Arusha is not a place most people know and, if we're honest, most people will never go there. But they should. Arusha is a frontier city; it's a place of excitement; it's a place of opportunity. Arusha is a city in northern Tanzania, and it is a place of extremes. As the gateway to some of Tanzania's most famous attractions, such as Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha gets a stack of visitors, but not many stick around to check out the charms of the city itself.
I was lucky to live in Arusha since 2014 ( part-time) and had the opportunity to explore this fascinating town and share some of my favorite haunts in my second hometown. Two airports serve Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA: JRO) has regular flights to Amsterdam with KLM and Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Nairobi. Kilimanjaro Airport is approximately 60km (45min) from the city Centre. A taxi ride costs USD 50, but many airlines run a shuttle service for free or USD 10. It takes about two days in Arusha to cover key sites, but coordinating transport and activities takes up valuable sightseeing time. Choose a private tour to see and do more in the city, from browsing shops at the Arusha Central Market to checking out tribal traditions in the Cultural Heritage Centre.
Looking for a spot to catch up on Social Media, send an e-mail to the family back home, and enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake while you're doing it?
Kitamu Coffee is a cozy Tanzanian- run establishment in Colindo street in the heart of the city. With fresh, healthy dishes such as chicken and avocado wraps- the chefs are very generous with the succulent avocados, sourced from the nearby Mount Meru highlands, and delicious home-roasted coffee straight from the Kilimanjaro foothills.
Another Place on my favorite list is Africafe, which prides itself on having freshly roasted coffee and freshly baked pies, pastries, and cakes. Considering that coffee plantations surround Arusha, you can't get closer to the source than this! They produce their blends of tea and coffee, so this is the place for enthusiasts.
From Kitamu, take the five-minute walk to the Arusha National Natural History & Cultural Museum: This museum inside the old German boma (fortified compound), completed in 1900, has three parts. The best is the wing dedicated to human evolution since much of what we know about the topic came from fossils unearthed in Tanzania. There are also displays on insects, the history of Arusha during the German colonial era, and wildlife photos. Make sure you take in the wing dedicated to human evolution. Excavations from the nearby Olduvai Gorge available to see here have led to our understanding of man's origins. Elsewhere there are displays on insects detailing some of the diseases they caused—the history of Arusha during the German colonial era. There is a botanical garden in the museum's outdoor grounds, a mini serpentaria, and an art gallery.
In the middle of town stands a sandstone clock tower, built to mark the halfway point between Cape Town and Cairo, an epic route that has long fueled explorers' imaginations worldwide. However, the actual excellent circle midpoint between these two cities lies in central Congo.
Go to Uhuru touch monument: The Uhuru Torch (Swahili: Mwenge wa Uhuru, literally "Torch of Freedom") is one of Tanzania's National Symbols. It is a kerosene torch. It symbolizes freedom and light. It was first lit on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro on December 9, 1961, by Alexander Nyirenda. Symbolically to Shine the country and across the borders to bring hope where there is despair, love where there is enmity, and respect where there is hatred. The Uhuru Torch race takes place every year, starting from different locations.
Now you know more about this city's evolution and its people, so let us work out the way to the famous Maasai Market Curios and Crafts, located on Fire Road, just a few meters (less than 150 m) from Clock Tower Arusha on Great North. Maasai Market in Arusha is a place bustling with activity and a wide selection of souvenirs!!! A real shopping experience. You will get the luxury of seeing the most affordable hand-crafted ornaments such as wooden animals, humans, building sculptors, beaded necklaces, batik wall hangings, soapstone carvings, colorful sisal bags, Kikois, Khangas, vitenges, and much more. Put your haggling pants on for these markets; they're an absolute necessity. Haggling is expected, and if you don't bargain with traders, you'll be paying inflated prices, so don't be shy!
You can buy from car parts to fresh fruit to beautiful Maasai beadwork and carvings to fabulous kikoys, cows, and sheep! Arusha's markets are the place to buy gifts for those at home.
Shop on Central Arusha Market: Arusha's crazy Central Market, where you can expect to see anything and everything African and can also expect to be confused, amazed, and overwhelmed as enthusiastic guides lead you around the maze of shops and show you local spices and fabrics, Massai medicines, carved wood wares, jewelry, artwork, and every kind of food you can imagine, asking only for their eager help that you tip them as generously as you possibly can to support them and their families, which of course you do because quite honestly they are funny. The Central Market is one of the best places to get a glimpse of Tanzanian life, and offers a total assault on the senses. Locals will try everything to be your tour guide (for a fee) and traders are intent on making a sale, so have your wits about you and prepare to barter. There’s a lively atmosphere and various stalls of exotic fruit, coffee, nuts and spices.
Just a short walk from the Clock Tower, but a world away from the city center's traffic and noise is George's Tavern. Sheltered amid a canopy of trees and bushes, this tranquil and calm setting is the best place to have lunch while you prepare for your next set of activities. The Ambiance is suggestive of a classic Greek taverna with wooden tables and checked blue and white table cloths. The menu is extensive and covers Greek and Italian cuisine, with a good selection of starters, main courses, pizzas, and desserts.
Since you are in the neighborhood, make sure you stop by at Sidai Designs. About 100 Masai women who live in the countryside around Arusha make the fashionable jewelry sold at this airy store. Their works range from delicate to dramatic, but beadwork is a common thread among the pieces. On Tuesday, market day, the women come from the countryside to display their talents on the lawn just outside the boutique. You are welcome to participate with reservations.
If you are looking for some exotic but elegant, come to the Gran Melia Arusha. An oasis within Arusha set out on 18 acres of beautiful landscaped coffee and tea plantations. Pure tranquility with spectacular views of Mount Meru. Gran Meliá Arusha offers a unique experience combining the most exciting once-in-a-lifetime safari destination with state-of-the-art conference facilities. Saba Saba is an unmissable restaurant that invites you to relax and enjoy the local and fresh cuisine tuned with international flavors that allow you to taste the city's multicultural spirit.
Go for Tanzanite Shopping: A trip to Tanzania is not complete until you experience Tanzanite – it is only mined here outside of Arusha. This beautiful blue-violet gem, Tanzanite, is found only in northern Tanzania. First shown to tailor-prospector Manuel de Souza by Ali Juuyawatu, a Maasai tribesman, the gems were named by Tiffany & Co.'s Henry B. Platt, for the country of their origin and soon became highly sought after. Tanzanite/Ruby – "The King of Gemstones" symbolizes passion, making it an ideal romantic gift. It is often associated with objects of desire, wealth, and success. Are you looking for something for your loved ones for Valentines'? Visit the House of Gems. With over 30 years of experience working with the finest gemstones produced in East Africa, the House of gems is at the forefront of Tanzania's legitimate gemstone industry. Let us take you on a journey through the history of Arusha's vibrant gemstone culture. From the discovery of Tanzanite in the '60s through the emergence of fantastic Tanzanian Tourmalines, Rubies, Sapphires, and Garnets, to name a few; This excellent Gem Museum will give you an informative understanding of and a more significant prospective on the gemology and geology behind the vast array of Gemstones produced in Tanzania.
After enjoying a heartwarming experience of the city, it's time to venture a bit further. Shanga out on the Dodoma Road lies terrific jewel. Started in 2006 by Saskia Reichsteiner, who made necklaces using African beads and fabric, she initially employed a deaf woman to help her. She soon realized the difficulties facing the disabled in Tanzania. The business grew exponentially and now employs many disabled people. Making environmentally-friendly products – beadwork, clothes, glasswork, and jewelry – the workshop and shop relocated to the Trader's Walk at the Arusha Coffee Lodge in 2015. Marvel at the beautiful handiwork, buy gifts, and then enjoy a meal at Jikoni.
Schwari Collectibles, Schwari is the Swahili word for "calm." The line was founded by designer Beate Allard, who operates a workshop in Arusha, Tanzania. Her imagination and creativity transform into what can be described as "living art." Since 2008, Schwari has been a popular source of unique clothing, accessories, and home goods for residents and visitors of Tanzania -- but is now becoming a fast-growing brand and has taken the international stage. The Schwari signature consists of intricate local beading and hand-died textiles, leather, and African fabrics. From couture clothing for women, men, children, and babies to cushions, wall hangings, purses, and shoes, you can enjoy Schwari from head to toe and ceiling to floor. This is absolutely my favorite restaurant This is my absolute favorite with amazing food, and amazing view. I love what Beate Allard has done with the Blue Heron Restaurant and Schwari Collectibles and I am so glad to know her. This is a must visit while in Arusha!
A little out of town, you will find the Cultural Heritage .This center combines a museum, restaurant, coffee shop, spice center, and shops to buy art, curios, African antiques, Tanzanite, and more. You can quickly get all the gifts you need to take home for the family here. Wander around the grounds marveling at the sculptures before heading into the spice center, which doubles as a book shop filled with enticing aromas. Don't miss out on the Makonde Museum – a showcase of their masterful carved masks. The center has hosted many famous people over its 20 years of existence, including Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea.
Pubs, clubs, live music and dancing: the nightlife in Arusha offers something to suit everybody.
There's not a vast amount of choices if you fancy a night out, but by far, the best is New City Pub and Lounge, a nightclub at the eastern end of town, which hosts regular concerts out in the parking lot. Featured acts include bongo flava stars from Dar es Salaam. The Lively Lady does its name justice and becomes lively, especially after 10 PM. It's a little hard to find – down a bit of a dodgy-looking side alley – so don't walk there, and make sure your taxi driver knows where he's going. Once you're there, you'll be greeted with cold beers, cheap-and-cheerful pub grub, and a rocking crowd. The Roof Top, located on the top floor, is the most exclusive place in Arusha, with incredible views of Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in the country. This stunning African environment combines with a unique ambiance to create a high-energy restaurant and bar where the sunset invites you in to enjoy our Peruvian-Spanish fusion cuisine.
These are just a few examples, but it is so much more for you to explore.
Yours
Encountering Tanzania