Nairobi to Arusha: Gateway to Northern Tanzania's Safari Circuit
At just 275 km, the Nairobi to Arusha route via the Namanga border crossing is one of the shortest international bus journeys in East Africa — taking about 5 hours. Arusha serves as the staging post for Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, and Tarangire national parks, making this one of the most popular routes for safari travelers.
Namanga Border Crossing: What to Expect
Namanga is generally one of East Africa's smoother border crossings for bus passengers. Expect a 30–60 minute stop. Have your passport and Tanzania visa ready — you can obtain an e-visa at evisa.immigration.go.tz before travel. EAC citizens may cross with national ID cards.
Schedule and Fares
Tahmeed Express operates on this route with morning departures to ensure you arrive in Arusha with the full afternoon ahead. Check current fares and book your seat at tahmeedexpress.com. Pay securely with M-Pesa via SasaPay.
Arusha: Your Safari Base
On arrival, Arusha's Clock Tower is the main landmark for onward connections. Tanzania's northern safari circuit is within 1–3 hours of the city. Many safari operators offer direct pickup from Arusha for game drives starting the following morning.
