Where is Nairobi and where is Arusha?
Where is Nairobi and where is Arusha?
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and is located in the southern part of the country, very close to the Tanzania / Kenya border. Arusha in Tanzania is located at the north-eastern part of the country, just south of the Kenya Tanzania border crossing. Both Nairobi and Arusha are particularly appealing places to visit since they have access to amazing National Parks that are strategically located there. Nairobi is located adjacent to both Amboseli National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The enormous Serengeti, which connects and is significant to the Great Migration, is where the Maasai Mara Reserve is located.
The most well-known national parks and attractions in Arusha are Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
Why is Nairobi to Arusha a popular route?
Because so many international tourists fly straight into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which serves as a hub for planes arriving from all over the world, Nairobi to Arusha is a very popular route. After landing, you can select a mode of transportation to begin your Tanzania safari in Arusha. Nairobi is the perfect location for many people to fly into without having to make a layover or deal with the inconvenience of changing flights because it is so near to Tanzania’s border. Even if it requires traveling across the Kenya-Tanzania border, many individuals choose for Nairobi or Arusha. The only other international airport in Tanzania is Dar Es Salaam, which is considerably farther away than Jomo Kenyatta Airport.
Nairobi to Arusha distance.
Despite crossing international borders, the trip from Nairobi to Arusha isn’t as great as you may imagine. Most people prefer to travel by 4 wheels instead of flights as it’s just more convenient but the drive in itself is just over 4 hours to complete. The distance is around 272 km which is just under 170 miles.
Methods of transport to get from Nairobi to Arusha
You have a limited number of options for transportation from Nairobi to Arusha.
Shuttle Buses
The majority of tourists who fly into Nairobi choose to take shuttles from Nairobi to Arusha. These shuttles go straight from Nairobi to Arusha and return. Tourists frequently choose the shuttle buses since they are affordable. Shuttles usually run from each destination once a day. They take about four to five hours each way, depending on traffic.
A Local Bus
Another option is to take a local bus, although the bus from Nairobi to Arusha is typically taken by locals and can get very crowded. This alternative can be a little uncertain because seats aren’t always available. It is however the cheapest option out of all, but it’s one most tourists choose not to take. Unlike shuttle buses that will guarantee a seat as well as pick you up from hotel locations, you will have to find out when and at what times the buses depart which can be challenging especially if you are new to the city.
Flying
Direct flights exist between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro Airport, but not between Nairobi and Arusha Airport. Arusha is only an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro Airport. The quickest way to get there is via plane, which takes less than an hour.
Renting a Car.
Travelers from other countries can rent cars in Tanzania and Kenya. You will need to make sure that the rental car is fine to be dropped off in a different country before you book. Additionally, make sure you have all the documentation required for border crossing. A valid driver’s license, a passport with a current Tanzanian and Kenyan visa, proof of residency, and the funds to cover the rental are usually required. A good idea is to make sure that when you do drop the rental off that you are able to get transportation to your hotel thereafter.
