Arusha, also known as "A" Town by the locals, is situated at the foot of Mount Meru, Africa's 5th highest mountain. The altitude gives the city a pleasant climate and lush green environment.
Arusha is not a particularly attractive city in itself and is regarded by many visitors as little more than a necessary stopover before their safari starts in earnest. However, the natural charm of the Tanzanians and the buzz of a fast-growing city mean that Arusha has plenty to offer for those who are prepared to see beyond their air-conditioned safari trucks and satellite-TV equipped hotel rooms.
Arusha is home to the UNMICT, the successor to the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. It is also the site of the signing of the Arusha Declaration.
Arusha is a city in northern Tanzania and the capital of the Arusha Region, with a population of 416,442 plus 323,198 in the surrounding Arusha District as per 2012 census.Located below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, Arusha has a temperate climate.
The city is close to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city hosts the East African Community. From 1994 to 2015, the city also hosted the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, but that entity has ceased operations.
Arusha is a multicultural city with a majority Tanzanian population of mixed backgrounds: indigenous African, Arab-Tanzanian and Indian-Tanzanian population, plus a small White European and a white American minority population. Religions of the Arushan population include Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.
The primary industry of the city is the service sector. The city hosts numerous small and large businesses, banking, retail and commercial enterprises thus making it the financial and cultural capital of the Arusha region. The city of Arusha is home to the largest manufacturing sector in the region with breweries, tyre manufacturing and agro-forest processing, and a large pharmaceuticals maker.
Tourism is also a major part of the economy of the city of Arusha, and the largest dollar-earning economic sector in Tanzania. The city is located on the northern safari circuit near some of the greatest national parks and game reserves in Africa, including Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park.
The city of Arusha is the headquarters of the East African Community, and plays host to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.
The city is home to the famous Arusha International Conference Center, host to many international meetings.
Arusha is also a well known destination for Non Governmental Organizations that operate out the city in a variety of regions and aid areas such as HIV and AIDS Awareness, children's education, and micro-finance.
Despite its proximity to the equator, Arusha's elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) on the southern slopes of Mount Meru keeps temperatures relatively low and alleviates humidity. Cool dry air is prevalent for much of the year. The temperature typically ranges between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius with an average annual high temperature around 25 degrees.
Arusha has a distinct wet and dry seasons, and experiences an eastern prevailing wind from the Indian Ocean, a few hundred miles east. Under the Koppen climate classification system, it has a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. Areas to the south and west of Arusha away are classified as tropical savanna climates.
The record high since records began in 2000 is 39 degrees Celsius (102 F). The record low is 7 Celsius (45 F). Arusha averages 29.8 days per year above 32 Celsius (90F) all between November and March. Arusha's annual precipitation average is 123 cm (48.7 inches), mostly coming during the long rainy season from March to May.
Areas immediately to the north and northeast of Arusha can see more precipitation and cooler temperatures due to the influence of Mt. Meru, whose rain shadow extends toward the southeast side of the mountain.
Arusha and the northern highlands of Tanzania experience a bimodal rainfall pattern, with two rainy seasons. Many crops are planted twice per year. The long masika rains from March through May are more reliable in Arusha than in surrounding areas because of the influence of Mt. Meru.
The short vuli rains are less reliable, usually coming in November and December. The dry kiangazi season is June to October. Higher elevation areas north and northeast of the city are home to farmers growing bananas, coffee, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, and other vegetables.
Cultivation in areas to the northwest, west, southwest, south, and southeast focuses on maize, beans and wheat. There is a significant horticulture industry, with several companies growing flowers for export to Europe.
The current site of Arusha was first settled in the 1830s by the agro-pastoral Arusha Maasai from the Arusha Chini community, south of Mount Kilimanjaro. They traded grains, honey, beer, and tobacco with the pastoral Kisongo Maasai in exchange for livestock, milk, meat, and skins.
Demand for Arusha's foodstuffs increased substantially during the 1860s when the Pangani Valley trade route was extended through Old Moshi, Arusha, and ultimately to western Kenya.Although it was not yet a town, it was a regional centre and had a number of urban features.
Arusha was conquered by the Germans in 1896 after the murder of the first two missionaries who attempted to settle on nearby Mount Meru. The Germans established a permanent presence in 1900 when a military fort or boma was built and soldiers were garrisoned there.The boma was a solid statement, meant to impress German moral and political order on the surrounding countryside.
Set on a rise overlooking the plains, the fortress-like building dominated the surrounding landscape complete with a machine gun.Many Africans were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands by the Germans and forced to dig lime or carry stones to construct the fort.
The British took Arusha from the Germans in 1916 during World War I.German officials left the area, the British deported German missionaries and settlers, and only a skeletal military administration of the town remained.
But slowly during the 1920s, civilian administration was implemented, missionaries from the United States arrived, British and Greek settlers reoccupied the former German farms, and the town grew, especially after the British moved the regional administration from New Moshi to Arusha.
The extension of the railroad from Moshi to Arusha in 1928-29 greatly increased commerce.The Great Depression soon thereafter, however, squelched commerce, and Arusha in 1940 had less than 2,000 residents.Growth resumed during World War II and by 1948, the population had increased to more than 5,000.
In the 1960s parts of the movie Hatari! with John Wayne were filmed at Momella.
Arusha has been a crucial city in the history of modern Tanzania. Official documents ceding independence to Tanganyika were signed by the United Kingdom at Arusha in 1961. Also, the Arusha Declaration was signed in 1967 in Arusha.
The Arusha Accords were signed at the city of Arusha on August 4, 1993, by representatives of competing factions in the Rwandan civil war.
The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi was signed on 28 August 2000 as part of a process forging peace in that country through power sharing and establishing a transitional government.
The January 2015 Arusha Agreement for South Sudan created a framework for the reunification of South Sudan's ruling SPLM party, which had splintered into three creating a humanitarian crisis as fighting between factions intensified. It provided that all SPLM members who were dismissed be reinstated to their previous positions and a secret ballot system be adopted.
In 1994 the UN Security Council decided by its Resolution 955 of 8 November 1994 that Arusha should host the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The establishment of the tribunal with its foreign employees has influenced the local economy of the city increasing the cost of living for residents.
The tribunal has downsized due to its closure in 2014, but its legal successor, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1966, will continue entertaining a branch in Arusha, opening on 1 July 2012.
Arusha was officially declared a city on 1 July 2006 by the Tanzanian government.
Arusha is served by two airports. Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA: JRO) has regular flights to Amsterdam with KLM, and to Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi. Kilimanjaro Airport is approximately 60km (45min) from the city centre. A taxi ride costs USD50 but many airlines run a shuttle service for free or USD10.
Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of the city but only runs domestic flights, mostly to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and charters. air viva offers regular flights between Arusha and Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.
Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport for USD50, or USD100 for some nationalities.
Arusha can be reached by express coach from Nairobi Kenya, 6h, daily 08.00 and 14.00 from in front of Parkside Hotel, USD35, Dar es Salaam (12h), and Kampala Uganda, 17h with direct services also available from Mwanza, Tanga, and Lushoto. Some companies offer first-class tickets which are slightly more comfortable although it is worth noting that standards are generally comparable with most African bus services.
Moshi can be reached in about one hour. There are various shuttle buses between Arusha and Moshi which are more comfortable than coaches. Some of these shuttles can be booked in advance.
The main mode of public transport is daladala, the ubiquitous minibuses which ply their trade on all the main routes in town. They are very cheap, TZS400 (USD0.25) is the fixed price for any trip around town, beware of those who quote more to foreigners.
Daladala is very cramped and safety is a serious consideration. Accidents involving daladalas are frequent and usually with serious consequences for the passengers. Pickpocketing has occurred on locals and visitors in close quarters and can happen quickly; store valuables in bags on your lap.
Taxis are plentiful and cheap; make sure to agree on a price before leaving for your destination,expect to pay no more than TZS5,000 for a trip within the city centre, or TZS8,000 for the outskirts, at any time of the day.
Car hire is possible; most companies prefer to provide their own drivers.
Climb Mount Meru (4,667m). It can be done in 2-4 days, depending on your physical condition. You are not required to take guides and porters up Mount Meru, but you must be escorted by armed rangers. Temperatures can be freezing, so prepare warm clothing and sleeping bags.
Comfortable and enjoyable climbing of Mount Meru would need a professional mountain guide in addition to armed rangers. The role of mountain climbing guide is to provide information about Mount Meru like weather, wild animals available, birds and to support when summiting at Mount Meru.
The guide will also guide on acclimatization, altitude sickness and make sure food is prepared. Porters will also be helpful to carry food and support materials.
Most mountain guides and porters are employed by local tour operators, so your best bet is to search out a reputable tour operator and be put in touch with a suitable guide that way.
Other sight seeing places and things to do include are wildlife safari tours to Arusha National park located at slopes of Mount meru. Camel safaris is done at slopes of Mt. Meru at Maasai village. Camel safaris offer great opportunity for wildlife safaris, masai culture tour and adventures. At the slope of Mount meru, Kilimanjaro is visible in clear days without clouds
Tanzania Tourist Board can arrange cultural excursions to nearby villages for TZS15,000-50,000. These cultural tourism visits can be some of the most rewarding parts of a trip to East Africa, and the human cultural element involved complements an animal-centric safari to the game parks.
Some cultural tourism programs like Ilkiding'a, Ng'iresi are within an hour's hike of Arusha. Several others are within an hour's drive Monduli Juu, Longido, Mulala, Tengeru, Ilkurot, Oldonyo Sambu.
They are great opportunities to learn about the Maasai and Meru tribes who live nearby, pastoralism, agriculture, stories & legends, local economies. There are several good hikes around Mt. Meru, including some beautiful waterfalls. Longido has camel safaris. They are flexible in nature, meaning you can arrange an hour-long visit or a day-long one. Some sites have lodging or camping.
Keep in mind your guide may ask for donations to a charity, school or orphanage. Some dishonest guides might pocket the money, so it is advisable to give money directly to a reputable charity. The guide will give you that information.
Century Cinema has movies for TZS5,000-7,000 (USD3-5). It is part of a modern complex on Njiro Rd, which also houses modern and upmarket restaurants including popular Indian restaurant Khan's, steak outlet McMoody's and serving Ethiopian, Tanzanian, European and other cuisines is a restaurant Spice Retreat.
Njiro Rd is not safe to walk on at night, so get to the complex by another form of transport rather than by foot. A taxi to/from the town centre shouldn't cost more than TZS4,000 (USD3).
Coffee walk, Nkoaranga village which is 30 minutes drive from Arusha town towards Moshi. Private tours scheduled on demand. Coffee walk arranged by local coffee company on the slopes of Mt. Meru. A guide will take you to a small family farm and a coffee roastery to show you the journey of the coffee bean. $15-45pp depending on group size.
A Safari is definitely something to try, if you can afford it. There are many types of trips for many budgets; usually the pricier ones get you out farther into the Serengeti and the Ngorogongoro Crater, to places that are a little less touched by man.
The less expensive excursions to reserves and parks are specialized, of a shorter duration, and worthwhile. If there's one trip that will change your perspective on life, it's an African safari.
Not all tour guides are knowledgeable on all topics. A field guide to your favourite pursuit, such as birding, which is popular with visitors, is a worthwhile idea.
Beware of paying more than market prices, you will still be offered the same accommodation as the person who is paying the regular price.
Go on sustainable safaris across Tanzania, or volunteer with one of their partner organisations. They have fantastic options for both, and at a price that will suit every budget. Great guys, very professional.
The markets in the centre of town are not to be missed. Bargaining is required, meaning prices will range from dirt-cheap to tourist-expensive, depending on the goods and whether or not you pay attention.
You can find almost anything at these markets, from food to clothing to little trinkets to take home to friends and family. The batik and silk-screened cloths in bright colours are highly recommended. They're usually sold just as bolts of cut cloth, but you can do pretty much anything with them when you get home. Also, the Kikoys that the women of Tanzania wear make wonderful and original wrap skirts.
Maasai women artisans make beautiful hand-beaded jewellery that they sell to tourists, frequently to pay for their children's schooling. If you come across this you should definitely purchase a few items, as they are extremely beautiful and make wonderful, unique gifts.
The Maasai market is a one stop shopping area for handicrafts made by local Tanzanians. You get to buy various handicrafts made of ebony, redwood, and various types of paintings made by local artisans. Bargaining is expected here, and prices may vary greatly depending upon that.
Arusha is known for its vibrant night life, with popular local night clubs.
The city hosts the National Natural History Museum, which contains three exhibits on early man, plants and animals of the region, and the history of the city.The natural national history museum, which is found in a boma, used to be an administration outpost for the Germans in the 1900s.
It was opened in 1987 as a public museum and displays important assets to the scientific community such as models of Australopithecus people, human ancestors that lived over 2 million years ago.
A small museum adjacent to the Uhuru monument displays information about the proceedings of the Arusha Declaration in 1967.
Arusha is also the headquarters of the African Great Lakes region's first local media center, Aang Serian Drum.
Masai Market is the local handicrafts and curios market. The Cultural Heritage Center has a large handicrafts store, Tanzanite, and art gallery.
The city's cuisine is a blend of dishes from various parts of Tanzania as well as global culinary traditions.
Ugali a stiff maize meal polenta with meat stew, beans, and greens is a staple dish. Nyama ndizi is a soup of meat and starchy cooking bananas is also popular.
Nyama choma, kiti moto, and kuku choma are popular barbecue dishes usually served with local cold beer and pili pili. Chips mayai is another popular local dish of chips fried potatoes and egg. Indian and Chinese cuisines are also widely available.
Arusha has a wide variety of restaurants and informal eating places, with a predominance of African cuisine. Meals range from less than US$ 1 for street fare to US$15 for main courses at the high-end hotels.
Africafe Coffee House, Old Boma Rd (near to the Clock tower). 8AM-8PM. Stylish cafe, good coffee specialties, delicious pastries like carrot cake and muffins, breakfast, burgers, salads. Despite the name, they serve real coffee and no Africafe instant coffee. Sometimes there is WiFi. From TZS2,500.
Alberos Treehouse, Haile Selassie Rd - Two blocks east of clocktower off Nyerere Rd. 11am - 11pm. Italian pizza and pasta with barbecue on the weekends. Pizza delivery service is available every day. from TZS10000.
Bay Leaf, 102 Vijana Rd. Elegant European style restaurant with absolutely delicious, though rather pricey dishes. You can sit inside or in the garden. From TZS20,000.
Cafe Bamboo Restaurant. Higher end cafe/restaurant from a local standpoint, but inexpensive for many foreign travelers. Snacks such as samosas, chips and kebabs. Also serves western, Indian and traditional African dishes. Popular with tourists.
Chinese Dragon. A good place for Chinese food in Arusha, moderately priced. 10,000-15,000.
Khan's Chicken on the Bonnet. Pakistani BBQ, includes chicken, beef, mutton, assorted salads, and nan. Arguably best BBQ in town these are rivals with Nick's Pub BBQ in Njiro. Two locations, one in town centre which serves as a car repair shop by day and BBQ venue by night, newer location at cinema in Njiro. TZS4,500-9,000 (USD3-7)/person.
L'Oasis Lodge, Close to idara ya maji, Sekei Arusha (access via Moshi/Nairobi Rd.). 7am - late. Nachos, cold drinks in the garden or by the pool. No reservations needed for groups less than 10.
The Lively Lady Bar & Grill, (opposite the Railway station, down the road with Arusha Backpacker's on the corner). 5PM-12 midnight, 6 days a week, (closed on Sundays). A small and funky rock-bar in the middle of town. Good European/Indian style kitchen, large collection of drinks and good rock-music to spice up your evening.
McMoody's. 8AM-9.30PM,. Has a little bit of everything in a fast-food setting right in the centre of town. They also have a branch in the complex in Njiro Rd near the cinema. Mains 6,000-15,000 TSH (July 2017).
Onsea House Restaurant. Renowned as best French/Belgian restaurant in East Africa. Recommended for a romantic candle light dinner or special celebration. Reservations recommended.
Shanga River House Dodoma Rd (on Dodoma Road to Arusha Airport) Shanga is located on Tanzania's oldest coffee estate, in Arusha, next to Tanapa. Ask about the Pink Balloon project. This is a friendly and delightful place to visit, your heart may be warmed by the warmth of the manner of the staff.
Shanga employs 50 differently abled Tanzanian people in workshops where they recycle glass, aluminum, paper and tires into unique, quality creative products. Shanga features the River House Restaurant and the Shanga Shop which offers unique and creative gifts at good prices. River House Restaurant is open 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; lunch is by reservation only.
The home grown healthy lunches are served in garden pagodas near the river. Coffee and tours are available before and after lunch. It is a haven removed from the bustle of Arusha, and another delightful experience.
Via Via Cultural Cafe, Old Boma Rd in the gardens of the Natural History Museum, next to the AICC building. 9.30-?. Nice and quiet setting in a magnificent garden surrounded by a forest, popular with ICTR employees. Concert and Party every Thursday night. You can also book cultural tours there. From TZS6,000.
Fifi`s Restaurant, Themi road,200 m down from the clocktower on the left. 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. A brand new restaurant offering high quality international food, fresh pastry and the best coffee in town. The restaurant has 2 sections with a lovely lounge area at the back. Parking (guarded) is free for customers.
Rivertrees, River Trees Road, Usa River Kilimanjaro Airport. Rivertrees serves up some of the best pizzas in town and gourmet country dishes. It is a good meeting place and an easy stop on the way or back from Kilimanjaro airport. Nearby residents often nip in for drinks, a healthy meal, or lounge about.
Free wireless internet is available. Rivertrees gets its name from the stunning trees towering over open lawns and lush gardens on the banks of the Usa River the village by the same name. It is also a good place to watch sports on satellite TV in the al fresco bar and, the lodge has 22 cottage style rooms spread throughout the estate.
Kiti Moto, Makao Mapya neighborhood,Taxi would be best: 3,000 no more than 5,000 TZ Shillings from the main bus station or Nakumatt Supermarket and 5,000 no more than 10,000 from the city center. Upstairs, second floor, inside Seuri Guesti - Guesthouse right next door to Premier Palace Hotel,not The Palace Hotel in a different part of Arusha.
Lunch and dinner until about 9 or 10 PM 7 days a week. This restaurant is dedicated to serving only pork,not easy to find in East Africa, especially at this price. There is a very good dish with grilled pork and cooked leafy green vegetables like spinach. The main carbohydrate is ugali - maize meal.
You should be able to get french fries called chips in East Africa or chapati most of the time also. All Tanzanians learn some english in school but it is a local place so be patient and if you have trouble communicating with the server ask for Steven or Mbosi. Steven is the owner and he is Maasai,an interesting and friendly guy. He speaks perfect English. Prices: 10,000 to 20,000 TZ Shillings for two people.
Arusha has many interesting bars and restaurants. As a rule the best food is African, thanks to the large sub-continental community in the city. Liquid Blue in Njiro is among the most popular Indian restaurant. There are countless local bars which generally welcome foreigners.
The less adventurous stick to Via Via, on the grounds of the old German fort, which is an interesting cultural centre and part of an NGO which trains locals in the hospitality industry. Located in Arusha is also the only craft beer brewery in Tanzania. Twiga Brew is located in the AIM Shopping Mall next to Cultural Heritage.
There are plenty of options for bars and restaurants for those who for some reason seem to wish to avoid locals altogether; these places are very easy to find.
For nightclubs, the AQ Club,Babylon,Velocity, Colobus Club, Maasai Camp, Triple A, 777 and Polygon Triangle are popular with locals and foreigners alike. They start late and finish very, very late or early. Pickpockets have been known to operate and all these bars are popular with local sex workers; caution is advised.
Arusha has plentiful accommodation to cater to all across the scale. There are many hotels in the centre of the town, including the international grade like Impala Hotel and the Arusha Hotel. You won't get any surprises in this sort of accommodation. At the highest end of the scale there are numerous luxurious lodges in and around the city, some of which offer stunning scenery and the best standard of accommodation.
Be sure to avoid touts who are people hired by hotels/hostels to get travellers to stay there. If you are travelling as a couple, a good idea is for one person to sit in a lobby or restaurant with the bags, while the other looks at the rooms. You are likely to get a cheaper price without the bags, and not be targeted by sneaky touts who will signal reception or hang around behind you which will raise the price US$5-10 for you for their commission.
In all lower end pricing accommodations, especially those shared with strangers, you sometimes have a greater risk of theft. Ask to store your valuables and ID in their safe when you leave, or take them with you in a concealed clothing pouch to deter pickpockets. It is also effective to ask them not to clean the room when you are out and then make sure to be there in the room and specifically request it when you want it clean.
Just say si safi which is swahili for not clean, when you are leaving, or tafadhali safi which is swahili for please clean, and gesture to the room with them.
Although some like to steal, Tanzanians are also very polite and they know how they could possibly get caught so it is extremely unlikely they will risk trying to open your door or go hunting for the key from the reception to enter your room. Just be straight and firm with them; not rude and not overly polite.
For budget travellers, many recommend the Maasai Camp which is about 45 minutes walk from the city centre, which offers tent sites and bandas, a full service restaurant with a good selection of dishes - seafood, pizza, pastas, famous enchiladas and bar. Many begin safaris here.
There is a car workshop for those with car problems. This is popular with overland long distance haul truckers. Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. Nature walks. Another is the Snake Park which is in a village called Meserani, about 16 km out on the Dodoma Rd, on the route to Ngorongo Crater and the Serengeti.
They have fully equipped campsites, a BBQ area and fully stocked bar. Pet a crocodile, learn about the most venomous and dangerous snakes. Ride a camel. These are both lively locations with popular bars and good services at a very low price.
For a quieter stay, Centre House, run by Camaldolese Benedictine nuns of suffragan diocese orders in Africa deriving from the Patriarchate of Lisbon; these orders are also found in Brazil, India, Poland, and Columbia, is located a few minutes walk from the clock tower and offers basic rooms, both dormitory style and smaller rooms. Food and drinks including beer are available.
Arusha Backpackers, Sokoine Rd , near bus station. checkout: 10:00. A restaurant and a bar on the top floor of the hotel. An internet cafe on the top floor for quick browsing. The other facilities available are 24 hr hot water facility in the bathrooms, a TV room, a reading room and also a massage room. They charge around TZS40,000 for 1 hour of massage. Dbl USD20.
Arusha by Night Annexe, Stadium Rd & Colonel Middleton Rd. Budget hotel located by the stadium and bus stations. Double rooms. Basic breakfast included. Hot water only at certain times. Road-side rooms are very noisy.
Arusha Naaz Hotel, Sokoine. A good option for travellers on a budget who still want a private room with air-con, TV and internet Wi-Fi in a safe, central location. Very pleasant staff and good restaurant. USD50.
Caanan Hotel, Nairobi Rd, Mianzini,next to the white petrol station. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 11AM. A midrange (3 star equivalent) 18 bed hotel. All rates include breakfast, dinner is available and you can give a half days notice, the hotel will arrange free transport for you from any where in the City Centre. Ideal if you just jumping off the Shuttle bus in Arusha. $19.
Meru House Inn,in the centre of town. Budget option with double rooms going for TZS7,000 (USD5) a night, clean rooms with shared toilet and showers - it also has a great, very reasonably priced Indian restaurant on the ground floor.
Onsea House. A luxury B&B with only 5 rooms, Arusha's only boutique hotel, recommended as hip, relaxing hideaway just 7 km from the centre. US$185.
Kigongoni Lodge. Run by an NGO. All the profits go to support a local school for mentally handicapped children so that you can stay in luxury while helping the nearby community.
Annexe at L'Oasis Lodge, Close to idara ya maji, Sekei Arusha (Access rd Moshi/Nairobi Rd). 12 rooms with twin beds in the gardens surrounding the main lodge in the village Sekai, including access to lodge facilities. About 10 min drive from the town centre. Bookings not essential but much appreciated.
The African Tulip, 44/1 Serengeti Rd. A small, well-liked luxury hotel for a reasonable price. A good one! US$230.
The Arusha Hotel, Main Rd. 4 star hotel with modern, well-decorated rooms and lovely staff. US$160.
The Impala Hotel, Old Moshi Rd. 3 star hotel with mixed reviews. Some rooms are lovely and spacious, while others disappoint. Ask to see your room before committing. US$145.
Mount Meru Hotel, Moshi Nariobi Rd. Set in a wildlife sanctuary, so you can sip your coffee ten feet from ostriches and monkeys. US$90.
Bay Leaf Boutique Hotel, 102 Vijana Rd,corridor area of Arusha Pass the Impala Roundabout on your way north on 'Phillips' Rd; turn left just after the first speed bump; there is a sign on the road; second property on the left.. A small boutique hotel. 6 rooms, all individually decoratated. Very chic & with attention to detail. Walking distance to banks, local attractions and the clock tower. Lunch: 11:30AM-3:30PM (average: TZS10,000-12,000). Dinner 6:30PM-10:30PM (Average TZS20,000-40,000) US$200-350.
Tumaini Cottage, Arusha turn left before you reach Happy Sausage from Nairobi Rd, then follow the road all the way to the end. Wireless internet.
Kundayo Serviced Apartments Lodge, Plot No. 208, Block GG - Kimandolu 100 meters from Arusha-Moshi Road, about 500 meters from Phillips junction toward Moshi. Kundayo Serviced Apartments Lodge provides a unique service to all visitors to Arusha. Whether you are planning to stay for one-day, one-month, a year or longer, we have the perfect accommodation option to suit your needs.
At Kundayo Lodge they have recognized that not all visitors like to stay in conventional hotels, and instead many like the flexibility of being in a place like home. As such, each of the apartments come with fully fitted kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, lounge and dining area. US$45.
Arusha Hostel Lodge And Adventures, Ngulelo,Arusha-himo road. checkin: Any time; checkout: 10:30pm. AHLA is your gateway into East Africa. We offer a wide range of adventures, including: Cheap Accomodation in our Hostel Lodge, Affodable wildlife safaris to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, cultural Masai tourism, cycling, and beach vacations to Zanzibar.
Additionally, Arusha Hostel Lodge And Adventures organizes volunteer experiences at a low cost. No matter what you want to make out of your trip to Tanzania, we can make it happen! $12-25.
Peace Matunda School and Orphanage, just outside Arusha, Tangeru,Mini busses and Dala dala's run constantly throughout the day. checkin: anytime; checkout: anytime. Peace Matunda School and Orphanage is run and funded by the Peace Matunda Tourism company. It is located just outside the busy city about 30 minutes by bus.
They offer a well developed campsite, safe and with western washrooms and hot showers. They also have indoor accommodations and great food varying from local to western meals. Often it is used by people looking to volunteer at the orphanage or school and is a great place to get accustomed to the more rural areas as it sits on the side of Mt Meru in a quiet village.
Most staff can speak decent English and are fairly friendly. Prices are often negotiable depending on your time of stay and meals needed. Don't hesitate to email them or call for more information. negotiable.
The Greenhouse, PO Box 14888, Arusha,Sombetini Road, Arusha. checkin: 11:00; checkout: 13:00. The Greenhouse offers 3 rooms, accommodating up to 10 people - 2 rooms with 4 beds and 1 room with 2 beds and shared bathroom facilities including hot showers and western toilets. The lounge area is comfortable and homely with a TV, DVD player, stereo system and the veranda/ front of house area offers additional seating.
All meals are included in the price as well as free Wi-Fi. Environmental activities are constantly being implemented including vegetable gardens, fruit trees, compost bins, recycling of glasses and water sewage for gardens. Located 10 minutes from the city centre by car/ bus. USD13.
Seuri Guesti Guesthouse, Makao Mapia,Right next to Premier Palace Hotel in Makao Mapia). This is a really good local Tanzanian kind of place and the best of the guesthouses in this well-known neighborhood with many guesthouses,the real Tanzania/Arusha, at a good price. The owner's name is Steven. He is Maasai from the bush. He is friendly with all local and foreign guests and he speaks perfect English.
It is not uncommon to see real Maasais - customers, employees or friends and family of the owner - dressed in shukas here. There are rooms with private bathrooms including hot showers and western toilets.
There are 2 restaurants and 1 bar in the guesthouse. It is located right next door to Premier Palace Hotel but not The Palace Hotel in a different part of Arusha. Tell your taxi Makao Mapia neighborhood. It should cost 3000 no more than 5,000 TZ shillings from the main bus station by taxi. Ask for Mbosi or Steven upon arrival. 12000 - 15000 TZ shillings per double room..
Tanzania Mountain Retreat Lodge and Camp, Magusha Street near Mount Meru,Base of Mount Meru near gates of Arusha National Park,. Great place for those who like quiet rural seclusion, great views of Mount Meru, garden like surroundings and fresh local grown food. Privacy is great with a surrounding wall of flowers and trees and they border a rain forest full of monkeys that always visit the retreat.
They are the only accommodation that provides natural clean drinking water from underground springs. Camping starts from EUR5 and lodging from EUR45. They offer wellness services.
The Greenhouse, Sombetini Road, Arusha,Sombetini Road, Ngusero. The Greenhouse is a highly rated budget hostel which provides accommodation for tourists, adventurers, trekkers, hitchers and volunteers looking for an affordable place to relax and stay in Arusha.
The hostel is located in Ngusero, which is 15 minutes from Arusha city center and offers full board accommodation,breakfast, lunch and dinner included, free Wi-Fi, hot showers, TV, transfer services, volunteering opportunities, safaris, day trips, mountain climbing, great advice and great company. $15.
Safariland Cottages Arusha, Njiro, plot 153 Bloc C Njiro,Near Njiro complex or World Vision, checkin: 12.00; checkout: 11.00. Safariland is a small country cottage guaranteeing privacy, personal attention and exceptional service. The twelve cottages offer self – contained accommodation with an excellent combination of unique comfort and African style and decor.
Each cottage has its own tranquil Verandah with a little breakfast setting for two where you can relax with a cold drink, a book or a nice conversation or simply just admire the beautiful tropical garden. USD 55 single room, USD 90 Double Room.
Arusha Crown Hotel, Makongoro Road,besides Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium), Arusha, Tanzania. Arusha Crown Hotel is set in Arusha, 350m from from Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium. Arusha International Conference Centre, is within 1.2 km Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Arusha is a moderately safe city by African standards, though precautions should be observed. It is not advisable to walk at night, alone or in groups, cabs are plentiful but fares should always be agreed upon at the start of a journey,cabs have no meters, making it all too easy to exaggerate fares at the end of a journey.
Avoid taking motorcycle taxis, especially at night in front of clubs. Thieves easily use this opportunity to rob people. In the city centre on Sokoine road and in certain areas along old Moshi road there are frequent attacks on tourists, especially when they are walking with their backpacks/bags.
Make sure that you take a cab when you are arriving/leaving from Arusha as gangs usually know when and where backpackers arrive and avoid taking a bag when walking in town. Foreigners are virtually guaranteed to be approached by touts. This can be intimidating, especially when they latch onto and follow you, but they are usually harmless.
In this case do not stop, slow down or make eye contact; simply say "hapana asante" Kiswahili for no thank you if they ask or offer you anything. You will save yourself a lot of bother if you do not engage them. When walking in any part of the city beyond the central district, it is advisable to take a guide.
The bridge on Old Moshi Rd is a particularly notorious mugging spot, and although often patrolled by police it should be avoided if on foot. If you sit alone in the park nearby the bridge, police will usually approach you within a few minutes and insist that you leave.
Mica Computer Services, Azimo St. opposite Arusha Declaration Museum. 8AM-6PM. Friendly computer store in the heart of town selling computers, accessories and software. Toner and ink cardridges, empty CD's and DVD's. Will burn your pics for free of charge.
Teli Tech Computers, Azimio St/ Sokoine Rd,opposite Rusda Supermarket. 8:30AM-5:30PM. Well stocked computer store offering repair services, web hosting, cartridge refilling and more. Fast internet cafe and secretarial services. Common meeting point for volunteers.
Take a Bus to Kampala, Uganda, the best option is Modern Coach - 50,000 TSH - scheduled to leave Arusha at 4pm daily - advised to book ticket in advance - office and departure point is Wachaga Street just down from Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre another option is Spider Coach but poor quality and reliability.
Places to visit:
- Arusha National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Lake Manyara
- Serengeti National Park
- Kilimanjaro
Arusha city is home to the Tanzanian rugby national team. The city hosts international rugby matches as well. Joshua Peterson, who played for the national team, was the second youngest international rugby player ever, behind Johnny Wilkinson. Southern Pool A of the 2007 Castel Beer Trophy was hosted here as well.
The city is home to Arusha FC, playing in Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium, which represents the city in Tanzanian league football.
The city also hosted the Mount Meru Marathon, held from 1985 to 2004.The "all-comers" record for the fastest marathon performance in Tanzania, 2:13:46, was set at the event by former long-distance runner Benedict Ako on August 1, 1993.
On May 21, 2011, the Drake University Bulldogs beat the CONADEIP All-Stars 17-7 in the first ever American football game in Tanzania.
Arusha is home for the Arusha Motor Sports Club (AMSC),which provides motor entertainment for the city of Arusha. It was created in 1996 with the purpose of providing motor rallying, which was a new concept at the time for Tanzania, as a new form of entertainment. The AMSC is the largest club in Tanzania that invites foreign competitors to rally and compete for AMSC.
Tourism Observer
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