Arusha

Arusha is a city of approximately 416,000 people (2012) in the northeast of Tanzania. It is regarded as the gateway to the popular Northern Safari Circuit.

Understand
Arusha, called "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 hotel rooms.

Arusha is home to the UNICTR, the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. It is also the site of the signing of the Arusha Declaration.

By plane
Arusha is served by two airports.

Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport for US$50, or US$100 for some nationalities. The visa must be paid in US dollars -- 1 dollar bills and coins won't be accepted. Immediately outside the arrival hall is an ATM and a currency exchange office that you can use if you don't have the necessary cash with you.

By bus
Arusha is a major transport hub and has connections throughout the country. 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. Especially when doing long distance trips, it is usually wise to take one of the better companies (e.g. Dar Express or Killimanjaro Express or Modern Coast Bus) and buy the ticket at least a day in advance.

Direct express coaches go from/to
 * Nairobi (Kenya) (6 hr, Tsh 22,000-25,000) with Dar Express, Riverside Shuttle Service, modern Coast and Impala Shuttle Service.
 * Dar es Salaam/Ubungo (11 hr+) mainly morning departures, several companies, e.g. Dar Express (Tsh 33,000), Kilimanjaro Express (Tsh 33,000).
 * Karatu (3 hr, Tsh 5000TSh) several daily with Dar Express, Saibaba
 * Kampala (Uganda) (17 hr)
 * Moshi (1 hr, Tsh 2000). There are various shuttle buses between Arusha and Moshi which are more comfortable than coaches.
 * Mwanza (12 hr+)
 * Loliondo/Wasso with Loliondo Express (10 hr+, Tsh 22,000), a couple of departures per week with notoriously overloaded busses. The bus passes three toll pikes where you need to pay (US$8-15) each time.
 * Other services also go to Tanga, Lushoto

By train
There is an overnight service from Dar es Salaam via Moshi, operated by TRC. Tickets are quite cheap and the full journey takes just over 17 hours. The train from Arusha to Moshi 86 kms by rail. takes 2-3 hours.



Get around
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. The government regulates all pricing of transportation in Tanzania. Prices are listed on the sides of the daladala for each distance or stop covered. You are not obliged to pay above that price. As with most destinations in the world, they will try to fit as many people as possible to maximize their profits. Accidents involving daladalas are frequent and usually with serious consequences for the passengers. Pickpocketing is also common on daladalas, but can be easily avoided by sitting with bags on your lap and not keeping valuables in your pockets. Nevertheless, people are very honest and will often stop someone trying to steal or rip you off.

Taxis are plentiful and cheap, although you should make sure to agree to a price before leaving for your destination. The standard fare for a small trip in town is TSH 4,000 to 16,000 depending on the distance. Remember that fuel is expensive in Tanzania, so taxis try to cover costs every way they can.

Car hire is possible though most companies prefer to provide their own drivers. Self driving is possible, Tanzanian roads are good if paved and can be challenging when gravel. You should have some experience in offroad driving (e.g. from Namibia or Botswana) and a sense for adventure. Flat tyres are common but are usually no problem as you will have spare tyres and every filling station can fix a tyre.

See



 * Tanzania Tourist Board can arrange cultural excursions to nearby villages for Tsh 15,000-50,000. 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 (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 good waterfalls. Longido has camel safaris. And 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 will probably hassle you for donations to their school or orphanage. Some dishonest guides might pocket the money, so it is advisable to give money to a reputable charity. Trust your instinct.
 * Tanzania Tourist Board can arrange cultural excursions to nearby villages for Tsh 15,000-50,000. 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 (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 good waterfalls. Longido has camel safaris. And 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 will probably hassle you for donations to their school or orphanage. Some dishonest guides might pocket the money, so it is advisable to give money to a reputable charity. Trust your instinct.
 * Tanzania Tourist Board can arrange cultural excursions to nearby villages for Tsh 15,000-50,000. 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 (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 good waterfalls. Longido has camel safaris. And 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 will probably hassle you for donations to their school or orphanage. Some dishonest guides might pocket the money, so it is advisable to give money to a reputable charity. Trust your instinct.
 * Tanzania Tourist Board can arrange cultural excursions to nearby villages for Tsh 15,000-50,000. 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 (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 good waterfalls. Longido has camel safaris. And 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 will probably hassle you for donations to their school or orphanage. Some dishonest guides might pocket the money, so it is advisable to give money to a reputable charity. Trust your instinct.

Do

 * Century Cinema has movies for Tsh 5,000-7,000. 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 multi-cuisine restaurant "Spice Retreat". However, 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 Tsh 4,000.
 * Climb Mount Meru (4,667 m). It can be done in 3–4 days, depending on your 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 for warm clothing and sleeping bags.

Safari
Definitely something to try, if you can afford it. There are multiple types of trips for multiple budgets; usually the pricier ones get you out farther into the Serengeti, to places that are a little less touched by man. But even the cheaper excursions to reserves and parks are worth doing. If there's one trip that will change your perspective on life, it's an African safari.

Not all tour guides are equally knowledgeable. It doesn't hurt to do a little research on your own about the places you'll be visiting. That way when you ask the guide, "What kind of bird is that," and he replies, "It's called an African bird," you'll know that it's time to get out the field book. Beware of paying over the market price, as you will still sleep in the same accommodation as the guy who paid the normal price, you'll eat the same food, and your vehicle is just as likely to break down.

To save a lot of money it is a good option to do the long transportation on your own. Try Karatu for Ngorongoro or Mto Wa Mbu for Manyara National Park.

Buy



 * 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 screened cloths in bright colors 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 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.
 * Maasai women 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.

Eat
Arusha has a wide variety of restaurants and informal eating places, with a predominance of Indian cuisine, which as a rule of thumb is the best food, thanks to the large sub-continental community in the city. Liquid Blue in Njiro and Big Bite on the Swahili Rd are among the most popular Indian restaurants. For 'Nyama Choma', or Tanzanian roast meat, Nick Bar in Njiro is also popular. Meals range from US$ 0.40 for street fare to US$15 for main courses at the high-end hotels.



Drink


Arusha has many interesting bars and restaurants. There are uncountable local bars which are generally welcoming to adventurous foreigners. The less adventurous visitors stick to Via Via, in 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.

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 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 the local sex workers so the usual discretion should be applied.

Sleep
Arusha has plentiful accommodation to cater to all ends of the scale. There are many hotels in the centre of the town, including the international-grade Impala Hotel and the Arusha Hotel (see below). 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 (people hired by hotels or 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 (they signal reception or hang around behind you) which will raise the price US$5–10 for you for their commission.

For budget travellers, many recommend the Maasai Camp (about 45 minutes walk from the city centre) or the Snake Park (which is in a village called Meserani, about 16 km out on the Dodoma Rd). These are both lively locations with popular bars and good services at a very low price. For a quieter stay, Centre House, run by nuns 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 is available from the sisters.

Stay safe
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" (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.

In 2013 and 2014 Arusha experienced bomb attacks. They have targeted religious sites and figures, restaurants and hotels frequented by visitors.

Avoid drinking the local water, even when using water purification drops/tablets. The region has an unusually high level of fluoride in its natural water sources.

Volunteering Opportunity
Arusha has different organizations with volunteering opportunity
 * Dunia Salama Foundation, Usa River, works in environmental preservation, children's educational support, health, digital rights and Internet pPromotion: duniasalama.foundation@gmail.com

Go next

 * Arusha National Park
 * Ngorongoro Crater
 * Lake Manyara National Park
 * Serengeti National Park
 * Kilimanjaro
 * Katavi National Park
 * Mahale Mountain National Park
 * Gombe Stream National Park