Arusha Travel Guide

  Mt. Meru - not a volcanic eruption, just...
by Luckell
 
  • Mt. Meru - not a volcanic eruption, just clouds
      Mt. Meru - not a volcanic eruption, just...
    by Luckell
  • Halfway from Cape to Cairo
      Halfway from Cape to Cairo
    by Orchid
  • Tea Truck
      Tea Truck
    by Orchid
  • Beautiful and proud animals
      Beautiful and proud animals
    by Luckell
  •   Things to Do
    by Luckell
 

Pro

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 location 


Con

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 security worries 


In a nutshell

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 mixed thoughts on the place 

 

Explore Arusha

Things to Do  

Safari

Safari, Arusha

 Luckell Says:  When you´re visiting Arusha in Tanzania you definitely have to go on safari. I visited two national parks, Lake Manyara and Tarangire. Both were very nice in different ways. I would say that Lake Manyara has more animals, at least big animals, but have to keep your eyes open... 

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, Arusha

 iaint Says:  It’s famous. Famous for its herds of wildebeest and zebra. Famous for their mass migrations. Famous for the predators who feed off them.It’s enormous. A mixture of longer grassland which looks empty - maybe it is, or maybe the grass is hiding stuff - and shorter grassland... 

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park, Arusha

 iaint Says:  Tarangire was our first outing on our safari trip. It’s less well known and less visited than others in the area, but it has lots of elephant. We met the first herd within 5 minutes of going through the gate. By contrast, we saw very few in Ngorongoro, and not many more in... 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha

 iaint Says:  It’s a conservation area (as opposed to a national park) because the Masai tribe are allowed to live and farm within it. Not allowed in a national park.It is spectacular. By the time we got there (day 4 of the safari) we’d seen lots of stuff in other places, but not any... 

Tribes

Tribes, Arusha

 boltonian Says:  Your safari company can arrange for you to take a break from the animals and see some tribes in the area.3 hours drive to the campsite meant that we were within 45 minutes drive of 2 tribes.Most people stop off to see the Massai tribe villages near to the Ngorongoro Crater,... 

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara, Arusha

 boltonian Says:  The first stop on most safari routes is the lush, green Lake Manyara National Park. The journey here from Arusha takes about 2-3 hours. Upon entering the park, you are likely to encounter scores of Blue Monkeys and Baboons. After driving around for some time, expect to come... 

Safari

Safari, Arusha

 boltonian Says:  When choosing a safari in Arusha you have over 100 companies to choose from.Do your research before you go. Discuss your needs with them.I can only comment on the company we used - Bobbys Safari.Bobbys were about the best price we found. They adapted the tour to take in the... 

Hotels  

The African Tulip

 1 Review and 213 Opinions  Excellent service at the hotel and top accommodation. The safari trip for 8 persons to Lake Manyare,... 

Kigongoni Lodge

 1 Review and 35 Opinions  This was our first bed after spending 8 nights on Mt Kilimanjaro in tents. It was an oasis.... 

Restaurants  

Mountain Village: very pricey

Mountain Village: very pricey, Arusha

 iaint Says:  We had a Monday lunch in this hotel. It was really good. A buffet salad to start. Then soup (choice of two). A main course (choice of 3-4) and then dessert. Coffee was included as well.But here’s the rub - 27,000 Tsh. With a bottle of water, my share was 35,000.Very... 

Patisserie: Food and Internet

Patisserie: Food and Internet, Arusha

 fishandchips Says:  Located near the main round about on Sokoine Rd, the Patisserie sells lots of food items and has Internet at an ok price. Food items appear to be baked on site with a large kitchen out the back of the shop preparing fresh goods for sale.It's a clean place in the middle of a... 

Khan's Barbeque: The ultimate food experience in Arusha!

Khan's Barbeque: The ultimate food experience in Arusha!, Arusha

 gmg61 Says:  An auto spares shop that at night is converted into a restaurant that serves grilled meat (chicken tika, beef, mishikaki, sheesh kebab, mutton), freshly baked bread (and nan), tasteful sauces and good salads.Great atmosphere: the restaurant is loved by the locals, who gather... 

Transportation  

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines, Arusha

 iaint Says:  I'd been in Addis Ababa before heading for Arusha, so flew with EAL. The flight stops in Mombasa (after about 2 hours) and the day I flew, most passengers got off there.Relaxed and spacious for the 40 minute hop inland, after a very busy flight. Not sure if it was typical,... 

airport

airport, Arusha

 iaint Says:  Kilimanjaro is the nearest airport, about 45km from town, along the Moshi road. It took us about an hour in a Range Rover - we often got stuck behind slow moving trucks & buses.Arrival at the airport was incredibly easy. 1 minute having my yellow fever card checked, 2... 

ground transfers

ground transfers, Arusha

 iaint Says:  My expedition organiser arranged for me to be collected from Kilimanjaro Airport and dropped at the hotel. Always great if you're arriving in a strange place. Worth asking about even if it isn't offered.I saw a few taxi operatives hanging around, so that must be an... 

Impala Shuttle

Impala Shuttle, Arusha

 fishandchips Says:  The Impala Hotel runs the very popular Impala Shuttle service between Nairobi, Arusha and Moshi. This service is most popular with Kilimanjaro climbers who are on there way to Marangu and Mashame via Moshi.The shuttle runs every day and comes through Arusha at approx 2pm.... 

Shopping  

Mt Meru Curio and Crafts: Souvenirs
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Sellers of crafts!
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There are a large number of sellers located here with everyone trying to sell you a bargain, give you discount or make you a deal. With a bit of haggling you can pick up some nice items for a good price. Have a look around first as there are many items the same or similar. Once you know how much you want to pay then make an offer! I picked up 4 items at an average of TS6000 each which seemed okay.

Remember that this is a cash only place. You can go to Barclay's Bank on Serengeti Rd (a 15 min return walk) if you run out! Watch for hawkers hanging around as they will stick to you like glue!

Updated Feb 26, 2010

Related to:
 Budget Travel

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Warnings and Dangers  

Security

Security, Arusha

 iaint Says:  One of my group has been coming here regularly for several years. He reckons security has grown greatly in that time as a cause for concern.One local expat (who has been here most of her life) was mugged and badly beaten last year, and now ventures out at night very rarely.... 

Hawkers

Hawkers, Arusha

 sarahandgareth Says:  This is definitely more of a warning than a danger, but expect very, very aggressive hawkers in Arusha. On our way to safari, we stopped briefly to leave some bags in the hotel we would be coming back to and check in on some plane tickets. Walking around town seemed like a... 

Tourist Traps  

Thorntree tip
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mostyn 1 reviews

Arusha Tanzania.
If you want to find a good reputable tour operator in Arusha,here,s a good tip.
Contact the big overland tour operators like..GUERBA DRAGO BUKIMA ABSOLUTE etc,and ask them which tour operators they use to visit the National Parks.
dont be fooled into booking with a company just because you saw them mentioned on the Thorntree etc.Some posters on that site,post favorable replies just so they can get a discounted Safari!!

Unique Suggestions: If you really are undecided as to which company to use then,as i say,contact a few of the big overland companies based in London and ask them which company they use.Do NOT fall for the tricksters on the Thorntree!Dont believe me?OK.
One example ask Guerba about GOOD EARTH TOURS,

Written Sep 8, 2003

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Off The Beaten Path  

The School of St Jude
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Children at play
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St Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes and that's the source of the schools pupils. The School of St Jude is located just out of Arusha and takes the brighest of children from the poorest local families and gives them a free education. There is a selection process that children must go through including a few academic tests and a visit to the childs home to ensure that all is as it should be.

A visit here is really interesting and you wouldn't think that the kids are poor at all. They are all very well presented in new looking school clothes (they must ensure that the clothes are well looked after) that they are presented with each year.

Check out the Website for more info.

Written Nov 20, 2009

Related to:
 Arts and Culture

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Favorites  

Cash Society
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fishandchips 869 reviews
Barclays Bank

Favorite thing: Most places you go to for the purpose of buying items will only be able to handle cash purchases. This requires you to have plenty of notes in your pocket!

Fortunately there are good options in Arusha including Barclay's Bank on Serengeti Road. You can change travellors cheques and foreign money for local stuff at the Impala Hotel though the rates are not too good.

A the Barclays Bank there is an armed guard on duty so no worries getting your money. Just make sure you store your cash safely in either a money belt or zipped up pocket.

Updated Nov 20, 2009

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Map of Arusha