Life & local culture in Arusha, Tanzania
Family From Arusha Tanzania, Life & local culture in Arusha, Tanzania, Safari in Arusha Tanzania, Life in Arusha Tanzania, Arusha Tourism & Vacations
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Arusha is a city of approximately 400,000 people in Northeast Tanzania, East Africa. It's regarded as the gateway to the popular Northern Safari Circuit.
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.
Safari in Arusha, Tanzania
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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.
Budget: - Travel for Change Africa (Safari & Volunteering), P.O BOX 10627, ☎ (+254) 714 361314, [new]. Go on one of their 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.
Luxury: - souloftanzania.com ☎ (+255) 788 510 656: Luxury and high end tours with fantastic customer care and super cool guides.
See and Do in Arusha, Tanzania
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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.
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 (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 (30 minutes drive from Arusha town towards Moshi), ☎ +255 784 420 342/+255 784 416 317 (info@wild-tracks.com) 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).