Arusha City in Tanzania
Details of Arusha Town Tanzania
Arusha is your gateway to the safari adventures that can be found on the famed northern circuit, Arusha is a dynamic and bustling city where Africa and the west collide in a dizzying, fascinating fusion. With a domestic airport (Arusha) and an international airport (Kilimanjaro) it's also the perfect place to launch your adventures to Dar Es Saalam, Zanzibar, or even neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, or Uganda.
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.
Day trips from Arusha include visits to the Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, or Tarangire National Parks, as well as the opportunity to explore the city's many markets or pay a visit to nearby Mount Meru.
Those looking for a slice of Africa to take back home with them will find Arusha is a great place to do some shopping, with a variety of souvenirs including Makonde carvings, Tingatina paintings, and Tanzanite jewellery.
Transportation to and from Arusha is possible from the Kilimanjaro International Airport for international travelers. The airport offers international and inland flights. The Arusha Airport is a small airport, in the western part of the city. The city has no train service but regular buses to and from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.
Average temperature is around 25°C
The temperatures of Arusha range between 13 and 30°C, due to the towns location on the southern slopes of Mount Meru at the altitude of 1,400 m. The average temperature is around 25°C. The two major industries of Arusha are agriculture and tourism.
Arusha's agricultural production is mostly defined by vegetables, flowers and coffee. The most famous factories are a brewery, fiberboard and tyre plant, and a large pharmaceuticals producer. Mining is also very popular in Arusha. The city is the only source for Tanzanite, a gem-quality mineral. Some of the most important economical sites are the East African Community, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the African Court on Human and People's Rights.
Arusha is also an important city for Tanzania's culture. Nane Nane is visited by up to half million people It holds different festivals, among them the annual Arusha Nane Nane Agricultural show. Nane Nane is a Tanzanian public holiday held on August 8th. The name Nane Nane comes from Swahili and means “eight eight” marking the holiday on the 8th of the 8th month. The show, which is visited by up to half million people every year, is very important for the local farmers and stakeholders, because they can exchange their knowledge and business. Arusha has also a vibrant night life, with different night clubs, the most popular of them are the Vija Vija and Masaai Camp
Arusha - The Geneva of Africa
The city, which has a population of 270,485 (2002 census), was established in 1900 as a minor German military garrison for the colonial administration. Arusha was once a trading place for the domestic Wameru and Waarusha tribes but today it is Tanzania's Safari and tourism center. The “Geneva of Africa” consists of picturesque street markets, craft shops, museums, Makonde carving workshops, restaurants, street cafes and bars.
Most people see Arusha as nothing more than Tanzania’s Safari capital or a stopover for hiking the snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro. However, this East African city shouldn’t be side-stepped. Located exactly halfway between Cairo and Cape Town, Arusha represents the middle of the Old British Empire marked by a monumental clock tower. Dig beneath its chaotic, dusty exterior and you’ll find there are plenty of reasons to explore this city. Here are the top thing to do in Arusha.
It boasts a breathtaking mountain backdrop
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest peak and many travelers use it as a warm-up for scaling the mighty Kilimanjaro. Others, however, are happy to admire it from afar. If you fall into the latter category, you’ll be pleased to hear this dormant volcano provides a spectacular backdrop to Arusha. Anyone who’s averse to exercise can also take a trip to its lower slopes and enjoy a far less strenuous camel safari or bathe beneath the waterfalls of Arusha National Park.
It has an intriguing culture
Arusha’s population comprises more than 100 nationalities. It’s also a melting pot of Iraqw, Hadzabe, Maasai, Swahili and dozens of other indigenous and ethnic cultures. Muslim and Christian communities live peacefully side by side, and locals will greet you warmly with the Swahili saying karibu, meaning ‘welcome’. Many cultural tourism programmes organise excursions to nearby villages to meet indigenous Wa-arusha and Maasai tribes.
It’s the heart of the Tanzanite gemstone
Tanzanite, the birthstone for December, is one of Tanzania’s proudest exports, and The Tanzanite Experience – the world’s only museum dedicated to this gemstone – can be found in the heart of Arusha. Head to the Blue Plaza on India Street and take the elevator up to the third floor. Free guided tours take you into a makeshift mine and explain the history of this vibrant blue gem mined in the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro. Browse the dazzling tanzanite jewellery on display – and make a purchase if you’re feeling flush.
It has a vibrant food market
Arusha’s 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.
It has a surprisingly good café culture
You may not expect it from this archetypal African city, but Arusha has a pretty good selection of coffee shops serving up flat whites, iced lattes and other European style cups of Joe. Check out Africafe and Jambo Coffee House on Boma Road, Café Barrista on Sokoine Road or Fifi’s on Themi Road. If you’re a serious coffee enthusiast, there are some luxurious coffee lodges on the outskirts of the city where you can take ‘Bean to Cup’ plantation tours.
It has some interesting museums
Arusha’s museums are a great place to start if you’re looking to find out more about Tanzania’s political, cultural and social history. The Arusha Declaration Museum by the Uhuru roundabout offers a look at the country’s fight for independence and illustrates the country’s colonial past. The National History Museum housed in a German fort off Boma Road takes visitors on a journey through human evolution. For a wide selection of African art, sculptures and artefacts, head to The Cultural Heritage craft mall.
It’s great for shopping
Arusha Central Market offers many shops selling Maasai fabrics and hand-woven baskets. However, for the best in African souvenirs and curios, it’s worth heading to the Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market (often referred to as the Maasai Market) on Fire Road. It will take some confident bartering and a keen eye to pick out the best items, but it has the widest selection of goods in the city. For shopping with a conscience, visit the Maasai Women Fair Trade Center on Simeon Road. The Cultural Heritage craft mall also offers a relaxed shopping experience.
It has an exciting food scene
Arusha spoils you for choice when it comes to no-frills street food. Pull up a chair beside Maasai men at Discovery Restaurant and chow down on Nyama Choma (roasted meat and maize), chapatti, pilau and biryani. Khan’s BBQ on Mosque Street attracts a cult following for its ‘Chicken on the Bonnet’ street food and plates piled high with Indian style chutneys, naans and salads. Roadside snacks can always be found in the city streets and the monthly Arusha Farmer’s market is popular with foodies.
There are many places for quiet reflection
Arusha can feel very chaotic when you first arrive. Delve a bit deeper and you’ll find some surprisingly serene places. The Themi Living Gardens is a leafy spot where you can eat organic food at eco-restaurant Eat Wild, run by a women’s community project. The Mulberry is another city oasis where you can kick back on comfy day beds, listen to the birds and enjoy one of the best cocktails in the city. Try a mango margarita or an Arusha sunset.
There are loads of opportunities to volunteer
One of the top reasons to visit Arusha is it’s a great place for volunteering and doing charity work while you are travelling. You can organise this through a volunteer company such as VSO or Projects Abroad, or get in touch directly with organisations within the city such as KATz Volunteer Adventure, The Fruitful Orphanage or Good Hope Orphanage. You can also give back by supporting socially-conscious groups such as Shanga Shangaa, who make homeware and jewellery out of recycled materials.
What are the most favored hotels in Arusha ?
We understand that you may want to take your own sweet time to select your safari accommodation. One thing that you must always keep in mind is that different lodges offer different experiences. Some hotels and lodges will only have a low guest occupancy and offer intimate experiences, whereas others will cater to larger groups.
Accommodation in Arusha City
V I P Accommodation: Gran Melia Hotel Arusha / Hamerkop House by Lemala or Similar Accommodation.
Superior Accommodation: Gran Melia Hotel Arusha / Hamerkop House by Lemala / Arusha Coffee lodge by Elewana or Similar Accommodation.
Luxury Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel / Lake Duluti Serena Hotel / Four Point by Sheraton / Arusha Coffee lodge by Elewana or Similar Accommodation.
Mid-Range Accommodation: Fune Retreat Resort / The Africa tulip Hotel / Sg Hotel & Spa / Kibo Palace Hotel / A1 Hotel and Resort or Similar Accommodation.
Standard Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / Gold Crest Hotel / Tulia Retreat Hotel & Spa / Kahawa House / Mvuli Hotels / Zawadi House lodge or Similar Accommodation.
Budget Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel / Marves Hotel / The Lodge Tellamande / Silver Palm Hotel / Premier Palace Hotel or Similar Accommodation.
Basic II Accommodation: The Charity Hotel / Africana Grand Hotel / Natron Palace Hotel / Graceland Hotel / City Link Hotel or Similar Accommodation.
Basic I Accommodation: Way Side Hotel / The White House of Tanzania (Hostel) / Arusha Backpackers Hotel / Arusha Safari Hostel / Mid Way Hotel or Similar Accommodation.