Driving in Arusha — navigating the Tanzania safari hub city that serves as the starting point for the northern circuit (Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) — is significantly less demanding than driving in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. Arusha is a mid-sized Tanzania city of approximately 500,000 people; the city centre is compact and the exit routes to all major northern circuit parks are well-signed from the main Nairobi Road (A23) and Moshi Road (A23) that form the central axis of the city. A self-drive visitor arriving at Arusha Airport (10km east of town on the Moshi Road) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (50km east) can typically reach the Tarangire gate entrance (100km southwest) within 2.5 hours of landing. This guide covers driving in Arusha and the northern circuit park exit routes for 2027/2028 visitors.
Arusha Exit Routes to Each Northern Circuit Park
- Tarangire (southeast): Arusha → A104 south toward Dodoma → Makuyuni junction → B144 east toward Babati → Tarangire NP gate (approximately 110km, 2 to 2.5 hours). The B144 after Makuyuni is unsealed for the final 7km to the gate — accessible for a standard 4×4 in dry season.
- Lake Manyara (southwest): Arusha → A104 south → Makuyuni junction → B144 southwest direction → Lake Manyara NP gate at Mto wa Mbu (approximately 120km, 2.5 hours). The Mto wa Mbu town (baobab lined main street) is just before the Manyara gate — a good food and supplies stop before entering.
- Ngorongoro (west): Arusha → A104 south → Makuyuni → B144 southwest past Manyara → Karatu town → Ngorongoro gate (approximately 180km, 3 to 4 hours). The road from Karatu to the gate is the crater rim climb — paved but steep and winding in the final 20km.
- Serengeti (west via Ngorongoro): Arusha → Ngorongoro route above → Serengeti Naabi Hill gate (approximately 325km, 7 to 8 hours). This is the longest day-drive standard leg on the northern circuit — an early (6am) Arusha departure is required to arrive at Seronera by mid-afternoon.
Arusha City Driving Notes
- Arusha city centre traffic is moderate — significant at the Sokoine Road and Boma Road junctions at rush hour but nowhere near Nairobi or Dar scale
- The main Arusha to Nairobi road (A23, toward Namanga border) heads north — do not confuse this with the A104 south toward Dodoma which is the northern circuit park direction
- Fuel available at all Total, Puma, and Oryx stations on the main Nairobi Road — fill the tank before leaving Arusha for any northern circuit park
