What You Need to Know
Arusha, Tanzania, has been recognized by CNN Travel as one of the top travel destinations for 2026. The report emphasizes the region’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and unique safari experiences. As a gateway to iconic attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park, Arusha is poised to attract travelers seeking adventure and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. ARUSHA National Park, found in Arusha, Tanzania, was mentioned by CNN Travel in their latest article published on December 31, 2025, recognizing not only the park but the entire Arusha region as one of the best places to travel in 2026.
The report highlights Arusha for its vibrant cultural developments, natural beauty, and unique safari experiences, placing it high on the global travel radar for the year of 2026.
Arusha is a gateway to most of Africa’s most iconic attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making it a favorable place for visitors exploring northern tourism destinations.
CNN Travel writes of Arusha that “At the foot of imposing volcanic Mount Meru lies the city of Arusha, in Tanzania, in the east of Africa. Not far from the wildlife-filled Serengeti National Park and close to base camp for Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is often a gateway to other adventures.”
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The article highlights Arusha National Park as a key attraction in the region, with visitors also able to explore Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking experiences.
Within Arusha National Park itself, travelers can enjoy a remarkable range of attractions, from game drives past roaming giraffes and elephants to flamingo-studded alkaline lakes like Momella, as well as lush forest and mountain scenery on the slopes of Mount Meru. The park’s varied landscapes and wildlife encounters offer a unique complement to the wider northern safari circuit.
CNN Travel lists other top destinations to visit in 2026, including Adelaide (Australia), Algeria, Aragon (Spain), Bahrain, Brussels (Belgium), the Chilean fjords, Devon (UK), Dominica, East Timor, Jamaica, Kanazawa (Japan), Orkhon Valley (Mongolia), Oulu (Finland), Penang (Malaysia), Peñico (Peru), Philadelphia (USA), Sail250 events along the US East Coast, Santa Monica (California, USA), and St. Pierre and Miquelon (France), showcasing a divers.
Arusha has long been a significant hub for tourism in Tanzania, serving as a gateway to some of Africa’s most renowned national parks and natural wonders. Its strategic location near Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti makes it a popular starting point for safari adventures, drawing visitors from around the globe.
In recent years, the region has seen a surge in tourism, with investments in infrastructure and hospitality enhancing its appeal. The recognition by CNN Travel underscores Arusha’s growing prominence on the international travel stage, highlighting its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes as key attractions for future visitors.
