Onyosambu (also spelled Oldonyosambu or Oldonyo-Sambu) is an administrative ward in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. The name is derived from the Maasai word Oldonyosambok, meaning "thick mountain".
There are two distinct locations bearing this name:
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Oldonyosambu – An administrative ward in the Arumeru district (Arusha Rural District) of the Arusha Region. According to the 2012 census, the ward had a total population of 16,484. Its coordinates are approximately 03°07′01″S 36°44′12″E.
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Oldonyo-Sambu – A separate administrative ward in the Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region. In 2016, the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics reported a population of 8,657 people in this ward (up from 5,233 in 2012).
Both areas are located in northern Tanzania, near Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, and are primarily inhabited by Maasai pastoralists. The region is characterized by semi-arid savanna, acacia woodlands, and seasonal water sources. The area is known for cultural tourism, including visits to traditional Maasai bomas (homesteads), short hikes, and scenic views of the surrounding volcanic peaks.
