Most visitors will spend a night or two in Arusha before starting their tour. A range of accommodations are available, from basic backpacker hostels to comfortable business and tourist hotels, to luxurious five-star retreats.
Arusha is a multicultural city with a mixed population of indigenous African, Indian-Tanzanian, and Arab-Tanzanian, with a small minority of Westerners. With a population of approximately 400,000, plus an additional 300,000 (census 2012) in the neighbouring suburbs, it is a colorful and chaotic African city, with safari vehicles, minivan buses, motorcycle taxis and pedestrians all vying for space on the dusty roads.

Arusha is serviced by two airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA code: JRO) and Arusha Regional Airport (IATA code: ARK). Kilimanjaro International is located approximately 37 miles (60km) from the city and services international flights. Arusha Regional Airport is on the outskirts of the city and offers domestic flights to the safari parks, Zanzibar, and Dar Es Salaam.

Arusha offers an array of activities including visits to bustling local markets, coffee farm tours, shopping at the Maasai markets, or browsing for authentic artwork or Tanzanite gemstones at the Cultural Heritage. Cultural activities include visiting local primary schools or one many of the philanthropic projects based in Arusha. Walking and biking activities are also available outside of the city on the foothills of Mount Meru.

By African standards, Arusha is a relatively safe city, but common sense and precaution should be taken at all times. Do not walk anywhere after dark, always take a taxi and ensure that taxi fares are agreed upon before the trip. Tourists are almost guaranteed to be approached by touts, and although they are usually harmless it is best to not engage with them to avoid hassle.