Tanzania Safari Tours Led by Local Guides from Arusha

Explore Tanzania on a safari tour led by experienced local guides based in Arusha. From single-day game drives in Tarangire to week-long expeditions across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, every Viva Tanzania safari is built around your schedule and budget. Choose from private or shared tours departing daily from Arusha, with transparent pricing, all park fees included and 24/7 in-country support. Whether you want to spot the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater or witness the Great Migration on the Serengeti plains, our team handles every detail so you can focus on the experience.

See What People Have To Say About Viva Tours

Karen, 19

Germany

"One thing that we truly loved was the tours and excursions that the hostel offered."

“One thing that we truly loved was the tours and excursions that the hostel offered. If Tizia didn’t take you out personally then she would get their guide (Venance) to take you out. He took us out on three excursions and was absolutely brilliant. Vernance is passionate about his job and had so much knowledge about the area – he was great fun to be around, very kind and considerate and was a brilliant tour guide. I really recommend doing the town tour on one of your first days there as it really helped with transport routes and knowing how to get to and from the hostel into town. I would also recommend the Maasai markets for souvenirs and the waterfall hiking trips. Lastly, I can’t thank the Villa Viva enough for their recommendation on safari. We went on a five-day safari trip while we were in Arusha and it was possibly the most amazing thing we have ever done. The company we went with (recommended by the Villa) was reasonably priced and was very professional. The tour guide was great fun and knew all the best areas in each of the four national parks to get a great viewing of all the animals and beautiful sceneries / sunsets / sunrises. We camped in tents and all food was provided (which was also delicious).”

Lena, 22

Germany

"The whole experience was unforgettable."

“The day trips were one of the best parts of my experience in Arusha. I had never hiked through waterfalls or visited Maasai villages before. The trips were well organized and the guides shared tons of fascinating history and stories. As a group, we also got the chance to hike Mount Meru—it was challenging but incredibly rewarding! And, of course, the safari was epic. I saw all the wildlife I had only ever read about before. The whole experience was unforgettable.”

See The Wild Side of Tanzania

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Viva Tanzania’s safari tours from Arusha, where breath-taking landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Journey through world-famous national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, guided by expert locals who share the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness. Our safaris are ethical and sustainable, designed to support local communities and protect the environment. Whether you’re spotting lions on the plains or elephants by the river, each moment is filled with wonder. Experience the magic of Tanzania’s wildlife with a safari that combines adventure, culture, and care for nature.

The following is a list of the different Parks you can visit on safari:

Serengeti National Park (The Great Plains, Home of the Big 5)
Ngorongoro Crater (A Collapsed Volcano Turned National Park, Once Home of the Rhinos)
Tarangire National Park (Home of The Elephants)
Lake Manyara (Home of the Tree Climbing Lions)
Arusha National Park (Our Local National Park Where Walking Safaris Are Possible)

Scale The Tallest Peaks of East Africa

Challenge yourself and reconnect with nature on one of our Tanzania trekking adventures. From conquering Mount Kilimanjaro to exploring lush forests and hidden waterfalls near Arusha, every trek offers awe-inspiring views and cultural discovery. Guided by experienced locals, our hikes are safe, educational, and tailored to different fitness levels. You’ll walk through remote villages, meet local tribes, and gain insight into Tanzania’s rich traditions. These ethical treks in Tanzania are more than journeys, they’re unforgettable experiences that blend adventure with authenticity.

The following is a list of the different mountains you can climb and the different ways you can do so:

Mount Kilimanjaro (The Roof of Africa). Popular Routes: Machame, Marangu, or Lemosho. Between 5-8 Days to Climb. Elevation of 5895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Not so technical, but a long climb. Brilliant experience.
Mount Meru (Our Local 'Baby' Mountain). Only Official Route: Momella. 4 Day Trek. Elevation of 4562 meters (14,968 feet) above sea level. A more technical climb than Kilimanjaro. Fantastic challenge.

Explore The Surrounds of Arusha

Discover the beauty of northern Tanzania with our day trips from Arusha, perfect for travellers and volunteers wanting to explore beyond their projects. Visit the stunning Materuni Waterfall, relax in the Kikuletwa Hot Springs, or enjoy a coffee tour in a local village. Each excursion is guided by locals who share stories, culture, and hidden gems along the way. Our day trips are designed for flexibility, offering both adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable day. Experience the best of Arusha and its surroundings through responsible, community-driven travel.

The following is a list of different day trips you can book:

Napuru Waterfall
Chemka Hot Springs
Coffee Plantation
Oldonyo Sambu Maasai Market
Maasai Village
Moshi Town & Marangu Waterfalls
Lake Duluti & Forest Walk
Ngongengare Forest

Need help deciding which tour is for you? book a call below!

Why Do People Choose Viva Tanzania For Their African Adventure?

We Provide Experienced, Locally-Led Volunteer Programs

Our Tanzanian team grew up in Arusha and has been running locally-led volunteer programs & tours in Tanzania since 2015. We match you to experiences that genuinely need support, schools, clinics and animal welfare partners, so your time is well spent. Expect clear role briefs, classroom resources and on-site mentors. Whether you’re interested in education, volunteer in Tanzania placements, or medical volunteer in Tanzania experiences, we’ll guide you from enquiry to impact with practical training and cultural insight.

Personal Support & Safe Volunteer Accommodation

From airport pickup to your first day at project, you’re backed by 24/7 in-country support. We provide a city orientation, help with SIM cards and transport, and arrange ethical weekend trips like a safari from Arusha. Our hostel offers safe volunteer accommodation in Arusha with Wi-Fi, meals and friendly staff. You’ll focus on your placement while we handle logistics, ideal for gap year Tanzania volunteering or short-term stays.

Unforgettable Tours & Cultural Experiences In Tanzania

Beyond volunteer projects, we offer safari tours and mountain treks from Arusha and cultural excursions that bring Tanzania’s beauty to life. Spend a weekend spotting elephants in Tarangire, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or relax on Zanzibar’s beaches. Our team also arranges day trips in Arusha like waterfalls, hot springs, and local markets. These adventures are ethical, guided by locals, and designed to complement your volunteering. It’s the perfect way to combine meaningful work with once-in-a-lifetime travel.

Explore What Else You Can Do With Viva Tanzania

We lead you through the breath-taking experiences that Tanzania has to offer. Marvel at the most beautiful places of the country, experience the different tribes and ethnic groups up close and enjoy a hike through the impressive mountain landscape in the North. Whether it is a camping safari in the vast expanses of the Serengeti, a day trip to the Moshi Hot Springs, a hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro, or a yoga retreat on the beaches of Zanzibar - We are ready for any adventure with you! No matter what you decide, we guide you all the way from the start to the end of your trip! This is the best way to get your individual memories of wonderful Tanzania. Explore now!

Viva Volunteering

Help give people the skills and tools to regain their confidence and help further them along in their lives!

See Volunteer Projects

Viva
Wellness

Explore Yoga Options and find peace within yourself in Africa. Hatha, Yin & Vinyasa offered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport do I have to fly to?

There are two airports near Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Arusha (ARK). Kilimanjaro is an international airport, and Arusha is a domestic airport. You can often find cheaper flights to JRO, so that should be your first choice. We will pick you up at any time, day or night, so please choose the flight that suits you best.

Which vaccinations are needed? Should I take a malaria prophylaxes?

Information about travel vaccines and health advice for Tanzania can be found on your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and on the World Health Organization’s website. We recommend you visit a doctor who specialises in tropical diseases before your trip, to get any vaccines or medicines you may need.

What visa do I need?

To volunteer in Tanzania you will need an Ordinary visa for the purposes of humanitarian and charity activities. Most countries can easily obtain the visa on arrival at the airport. It costs $US50 ($US100 for American citizens), is valid for three months and can be renewed once. If you plan to stay longer than six months you need to apply for a Resident Permit.

What about insurance?

We recommend you have health insurance for your trip to Tanzania. Health care is not expensive here, but in case of an emergency your insurance can arrange for you to return to your home country for better treatment.

What’s the exchange rate from Euro, Pound and Dollar to Tanzanian Shilling?

Fluctuation in the exchange rate is common but currently it is:
1 Euro = 2.700 Tsh
1 GBP = 3.000 Tsh
1 Dollar = 2.500 Tsh

Which languages do locals speak in Tanzania?

English and Swahili are both official languages in Tanzania, although English is not widely spoken. At your project we will make sure that there is at least one person who speaks English. Also we offer Swahili lessons for a small fee to make your everyday life easier. Read more about Tanzania here.

How safe is the city?

Our house has a secure two-meter-high wall, a daytime watchman, a night guard and our guard dogs. Arusha is generally safe but it is best to take a taxi in the evenings rather than walking. When you arrive we will give you all the tips you need to know on how to stay safe.

What are the requirements to volunteer with Viva Tanzania?

We welcome anybody who is open to new cultures, and who wants to contribute to meaningful projects in Tanzania. Work experience in the chosen field is welcome but is usually not a requirement. If a project has specific requirements they will be listed on the project page. A basic knowledge of English, and the willingness to learn some Swahili words are necessary.

Tanzania Safari Tours Led by Local Guides from Arusha