Safari base beneath the slopes of Mount Meru
Arusha is where most northern Tanzania safaris begin, a busy highland town in the shadow of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak. Its central market and Maasai craft stalls are worth a wander, and the surrounding slopes are planted with coffee farms that welcome visitors. Arusha National Park, a short drive away, has giraffes, colobus monkeys and canoeing on the Momella Lakes, and is the start of the Mount Meru climb. Tarangire, known for baobabs and big elephant herds, is within easy reach.