How to Use Bolt in Arusha: Essential For Short Stay
EscapeWithAnnualLeave contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Bolt in Arusha is essential for you to navigate the city.
Arusha, a bustling city in northern Tanzania with a population of around 576,000 people, serves as the gateway to the most iconic safaris in Tanzania, such as Serengeti (The Great Migration) and Ngorongoro Crater (One of the Seven Natural Wonders). It is also the pick-up for most of the tour to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Whether you are on a short trip or a 2-week Kenya-Tanzania trip like I did, you will be staying in Arusha as part of the journey. During my last visit, Arusha was my first stop in Tanzania after Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli visit in Kenya.
I arrived in Arusha at around 2 pm on the day of crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania, then headed to the Serengeti the next day. Subsequently, I had another half day when I finished my final safari – Ngorongoro Crater.
With Bolt, I was able to explore the main icons of the whole city and had a couple of great meals there!
Exploring Arusha In One Day
For most of the safari tours in Tanzania, you will be based in Arusha for one day for transit to the safari or back to Nairobi. With around 1 day, using the bolt can help you navigate most icons in this vibrant city. Alternatively, day tour in Arusha city center is also available.
How To Use Bolt In Arusha
Getting started with Bolt in Arusha is straightforward. Similar to Uber / Grab, just begin by downloading the Bolt app from your smartphone’s app store. Once installed, register your account with your phone number (for verification, you need to receive a phone call / SMS ). Then link your credit card for subsequent payment.
For the usage, it is very similar to Uber. You select your pick-up location/drop-off location, then request the ride by choosing the vehicle type you prefer. There are three types of Bolt vehicles available in Arusha :
Motorbike: For one passenger only, usually the cheapest
3-Wheeler: Up to 3 passengers at the backseats (like a tuk-tuk), usually double the bike price
Bolt: Up to 4 passengers, most comfortable, usually triple the bike price
You will be able to view the price and estimated arrival time at vehicle selection. Once the driver picks up the order, you can see the car on the GPS and the estimated time to arrive at the pickup point. Remember, once the Bolt arrives, there will be only ~ 2 minutes of free wait time.
Usage of Bolt to Navigate Major Tourist Icons in Arusha
The main icons in Arusha include the Uhuru Monument, the Central Market, the Arusha Clock Tower, the National Natural Museum, the Masai Moja Curios & Craft Shops, the Maasai Market of Curios and Crafts, the Arusha Declaration Museum, and the Cultural Heritage Centre.
Apart from the Cultural Heritage Centre, all the other icons are situated near the city center, with the clock tower as the central point. With the usage of a bolt, you can reach most of the icons with just a short 1 – 2 km ride, costing under 5,000 TZAS (~ 2 USD).
I stayed in the Charity Hotel (a usual hotel for most of the safari trip). It took me last that 10 minutes to go to the city center with Bolt. With that, I covered most of the main icons in the city center in only half a day, starting with the Arusha Declaration Museum.
.
Usage of Bolt from Arusha Airport To City Center
Similar to Nairobi airport transportation, you can also use Bolt for Arusha airport.
Arriving in Arusha often means landing at one of two key airports, and Bolt simplifies the transfer to the city center. If flying domestically into Arusha Airport (ARK), located just 6-8 km west of downtown, open the Bolt app upon clearing customs. Select your ride type—standard Bolt for quick, cheap transfers costing around 10,000-15,000 TZS (about $4-6 USD)—and input your hotel address.
Drivers can’t enter the terminal parking, so walk to the designated pickup area outside; the app’s map guides you.
For international arrivals at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the primary gateway about 42-50 km east, Bolt is equally convenient. After immigration, connect to airport Wi-Fi if needed, request a ride, and head to the exit where drivers wait. Expect fares of 50,000-80,000 TZS ($20-30 USD) for the 45-60 minute journey, depending on traffic and ride type—choose Comfort for the longer haul. Bolt Tanzania’s coverage extends here, making it a safer bet than unregulated taxis that might overcharge tourists.
Always share your ride details with someone and confirm the vehicle matches the app. This route passes scenic landscapes, setting the tone for your Arusha adventure. For those combining with nearby spots, Bolt in Tanzania also serves routes to Moshi.
Using Bolt For Border Crossing To Kenya
Usage of Bolt for border crossing is also possible, but not recommended. Theoretically, you can either take a Bolt from Arusha to Namanga, then take a shuttle, or directly from Arusha to Nairobi. Both routes are very expensive, with the first one costing you ~ 50 USD one way and the latter costing you over 130 USD.
Not to mention, directly taking Bolt from Arusha to Nairobi is not recommended, as you would never know how long it takes for border crossing. So, only use that one as a backup emergency plan. The best value way is to take the border-crossing bus to Nairobi.
🦒🦒🦒 Kenya – Tanzania Border Crossing Bus Is Available! ✅
Bolt As A Back Up Option Only
Bolt is great for exploring Arusha city or transit from or to Arusha airport. However, when it comes to border-crossing to Nairobi. It is not preferred because of its high price. Bus (i.e., Impala Shuttle) is a more budget-friendly and frequently used option.
Bolt Safety in Arusha
Bolt in Arusha is pretty safe, with seldom incidents reported, making it a trusted choice for tourists. The app’s features, including verified drivers, trip sharing, and SOS buttons, enhance security. Reviews from users highlight professional service and competitive pricing, with Trustpilot scores noting reliability.
While isolated cases of disputes or “ghost trips” have occurred in Tanzania, Bolt has implemented measures like fraud detection to prevent them, as reported in local news. Arusha itself is tourist-friendly, with low crime rates in daylight hours, though general precautions like avoiding late-night rides alone apply.
For peace of mind, always check ratings (aim for 4.5+ stars) and share rides. Backed by these online facts, Bolt remains a secure option in Arusha.
Conclusion: Bolt In Arusha Is A Must
In summary, using Bolt in Arusha is a must, especially for those on wider safari tours with only 1 or 2 days in the city. It saves time, money, and hassle, allowing you to maximize your limited stay exploring attractions without transportation woes. From airport pickups to quick hops to icons, Bolt Arusha, Tanzania, streamlines everything.
I used that to fully explore the city during my 11-day safari trip, and I highly recommend that to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bolt In Arusha
Is Bolt available in Arusha, Tanzania?
Yes, Bolt operates widely in Arusha and other parts of Tanzania, including Bolt Moshi. It’s a reliable ride-hailing service for both locals and tourists, with good coverage in urban areas and near airports like the closest airport to Arusha, Tanzania (Arusha Airport), and the closest international airport to Arusha, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport).
How much does a Bolt ride cost in Arusha?
Fares vary by distance and ride type, but they’re generally affordable. For example, a short trip within the city center might cost 5,000-10,000 TZS ($2-4 USD), while airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the city can range from 50,000-80,000 TZS ($20-30 USD). The app shows upfront pricing to avoid surprises.
What payment methods does Bolt accept in Arusha?
Bolt in Tanzania supports cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile money like M-Pesa. For tourists, linking an international card is convenient. Cash is not recommended to avoid disputes or fraud.
Is Bolt safe to use at night in Arusha?
Bolt is considered safe, with features like driver verification and trip tracking. However, as in any city, it’s wise to avoid solo rides late at night and share your trip details. Incidents are rare, and user reviews back its reliability.
Can I use Bolt without mobile data in Arusha?
You need data or Wi-Fi to book and track rides initially. At airports or hotels with free Wi-Fi, you can request a ride before heading out. Once in the vehicle, the app works offline for navigation, but for new bookings, connectivity is essential.
How long does it take to get a Bolt ride in Arusha?
Wait times are usually 5-10 minutes in central areas, but can extend to 15-20 minutes during peak hours or in remote spots. Near tourist hotels or the city center, availability is high.
Does Bolt work for trips outside Arusha, like to Moshi?
Yes, Bolt in Tanzania covers inter-city trips, including Bolt Moshi. For longer journeys, confirm with the driver or use it for shorter legs to connect with buses or tours.
What should I do if I have an issue with a Bolt ride in Arusha?
Use the in-app support to report problems like overcharges or lost items. Bolt’s team typically responds quickly, and you can rate the ride to provide feedback.
Is Bolt suitable for large groups or with luggage in Arusha?
Absolutely—choose Bolt XL for bigger vehicles that handle groups or extra bags, ideal for safari travelers arriving at airports.
