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parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. That aside, Arusha is also an attractive and welcoming city, with a low-rise feel, plenty of green areas, and a memorable location on the southern footslopes of majestic Mt Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest .-
Population
- ± 650,000 people
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Time Zone
- Eastern Africa Time (UTC+3)
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Languages
- and English
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Currency
- Tanzanian shilling
First Time in Arusha?
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fresh produce, aromatic Indian restaurants, funky terrace cafés, and much else besides. The city has a diverse economy, too. The safari industry enjoys a high profile, but agriculture, commerce, mining and NGOs all play an important role. Arusha also has considerable political clout as the headquarters of the East African Community.This is a strikingly green city. It lies on the fertile well-watered slopes of Mt Meru, a dormant volcano whose 4,562m/14,967ft peak dominates the northern skyline. Before you head off on safari, the surrounding area is also worth exploring. Forests, craters and lakes abound in underrated Arusha National Park, while cultural programs at Maasai and Wa-arusha villages provide insight into traditional lifestyles.Best Things To Do in Arusha
Shop for Tanzanian art and crafts
Local handicrafts, including surreal and paintings, can be bought at the central Maasai Craft Market or out-of-town Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre.
Go on safari to some of Africa’s finest parks
Arusha is the main hub for road and to Tanzania’s , which includes Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, as well as Ngorongoro Crater.
Experience village life on a cultural program
Meet the Wa-arusha people at Ng’iresi or Mulala, visit traditional Maasai herders at Longido, or do a camelback outing at Mkuru.
Drop into the Tanzanite Experience
You’ll learn all about tanzanite, a blue gemstone unique to northeast Tanzania, at this free private gallery. It’s also a good place to buy tanzanite jewelry.
Make a day trip to Arusha National Park
Highlights of this multifaceted park include on bird-rich lakes, forest hikes on the slopes of Mt Meru, the staggeringly gorgeous Ngurdoto Crater, and occasional views to snowcapped Mt Kilimanjaro.
Play a round of golf
Golfers can head to the nine-hole course at the central Gymkhana Club or 18-hole course at the out-of-town Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate.
Canoe or hike at Lake Duluti
trips are available at this forest-fringed crater lake. You can also enjoy a guided walk to see monkeys and birds, or in view of Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Learn more about Tanzania at Arusha’s museums
The Natural History Museum is housed in the German-built Old Boma, which dates to 1900. The Arusha Declaration Museum focuses on the colonial and post-independence eras.
Visit a fair-trade coffee cooperative
Guided walks from Nkoaranga village visit local subsistence farms that form part of an organic fair-trade coffee cooperative. A traditional buffet lunch is included.
Get close to Africa’s gentlest giants
Set on rewilded land, the Arusha Giraffe Centre is home to translocated giraffes and an education center that examines why Africa’s giraffe population has halved since the 1990s.
Staying Safe
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flycatchers (the local term for touts who try to lure visitors into safari operator offices). Some visitors find this annoying or stressful, but it is not a security issue.As is the case in many cities, it is unsafe to walk in parts of Arusha after dark. Unless you know the city well, it is best to err on the side of caution and use taxis. Any restaurant or hotel can connect you with a reliable cab driver.A popular alternative to staying in Arusha is booking into one of the many mid-range and upmarket lodges at Lake Duluti, Usa River, Arusha National Park and elsewhere along the main road to Kilimanjaro International Airport. These hotels are all very safe and rates are usually full board, so generally there’s no need to leave the grounds after dark.Getting There & Around
