to the area. Lamai in particular just blew me away - the design, the location, the staff were all impeccable. I can’t wait to go back!
It was also pretty special to be there while the parks and properties were at low capacity - twice we were the only guests at the properties, and having our own vehicle and guide for the entirety of the trip was amazing. I’m already planning to go back with my husband in 2023, but I know it won’t be quite the same.
Things to know:
- definitely bring Dramamine or something for motion sickness - those small planes can be rough and we were with several people who had issues.
- You lose a whole day getting to the crater - the drive from the airstrip to the lodge area is 3 hours, the road is AWFUL (though apparently they’re fixing it), and due to the hours you can’t do a late afternoon/ evening drive at the parks.
- I’m not a photographer and know nothing about cameras but I rented a camera for the trip (Sony RX10) and it was some of the best money I spent." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Truly a trip of a lifetime and I don’t think we could have had a better experience. All the properties we stayed at were great and all the staff at all the properties were just so kind, friendly and attentive. Personally I preferred the experience and the guides at the Nomad properties (Kuro and Lamai) just a touch more than at the Asilia property (Highlands), but all were great. I thought Nomad did a little bit better job of seeming more “connected” to the area. Lamai in particular just blew me away - the design, the location, the staff were all impeccable. I can’t wait to go back!
It was also pretty special to be there while the parks and properties were at low capacity - twice we were the only guests at the properties, and having our own vehicle and guide for the entirety of the trip was amazing. I’m already planning to go back with my husband in 2023, but I know it won’t be quite the same.
Things to know:
- definitely bring Dramamine or something for motion sickness - those small planes can be rough and we were with several people who had issues.
- You lose a whole day getting to the crater - the drive from the airstrip to the lodge area is 3 hours, the road is AWFUL (though apparently they’re fixing it), and due to the hours you can’t do a late afternoon/ evening drive at the parks.
- I’m not a photographer and know nothing about cameras but I rented a camera for the trip (Sony RX10) and it was some of the best money I spent." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr A
Washington DC
"July/August 2021: Zimbabwe and Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 19 Jul 2021 and 12 Aug 2021
"Our fourth trip to Africa with Expert Africa was another memorable adventure.
Expert Africa has always done an excellent job putting together workable itineraries that meet our (sometimes particular) travel goals. For this trip they had to deal with the vicissitudes of COVID testing requirements as well. The result was a wonderful sequence of adventures across beautiful Zimbabwe and Tanzania and was everything we hoped it would be.
Many thanks to our friends at Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Expert Africa has always done an excellent job putting together workable itineraries that meet our (sometimes particular) travel goals. For this trip they had to deal with the vicissitudes of COVID testing requirements as well. The result was a wonderful sequence of adventures across beautiful Zimbabwe and Tanzania and was everything we hoped it would be.
Many thanks to our friends at Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J.
Atlantic Beach
"My Jul 2021 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 1 Jul 2021 and 29 Jul 2021
"The most adventure filled experience of our lives.
In particular our driver Festo was a highlight.
Jessica did an amazing job working with us and we are so appreciative.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Everyone did a great job with communication." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
In particular our driver Festo was a highlight.
Jessica did an amazing job working with us and we are so appreciative.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Everyone did a great job with communication." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs M & Mr D
Germany
"My Apr 2021 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 30 Apr 2021 and 14 May 2021
"Travelling during Covid is challenging. It therefore felt good to have a knowledgeable and up to date partner like Expert Africa aside to plan and make this trip happen.
Glad we did the Serengeti during Covid as the destination would have certainly felt too busy in a regular year. May is further a lovely time to visit. Nature is lush and green, flowers in bloom, and there are many little ones amongst the herds. Rain was no problem at all as rainfalls did either occur at night or did hardly last for more than half an hour before the sun came through again.
The morning mist and the cloudy skies added a special atmosphere, while the bush babies kept us warm at night.
The itinerary was well balanced and met all our expectations ! Thank you Jessica :)
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, just perfect. Thank you so much again !!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Glad we did the Serengeti during Covid as the destination would have certainly felt too busy in a regular year. May is further a lovely time to visit. Nature is lush and green, flowers in bloom, and there are many little ones amongst the herds. Rain was no problem at all as rainfalls did either occur at night or did hardly last for more than half an hour before the sun came through again.
The morning mist and the cloudy skies added a special atmosphere, while the bush babies kept us warm at night.
The itinerary was well balanced and met all our expectations ! Thank you Jessica :)
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, just perfect. Thank you so much again !!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Chris
Germany
"My Mar 2021 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 5 Mar 2021 and 23 Mar 2021
"An incomparable vacation. Nothing can top it and from now on every safari can only be a downgrade. Why? Because I want to enjoy the animals and nature in peace. This is never possible in normal times because then at every animal observation several vehicles surround the animals. In this vacation I have seen in five different camps a total of fewer vehicles than usual in one day.
Who does not care will certainly have a nice experience otherwise. But then I can also go to a zoo." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Tanzania safari
Who does not care will certainly have a nice experience otherwise. But then I can also go to a zoo." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Berwick
"Mbili wasafiri bomba!"
I visited Tanzania between 25 Oct 2020 and 11 Nov 2020
"This 16-night safari was arranged at short notice after we had to defer a planned trip to Zambia. We chose Tanzania for a third visit because there were good flights available and the country has fewest (Covid-19) restrictions for visitors among African countries.
On Olivia's advice we went to Tarangire for the first time: we loved the scenery and were astounded by the numbers of elephants. The prospect of fewer visitors being around also lured us to the Serengeti and we witnessed the mind-blowing spectacle of 10,000 wildebeest galloping majestically across the Mara.
There is normal life out there beyond the Covid black hole known as the UK. In Tanzania day-to-day interactions with other human beings are, well, normal. Simple practical precautions are in place like hand sanitising and masks on the small bush planes.
The welcome we received without exception was tremendous but we were just so pleased to be there and were privileged to have magical wildlife encounters with no-one else around and see a couple of great migration river crossings with a handful of other people present. Truly a once (although it was twice!) in a lifetime experience.
All this added up to a very special adventure tempered somewhat by the fact that many camps remain closed with those still open operating on reduced staff. We only hope common sense prevails over hysteria with so many people's lives in other parts of the world so drastically affected. Not just the humans but the wildlife too.
If anyone out there wants to go on safari there has never been a better time. The people of Tanzania will really appreciate you making the effort." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
On Olivia's advice we went to Tarangire for the first time: we loved the scenery and were astounded by the numbers of elephants. The prospect of fewer visitors being around also lured us to the Serengeti and we witnessed the mind-blowing spectacle of 10,000 wildebeest galloping majestically across the Mara.
There is normal life out there beyond the Covid black hole known as the UK. In Tanzania day-to-day interactions with other human beings are, well, normal. Simple practical precautions are in place like hand sanitising and masks on the small bush planes.
The welcome we received without exception was tremendous but we were just so pleased to be there and were privileged to have magical wildlife encounters with no-one else around and see a couple of great migration river crossings with a handful of other people present. Truly a once (although it was twice!) in a lifetime experience.
All this added up to a very special adventure tempered somewhat by the fact that many camps remain closed with those still open operating on reduced staff. We only hope common sense prevails over hysteria with so many people's lives in other parts of the world so drastically affected. Not just the humans but the wildlife too.
If anyone out there wants to go on safari there has never been a better time. The people of Tanzania will really appreciate you making the effort." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
199
reviews of Arusha by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
Filter by month
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meWhere to stay in Arusha
Our suggestions for places to stay in Arusha
Rivertrees Country Inn
Set within lush grounds, the peaceful and relaxing Rivertrees lies between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport: ideal at the beginning or end of a safari.
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge is a neat, comfortable lodge, right on the highway, close to Arusha Airport. It is a convenient stop for a night.
Onsea House
Onsea House is a small, family-run guesthouse on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are quite simple, but service and food here are good.
Katambuga House
Katambuga House is a smart hotel on the western side of Arusha, an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro Airport and 10 minutes from Arusha Airport.
Airport Planet Lodge
Airport Planet Lodge is a new hotel located close to Kilimanjaro Airport, making it ideal for a short stay before or after your international flight.
Machweo
Machweo is a nine-room lodge on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are large and stylish, and the service and food here are very good.
Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge is a simple, country-club-style lodge situated close to the buildings and runway of Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Hatari Lodge
Hatari Lodge is designed around a bright, fun 1960s retro theme and is a relatively high-quality base to explore Arusha National Park.
Mount Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge, near Arusha, is a good spot to stay en route to northern Tanzania's most famous safari areas.
Hamerkop House
Located halfway between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, Hamerkop House is a small, peaceful stop either at the beginning or end of a safari.
Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge is boutique luxury lodge, perfect for an indulgent overnight stay at the start or end of your safari.
Arusha Serena Hotel
The Serena Arusha Hotel is a comfortable hotel close to Lake Duluti. It makes a good stopover before or after a safari in northern Tanzania.
Twiga Lodge
Twiga is a Tudor-style lodge with welcoming owners, country-style gardens and a viewing platform looking onto Arusha National Park.
Siringit
Siringit Kilimanjaro Golf Safari Retreat is a six-bedroom villa offering a luxury stay in complete privacy on a championship golf course.
