Arusha
Located in northern Tanzania, at the eastern end of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it is located near several natural sites, which has made it the main tourist center of the country, this is reflected in its good hospitality and air traffic capacity. It is an important international diplomatic center. It is considered the de facto capital of the East African Community, and since 1994, it has also been the headquarters of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. It is a multicultural city with a majority Tanzanian population of mixed origins, Bantu, Arab and Indian, plus small white European and American minorities. Also known as the “Safari Capital”, it is the gateway to the northern park circuit and one of the most prosperous cities in the country.
If you have free time, we recommend the following places to complete your trip. visit to Arusha:
- Maasai Market: Located a little further from the city center. It is worth visiting to learn and practice the art of haggling. You can buy paintings, bowls of different materials, bracelets, necklaces, bags, beach sarongs, Maasai blankets, etc.
- Natural Museum of the City: It is recommended to visit especially the back part of it, it has a special charm for those who enjoy art. Here you can buy paintings by local artists who paint in this same place.
- Arusha Fort – Museum of Natural History: It began to be built in 1899 by the first settlers of Arusha and the Maasai who were forced to work. It finished construction a year later. From that year on it became a barracks, years later it became the offices of the regional government and, since 1934, it has been the Museum of Natural History.
- Clock Tower Square :It is the center of everything and a meeting point. As a curiosity, the tower clock, located in the center of the city, marks exactly the halfway point between Cape Town and Cairo. It is the most photographed site in the city.
- Marangu Route: It is the most popular and easiest route to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. Approximately 80% of the people who try to reach the summit annually use this path, which is also called the “Coca-Cola” route, because it is possible to buy chocolates and soft drinks along its entire route. It begins with traveling by vehicle from Arusha to the Marangu Gate, which usually takes about 50 minutes. This route is the only one that has shelters where you can spend the nights, the so-called Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut and Kibo Hut. They are provided with beds, sunlight, very basic latrines, running water and blankets and pillows are supplied, although a sleeping bag is highly recommended. It can be done in 5 days, although the chances of reaching the summit in such a short time are not very high due to the appearance of acclimatization problems, and it is most advisable to spend at least 6 days.