Arusha

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.

• Kilimanjaro International Airporthas regular flights to Amsterdam with KLM, and to Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi. A taxi ride costs US$50 but many airlines run a shuttle service for free or US$10.

• Arusha Municipal Airportonly runs domestic flights, mostly to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and charters. Air Viva offers flights between Arusha and Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and other domestic destinations.

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. Although, 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) (6hr, 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

• Dar ExpressBooking office & departures. Several other companies’ booking office are nearby.

By train

Rail services to Arusha has been suspended for more then a decade, but there is an ongoing effort to restore passenger rail as soon as 2019. The small is located close to the city centre.

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 make sure to agree 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 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.

• Arusha Declaration MuseumDedicated to the 1967 Arusha Declaration, which remains one of the most prominent attempts to define African socialism. It defined the political course of Tanzania for several decades. The museum also includes the large Declaration Monument.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

• Arusha Hostel Lodge and Adventures

  phone: +255 784 876 731
  Safari company owned and operated by local Tanzanians. Organizes a lodge safari,camping safari, Mt. Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar holidays.

• Calabash Adventures Ltd

  phone: +255 784463115
  address: Ngaramtoni ya chini, Njaro 5
  Local-owned safari company, covering the most spectacular game viewing areas in Tanzania and other African countries.

• Fortes SafarisOffers cars for self driving, one of the few but growing operators. For a safari, they offer fully equipped Land Rovers and Land Cruisers. Roof tents, camping gear, chairs/tables, 12v fridges, etc., can be provided. Cars come with extra tyres, spaden, lifting jack and are well maintained.

• It Started in Africa

  phone: +255 714 904 558
  This travel agency offers probably the best prices while not cutting on quality. Part of their profits go out to help giving an education to local children who have no access to it.

• Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris Ltd

  phone: +255 786694004
  address: Summit Centre, Sokoine road
  This licensed inbound tour operator and DMC offers wildlife tours on different Tanzania safari itineraries, Mount Meru climbing, Kilimanjaro trekking, Arusha sightseeing tours, Tanzanite mining tours, Tanzanite gems and budget camping safaris. You can book your tour online and pay by credit card through Skrill.

• Paradies Safaris Ltd.

  phone: +255 713 510334
  address: POB 2632, Jacaranda Street, Elite Cinema Building, 2nd floor
  Safaris and mountain climbing. (Also Zanzibar beach holidays.) Is operated more than 25 years there by a biologist, who can give you up to date information. Depending on your budget, you can choose from camping only Safari to staying in lovely lodges all the time. When asking for an offer, you'll be provided with a very detailed and accurate package description. Ask for the John and Ali (who are a very experienced team of driver/guide and cook and are easy company).

• Safari Care

  phone: +255 27 254 8168, +255 787 999 551
  Safaris, mountain climbing and beach holidays. Is operated by a zoologist who can give you up to date information on the wildlife.

• Experience Zanzibar

  phone: +255 738 166 918
  address: Sakina Supermarket Arusha, 4766
  Tanzania Safaris and Beach Holiday from 1 to 14 days tours packages as well as day tours and excursions in Zanzibar, Mafia Island, Pemba Island and Arusha. Well organised custom itinerary. Last Minutes deals, Honeymoon Packages and so much more.

• Local produce marketThe markets in the centre of town are not to be missed. Bargaining is required, meaning prices will range from dirt-cheap to tourist-expensive, depending on the goods and also on how sharply you pay attention.

• 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 marketA one stop shopping area for handicrafts made by local Tanzanians. you get to buy various handicrafts made of ebony, redwood ets and various types of paintings made by local artisans. While the market caters mainly to tourists (it's sometimes even called tourist market), prices are not inflated (although there is always a large scope for bargaining).

Malls & supermarkets

• Sable Square Shopping Village has a Allmart superstore, food lovers market. and many more shops.

• Village Supermarket

  phone: +255-272540105
  address: Njrio complex Njirio Road
  every thing you need in one place. also has supermarkets in Dar

Banks and ATMs

• Equity BankHas a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.

• Stanbic BankHas a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.

• KCBHas a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.

• Eco BankHas a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.

• I&M Bank

  address: Jakaranda Street
  Has a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.

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.

• Africafe Coffee House

  address: Old Boma Rd
  Stylish European cafe, that is famous with foreigners. Good coffee specialties, delicious pastries like carrot or chocolate-banana cake as well as muffins, breakfast, burgers, salads or smoothies. Despite the name, they serve real coffee and no Africafe instant coffee. Sometimes there is WiFi.

• Bay Leaf

  address: 102 Vijana Rd
  Elegant European style restaurant with absolutely delicious, though rather pricey dishes. You can sit inside or in the garden.

• Big Bite

  phone: +255 754311474
  address: Swahili Rd
  High End Indian restaurant that has been in Arusha for more than 20 years. Excellent food. The place is relatively small (

• Cafe Bamboo RestaurantHigher end cafe/restaurant, but inexpensive for foreign travellers. Snacks such as samosas, chips and kebabs. Also serves western, Indian and traditional African dishes. Popular amongst tourists.

• Chinese DragonA good place for Chinese food in Arusha, moderately priced. Say hi to Louie for a special deal!

• Khan's Chicken on the BonnetPakistani BBQ, includes chicken, beef, mutton, assorted salads, and nan. Arguably best BBQ in town (rivals with Nick's Pub in Njiro). Two locations, one in town centre which serves as a car repair shop by day and bbq venue by night, newer location at cinema in Njiro.

• L'Oasis Lodge

  phone: +255 757 557 802
  address: Close to idara ya maji, Sekei Arusha
  Nachos, cold drinks in the garden or by the pool. No reservations needed for groups below 10.

• The Lively Lady Bar & Grill

  phone: +255 713 650777
  A small and funky rock-bar in the middle of town. Good European/Indian style kitchen, large collection of drinks and good rock-music to spicen up your evening.

• McMoody'sHas a little bit of everything in a fast-food-y setting right in the centre of town. They also have a branch in the complex in Njiro Rd near the cinema. Mains 6,000-15,000 TSH (July 2017).

• Onsea House Restaurant

  phone: +255 787 112 498
  Renowned as best French/Belgian restaurant in East Africa. Recommended for a romantic candle light dinner or special celebration. Reservations recommended.

• Shanga River House

  phone: +255 689759067
  address: Dodoma Rd
  Shanga is a heartwarming project on Tanzania's oldest coffee estate, in Arusha, Tanzania. Shanga employs 50 disabled Tanzanian people in their workshops where they recycle glass, aluminum, paper and tires into high quality, creative products. Shanga features the River House Restaurant and the Shanga Shop. River House Restaurant is for lunch on reservation only. It is a haven away from the bustle of Arusha.

• Via Via Cultural Cafe

  address: Old Boma Rd
  Nice and quiet setting, popular with ICTR employees. Concert and Party every Thursday night. You can also book cultural tours there.

• Spice Retreat Restaurant

  phone: +255 754 274977
  address: 1st Floor, Njiro Complex
  Indian, Asian, Mexican and international cuisine. Views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days. Also a nightclub.

• Kiti Moto

  address: Makao Mapya Neighborhood
  This restaurant is dedicated to serving only pork, which is not common in East Africa. The main carbohydrate is ugali (maize meal, not wet). There are also french fries (called "chips" in East Africa) or chipati (like a crepe) most of the time.

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.

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.

Budget

• Arusha Backpackers

  address: Sokoine Rd
  A restaurant and a bar on the top floor of the hotel. An internet cafe on the top floor for quick browsing. The other facilities available are 24 hr hot water facility in the bathrooms, a TV room, a reading room and also a massage room. They charge around Tsh 40,000 for 1 hour of massage.

• Arusha by Night Annexe

  phone: +255 272 506 894
  address: Stadium Rd & Colonel Middleton Rd
  Budget hotel located by the stadium and bus stations. Double rooms for Tsh 35,000 (October 2019). Basic breakfast included. Hot water only at certain times. Road-side rooms are very noisy.

• BaseCamp Tanzania

  phone: +255-784-186-422
  address: Old Moshi rd, Kijenge
  Hostel accommodation, in-house meals, wireless internet.

• Meru House InnBudget option with double rooms going for Tsh 7,000 a night, clean rooms with shared toilet and showers - it also has a great, very reasonably priced Indian restaurant on the ground floor. However, Meru House Inn has been plagued by thefts, several guests have experienced thefts from their room, possibly by staff. Make sure to put your valuables/passport in a safe.

• Kigongoni LodgeRun by an NGO. All the profits go to support a local school for mentally handicapped children so that you can stay in luxury while helping the nearby community.

• Annexe at L'Oasis Lodge

  phone: +255 757 557 802
  address: Close to idara ya maji, Sekei Arusha
  12 twin bedded rooms in the gardens surrounding the main lodge in the village Sekai, including access to lodge facilities. About 10 min drive from the town centre. Bookings not essential but much appreciated.

• Raha Leo

  address: Stadium Road
  Calm and clean hotel with a nice atmosphere and friendly staff that’s famous with backpackers. Run by a church, double rooms will only be granted to married couples. The proximity to the bus station may be useful.

• Seuri Guesti (Guesthouse)

  address: Right next to Premier Palace Hotel (not The Palace)
  Half of the rooms have private bathrooms including hot showers and western toilets. There are 2 restaurants and 1 bar in the guesthouse. One of the restaurants - Kiti Moto, listed above - is dedicated to pork only, which is difficult to find in East Africa. A local kind of place, it is owned by a cool Maasai guy named Steven who speaks perfect English.

• Arusha Torch Budget InnClean and bright spacious rooms as well as friendly staff and the central location make this a welcoming place attracting both tourist and business travelers. Breakfast includes a delicious fruit juice, coffee/tea, omelet and some bread & jam.

• Tanzania Mountain Retreat Lodge and Camp

  phone: +255 756 921 412
  Tanzania Mountain Retreat offers affordable to luxury accommodation in a garden oasis at the base of Mount Meru. Camping starting from €5 and lodging starting from €35. Camping includes use of showers, bath and facilities. Dining only is available with reservation from €3. Breakfast is buffet style with fruit platter, coffee/tea, eggs, chapati, fish and more.

Mid-range

• Mount Meru Hotel

  address: Moshi Nariobi Rd
  Set in a wildlife sanctuary, so you can sip your coffee ten feet from ostriches and monkeys.

• Tumaini Cottage

  phone: +255 754 588 698
  address: Arusha
  Wireless Internet.

• Arusha Naaz Hotel

  address: Sokoine
  A good option for travellers on a budget who still want a private room with a/c, TV and internet Wifi in a safe, central location. Very pleasant staff and good restaurant.

• The Impala Hotel

  address: Old Moshi Rd
  3-star hotel with mixed reviews. Some rooms are lovely and spacious, while others disappoint. Ask to see your room before committing.

• The Arusha Hotel

  address: Main Rd
  4-star hotel with modern, well-decorated rooms and lovely staff.

• The Outpost Lodge

  address: Serengeti Rd.
  A lodge in the old mansion of the Grzimek family. Has a pool, green gardens, fast Wifi, bar. Spacious rooms with stone floors, plenty of hot water. Around the corner from the African Tulip.

• Briston Hotel5-star hotel with spacious, clean rooms.

Splurge

• Onsea HouseA luxury B&B with only 5 rooms, Arusha's only boutique hotel, recommended as hip, relaxing hideaway just 7 km from the centre.

• The African Tulip

  address: 44/1 Serengeti Rd
  A small, well-liked luxury hotel for a reasonable price. A good one!

• The Bay Leaf Boutique Hotel

  phone: +255 27 254 3055
  address: 102 Vijana Rd
  A small boutique hotel. 6 rooms, all individually decoratated. Very chic & with attention to detail. Walking distance to banks, local attractions and the clock tower. Lunch 11:30AM-3:30PM (average Tsh 10,000-12,000). Dinner 6:30PM-10:30PM (average Tsh 20,000-40,000)

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 a bomb attacks. They have targeted religious sites and figures, restaurants and hotels frequented by visitors.

• Mica Computer Services

  phone: +255 272 506737
  address: Azimo St.
  Friendly computer store in the heart of town selling computers, accessories and software. Toner and ink cartridges, empty CDs and DVDs. Will burn your pics for free of charge.

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