Arusha to Zanzibar route: 4 stops from Napuru Falls to
This 50.7 km route connects key attractions near Arusha, Tanzania, starting from Arusha and Napuru Waterfall in the lush Maru Forest, passing through Mount Meru, and extending to Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro Airport. The route covers diverse landscapes from rainforest waterfalls to volcanic peaks across northern Tanzania.
- Distance
- 50.7 km
- Duration
- 10 h 9 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Arusha & Napuru Waterfall
- End
- Kilimanjaro Airport
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Arusha & Napuru Waterfall — Cascading waterfall nestled in lush forest near Arusha, offering scenic hiking trails and refreshing natural pools for visitors seeking outdoor adventure.
- Mount Meru — Second tallest mountain in Tanzania
- Zanzibar — Tropical island approximately 25 km off Tanzania mainland coast
- Kilimanjaro Airport — Entry point for Tanzania adventure
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Fly into Kilimanjaro Airport to access northern Tanzania. Arusha is the closest major city, located about 20 minutes from the airport.
- Transport
- Lake Natron requires a 5-hour drive on dirt roads from Kilimanjaro Airport. Plan for long travel time and hire an experienced guide.
- Tip
- At Lake Natron, you must pay a fee to the local tribe to enter the area. Budget for this local access fee.
- Tip
- Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano hike starts at midnight and takes 12 hours total. It's extremely steep (hands and knees climbing required). Start before dawn to summit by 6 a.m.
- Transport
- Napuru Waterfall is located 30 minutes from central Arusha in the Maru Forest. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Tip
- Mount Kilimanjaro hikes take 5 to 10 days depending on route. Longer routes increase summit chances by allowing better altitude acclimatization.
- Tip
- Mount Meru takes 3 to 4 days to summit and has fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro. It offers views of Kilimanjaro from the summit.
- Timing
- Visit Zanzibar from June to October when outside the rainy season for the best experience.
- Transport
- Lake Manyara National Park is a 3-hour drive from Arusha. Stay at Migombani Campsite just outside the park for views of the lake.
- Transport
- Serengeti National Park is a 6-hour drive from Arusha, or you can fly into Serenera airstrip. Budget significantly as daily park costs are substantial.
- Tip
- Serengeti Balloon Safari departs at 4 a.m. The hot air balloon is the third biggest model in the world and holds 16 passengers.
- Tip
- Hire experienced local guides (like Safari Goats) to handle logistics including meals, accommodation, and navigation throughout Tanzania.
Video on this route
Top 10 Places To Visit in Tanzania - Travel Guide