Arusha, Tanzania - Tourist. Arusha - Tanzania's colorful tourist capital How to get there by public transport

Arusha National Park is no different large sizes, its area is 137 sq. km. It is located near the city of Arusha. The city and the park got their names from the indigenous inhabitants of these places - the Varusha tribes. However, the park covers areas where the Maasai used to live, and most of the local names are of Maasai origin.

Arusha Park can be divided into three areas: Ngurdoto Crater, Momela Lakes and Mount Meru. The height above sea level ranges from one and a half thousand meters (Lake Momela) to four and a half thousand meters (the top of Meru). The vegetation of the park depends on the height and soil of the area. The surrounding area of ​​Ngurdoto Crater is surrounded by forests, while the crater itself is a swampy area. The lakes are alkaline, and Mount Meru is covered with lush vegetation and rocks.

In these areas you can find a wide variety of animals: flocks of migrating birds on the lakes, antelopes in the forests. It is difficult to construct a clear diagram of habitats, because... animals are constantly moving. About 400 species of birds have been spotted in the park, some of them arrive only in October and April, others can be seen in the forests of the park all year round
The park is located in a densely populated area where demand for land is high, and therefore the park borders numerous settlements. Plans to expand the park to include the surrounding forests aim to protect the flora and fauna of the area. The park is only 32 km away. from Arusha, abounds in a variety of flora and fauna

Peculiarities.
There are three spectacular sites in the park that will not leave you indifferent: Momela Lakes, Mount Meru and Ngurdoto Crater. In good weather, both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru can be seen from the park. The park's gates will let you into a dark mountain forest inhabited by blue monkeys, as well as turacos and trogons. This park is the only place in Safari where you can meet the plump monkey. In the vicinity of the crater you can meet herds of buffalo and warthogs.

To the north, the fields give way to the serene tranquility of the Maumela Lakes, each a different shade of blue and green. Their shores are covered with hundreds of pink flamingos, many other birds gather near the lakes, and herds of antelope roam nearby. Giraffes, zebras and other animals roam the nearby hills.

Although elephants, lions, leopards and hyenas are rarely seen in the park, they can be spotted in the early morning or late evening. At sunset and sunrise it is easiest to appreciate the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro, just 50 km away. from the park.
However, Mount Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro's unassuming twin brother, dominates the park's views. Its peaks on the eastern slopes are protected by the park.

Walking through the savannah forests, you can meet buffalos and giraffes. Climbing the mountain will lead you to encounter plants such as red poker, Spanish moss and huge lobelia. Flowers are scattered across the expanses of the alpine savannah. From the top you can appreciate all the beauty and grandeur of the mountains.

The forests are rich in a variety of birds and animals, including monkeys and antelopes. The area is very unusual thanks to the volcanic peaks and Mount Meru itself. Everywhere in the park you can enjoy pristine views of nature and wild life. Those who dare to climb the mountain will be treated to stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Valley of Cracks.

How to get there?
From Arusha, the park can be reached in just 40 minutes and is 60 km from Kilimanjaro Airport.
Activities of tourists.
Walks through the forest, excellent picnic areas; A three- or four-day climb to Mount Meru is a great way to adapt to Kilimanjaro's climate.

Despite the fact that Arusha National Park is one of the smallest Tanzanian parks, it is very picturesque and has the greatest topographic diversity. Arusha's main attractions include the Ngurdoto Crater, often referred to as mini-Ngorongoro, located in the eastern part of Lake Momela National Park. A little further west is Mount Meru. Western and East End The protected area is connected by a narrow road, in the middle of which is the Momela Gate. The altitudes of the park area vary from 1500 meters to 4500+ meters. Arusha has various vegetation zones that serve as habitats for many animals.

The Ngurdoto crater is surrounded by forests, while the bottom of the basin is a marshy flat area. West of the caldera is the Serengeti Ndogo (Little Serengeti), a vast area of ​​open grassland and the only place in Arusha National Park where herds of Burcellus (savannah) zebra can be found.

Lakes Momela, like many reservoirs of the Great Rift Valley (aka Rift Valley), are shallow and classified as alkaline lakes. There is a wide variety of aquatic birds and especially many flamingos. The lakes are recharged underground rivers. Due to the difference in mineral composition, various algae grow in the reservoirs of the lake system, due to which the Momela lakes are colored different colors. The above factors also influence the preferences of birds choosing “their” body of water, even if the neighboring one is located just across a narrow strip of land. Mount Meru is partly covered with dense forests and partly bare rock. In the center of the mountain there is a deeply impressive crater.

The fauna of Arusha National Park is very diverse. Here you are likely to see zebras, waterbucks, marshbucks, giraffes, klippspringer antelopes, hippopotamuses, elephants, buffalos, mongooses, hyenas, warthogs, dik-diks, baboons, vervet monkeys and plump colobus monkeys. There is even a chance to see a leopard. Only there are no lions and rhinoceroses in Arusha - poachers have tried.

Although travel companies usually allocate no more than one day of tour for a tour of Arusha, for a more or less complete acquaintance with the nature of the national park and its inhabitants, you will need at least two days. This time can be devoted to a short walking tour and canoe safari.

The main entrance to the park area is at Ngongongare Gate, approximately ten kilometers from the highway. The administration is located a little further (about 14 kilometers) - at Momela Gate. You will have to deal with the administration when booking places in the sanatorium, organizing camping, ordering the services of a guide and porter for climbing Mount Meru. There is another entrance to the Arusha National Park - at Ngurdoto Gate, in the south-eastern part of the reserve. All gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00. Climbing Mount Meru from the park area is allowed; there is a walking track that runs around part of the perimeter of the Ngurdoto crater (though neither on foot nor on vehicles It is not allowed to go down to the marshy bottom of the caldera).

Best card national park - MaCo Arusha National Park map, widely distributed throughout all tourist infrastructure of the protected area. You can leave the car at any holiday home/sanatorium in Arusha (about one hundred dollars; for a full-fledged all-inclusive safari you will have to pay about two hundred). If you are arriving at the park without a car, be aware that most holiday homes organize excursion trips with their own transport. The cost of such tours starts from 70 dollars (transport only). If you bring your own car and come to visit Mount Meru, you will have to leave the car at Momela Gate (where you will have to pay for parking). A cheaper option is to park your car at the Momela Wildlife Lodge.

In Arisha Park itself there are several good roads with gravel surface. Almost all the main natural attractions of the protected area (open to tourists) and popular viewing platforms can be reached by car. Most gravel roads are designed to accommodate all types of vehicle traffic. On the rest, traffic is not prohibited, but the passability of some of the roads deteriorates greatly during the rainy season and only a powerful jeep can drive there. At the Hatari Lodge there is a rough road with a terrible surface, which leads to the highway leading to Nairobi. The exit from the highway is at Longido.

How to get there public transport:

There is a daily bus service from Arusha to the village of Ngare Nanyuki (10 kilometers north of Momela Gate). The bus leaves Arusha at around 13:00 and from Ngare Nanyuki at around 07:00. The driver can drop you off at the park gate. Or you can take any bus between Arusha and Moshi and get off at the Usa River Village stop, and from there walk about one kilometer in an easterly direction. You can try to get from Usa River to Arusha by hitchhiking. From time to time there are cars driving through the park to Ngare Nanyuki. Unfortunately, it is not possible to rent a car in the protected area - none of the sanatoriums in Arusha provide such a service. If you are planning to climb Mount Meru, please note that it is not possible to rent a car at the Ngongongare Gate, where you need to pay to enter the NP. And Momela Gate, where you can hire a guide and pay for climbing the mountain, is located 14 kilometers from Ngongongare Gate. Moreover, pedestrian traffic is prohibited on this 14-kilometer section.

The city of Arusha is located in northern Tanzania, at the foot of Mount Meru, at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level, surrounded by coffee and banana plantations.

As Bill Clinton put it, “African Geneva” was founded as a city in 1900 by German colonists. At first, Arusha became a small military settlement. Since 1967, the city can rightfully be called the economic capital of East Africa. It is the headquarters of the East African Community, which includes Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It is in Arusha, as one of the most famous international centers in Africa, world-class meetings and negotiations are held. Many famous people performed here at one time. politicians, including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and former South African President Nelson Mandela. The city is also home to the building of the International Tribunal for the Rwandan Genocide.

Arusha is a bustling, rapidly developing city and one of the country's significant commercial, banking and tourism centres. It has everything it can offer tourists Big city: a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, bars, casinos, nightclubs and many other entertainments of a special African type. But this is at night, and during the day you can make amazing purchases: Makonde figurines, exotic jewelry, various souvenirs and masks of various tribes, some of which are quite worthy of taking a place in the museum.

It seems that time here combines the past, present, and future: on the streets you can meet local residents - Maasai in bright national clothes, tourists from different countries.

Arusha's main advantage over other cities is that the city is located in the center of the tourist attractions of northern Tanzania: Kilimanjaro, Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park and game reserves. Air taxis also fly from Arusha to Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.

The choice of safaris is almost unlimited: morning, afternoon and night classic safaris, eco-safari, off-the-beaten-path safaris, hot air balloon safaris, camel safaris, horse safaris, mountain bike safaris.

The climate is equatorial monsoon. Throughout the year, temperatures in Arusha range from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. It rains most often from November to May. The rainiest months are March, April (especially), May, November, December. The best time to visit the country is from December to mid-March and from July to November. The main rainy season occurs at the end of March - May.

Just 32 km from the city of Arusha lies Arusha National Park, which was described by Sir Julian Huxley as a "jewel" of parks. It contains three attractions: Lake Momela, Mount Meru, and Ngurdoto Crater. On clear days, the majestic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is visible from anywhere in the park. Vegetation and animal world varied from forests to swamps.

The park is famous for the fact that it is home to 400 species of birds, both local and migratory. black and white monkeys colobus Other animals commonly seen in the park include baboons, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, leopards, hyenas, zebras and many species of antelope.

The Meserani Snake Park is located 20 kilometers west of the city. You can see many snakes and other reptiles in the park.

Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is located 50 km northeast of Arusha National Park. This is the only snow-capped peak in Africa and its highest point. On the slopes of the mountain there is Kilimanjaro National Park, which is famous for its tourist routes to the famous extinct volcano. Climbing it is very difficult and requires serious physical training, but it is worth it. The hikes take about 4-6 days. The most popular routes on Kilimanjaro are Marangu and Mahame. Marangu is considered easier to climb, while Mahame offers routes through forests and wild areas.

The northern safari, starting from Arusha, includes Tanzania's main tourist attraction, the Serengeti National Park. It was founded in 1951 and covers an area of ​​14.8 thousand square meters. km. This is the only national park in the world where natural seasonal migrations of wild animals occur. Migration peaks occur from May to July and from January to March. Gazelles, zebras and wildebeest move 800 km throughout the park and beyond in search of food and water, followed by predators. The Serengeti is home to 35 species of mammals, including elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, giraffes, rhinos, antelopes and zebras. Local landscapes vary from low grass communities in the south of the park to tall grass savannas in the center and forest areas in the north. In the Serengeti there are lakes Lagaya and Magadi, where flocks of flamingos can be seen on the shores.

The Ngorongoro Nature Reserve borders the Serengeti. Its area is 8 thousand square meters. km. The reserve is home to a huge volcanic caldera - the largest in the world. Its diameter is 22 km, area is 250 square meters. km, and the walls of the caldera rise to a height of 610 m. At the bottom of the caldera is Lake Magadi. The Maasai people live in the vicinity of the Ngorongoro Crater. By visiting their villages, you can get acquainted with the culture and customs of this ancient people.

Ngorongoro is a very popular place, there are always a lot of cars with tourists. The reserve is home to about 30,000 animals - lions, leopards, hyenas, ungulates, hippopotamuses, two-horned rhinoceros and many birds. Ngorongoro is home to the world-famous Olduvai Gorge, where skulls and bones of Homo habilis, about 1.5 million years old, were discovered. The gorge stretches for 8 km and is part of the East African Rift Valley. Here is the Museum of Anthropology and Human Evolution, which displays the remains of the predecessors of modern humans, the remains of prehistoric animals and mammoth tusks.

Lake Manyara National Park is located next to Ngorongoro. Here you can see rare lions that can climb trees. In the western part of the park lies the East African Rift Valley, which rises above the lake. Flamingos, storks and herons live on the shores of the lake. You can only watch birds here from a distance, because moving along the banks is difficult due to the viscous soil. The park is also open at night for observing nocturnal animal species.

Just south of Lake Manyara is Tarangire National Park. Most of it is covered with forests. It is best to go here during the dry season - from July to September, when animals gather along the banks of the river of the same name, which flows through the park. The park is the only place in Tanzania where you can see animals such as the oryx and giraffe gazelle, which can survive for long periods without water.

The city of Arusha is located in northern Tanzania, at the base Mount Meru. This is the third largest city in the country, but perhaps the first in terms of tourist importance.

Historically, Arusha has been characterized by its diversity and multinationality. Arabs, Europeans, Indians and Americans coexist peacefully here. Religious denominations are also diverse: Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, the Anglican Church. It is not surprising that the headquarters of many government and non-government organizations are located in this city, including the East African Community, the African Wildlife Foundation and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. For this Arusha is rightly called African Geneva.

But this city also has another unofficial name - Dar es Safari. The best safaris are organized here, and it is very difficult for any other African city to compete with Arusha: all roads from here lead to national parks and reserves.

But it’s not just safari that brings honor to this city; Arusha is an important cultural center of Northern Tanzania. Interesting museums, iconic sights, and well-developed resort infrastructure attract travelers here who want to harmoniously combine different types of recreation.

Climate and weather

The weather in Arusha is almost always pleasant. Despite its proximity to the equator, the city's high position on the southern slope of Mount Meru (1400 meters above sea level) prevents the air temperature from becoming too high and reduces humidity. Cool, dry air prevails here almost all year. The temperature, as a rule, does not fall below +13 °C and does not rise above +30 °C, averaging approximately +25 °C. Dry and wet seasons: The rainy season is from March to May. November and December are also considered wet months.

The best time to visit Arusha is from June to February.

Nature

The nature around Arusha is amazing.

Firstly, mountain beauties: landscapes Meru are already beautiful in themselves, but as soon as you climb higher, an amazing view of the Kilimanjaro. Secondly, the local flora: the slope of Mount Meru, where Arusha is located, is a dense tropical forest with red wet mosses. Thirdly, the richest fauna: about 400 species of birds, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, buffalos, giraffes, leopards, antelopes, hippos...

Attractions

The main attractions of Arusha are, of course, national parks and reserves.

Very close to the city, just 32 km, is Arusha national park. This is the smallest reserve in Tanzania, but in its small area (137 km) you can see all kinds of animal habitats - from impenetrable swamps to tropical forest. In May, travelers can watch the migration of wildebeest and zebra, and from October to April, watch the migration of many species of birds.

The park itself is divided into three zones: Lake Momella, Mount Meru and Ngurdoto Crater. The latter is called locally Little Ngorongoro. Tourist access is prohibited here - you can only watch the animals and admire the beautiful views from special observation platforms. Alkaline Lakes of Momella famous for the fact that bright pink flamingos live on their shores, whose feathers make the water seem pinkish.

Not far from Arusha there is a volcanic Lake Duluthie. Tourists are offered a route through its picturesque surroundings with observation of rare birds: There are more than 130 species here, including kingfishers, ospreys, buzzards, and storks.

It is also interesting to visit Meserani snake park. It is located 25 km from Arusha, on the road to Ngorongoro volcano. It contains mainly snakes native to the local region. Non-poisonous reptiles live in open cages, while cobras, mambas and African boomslangs live behind glass. Also in the park you can see how reptiles live (lizards, chameleons, crocodiles).

Nutrition

Arusha can hardly be called the gastronomic capital of Tanzania, but nevertheless it has something to offer gourmets. You can find decent establishments with both traditional Tanzanian cuisine and European menus.

If you want to enjoy the dishes Thai cuisine, it is best to go to Stiggy's Thai Restaurant, and for a snack while shopping in the center there are cafes Jambo Coffee House or Cafe Bamboo on Boma Road. Both are open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 21:00.

Restaurants Redds And Onsea House- for those who value impeccability in everything. A 4-course gourmet dinner with a glass of wine costs $50.

Accommodation

Arusha is full of hotels different levels and price categories. Capitalizing on the huge influx of tourists to northern Tanzania, most hotels in Arusha set prices based on high and low seasons. Some even have the so-called “ green season”, that is, the rainy season (April and May). In general, the high season lasts from June to October and sometimes lasts until mid-December. At this time, housing prices rise.

For example, the cost difference for a double room in a mid-price hotel Ilboru Safari Lodge will be as follows: high season -106 $, off-season -89 $, “green season” - 70 $. Breakfast is included in the price. The hotel's interior, although not luxurious, is comfortable. A special mention goes to the cozy traditional Maasai blankets, which add a local touch to the rooms.

There are some excellent hotels in the center of Arusha The Arusha Hotel And Onsea, but the bulk of good options are located east of the city, between Arusha and the international Kilimanjaro airport(For example, Karama Lodge or Ngurdoto Lodge). It makes more sense to rent a room in such a hotel and enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially since a taxi to Arusha is inexpensive.

Entertainment and relaxation

Arusha is the launching pad for extraordinary safaris, both in Tanzania's national parks and in unexplored places where animals live in the most natural environment. Most popular routes - Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara Park. If you wish, you can even order an air taxi to Lake Tanganyika And Victoria.

The choice of safari type here is limited only by the wishes of the traveler: at any time of the day you can organize a classic safari, camel safari, horse safari, sea safari, mountain bike safari and even a hot air balloon safari. Can be arranged dangerous adventure, setting off along untrodden paths, or you can simply walk through the forest in the company of an experienced guide or climb Mount Meru(very good, by the way, for acclimatization before climbing Kilimanjaro).

Worth a visit between safaris museum of natural evolution near Old Boma. Three exhibitions are constantly on display here: “ Evolution of humanity», « Tanzanian flora and fauna" And " Colonial history of Tanzania" In addition, it is interesting to visit one of the villages neighboring Arusha, where local tribes live Maasai And measure. This is a great opportunity to see real African life, learn a lot of interesting things about the way of life, traditions and beliefs of the local residents.

Purchases

Arusha is one of the best places in Tanzania to buy souvenirs and traditional arts and crafts.

To fully enjoy shopping in Arusha, you need to devote a whole day to shopping. We recommend starting your souvenir shopping trip from the area between clock tower and the street India Road, where there are many interesting shops. Perhaps their prices will be a little higher than in roadside tents outside the city, but the range is wider. Note that it is better to visit several points and compare prices. We also recommend bargaining - you will save a lot.

If you want to feel the local atmosphere, be sure to visit Central Market between Somali and Sokoine streets. Here you can find everything from food to traditional clothing and handicrafts. Masks and sculptures made of ebony and mahogany, bright kangas (colorful African clothing), beaded jewelry and embroidery by Masai craftsmen - there are enough souvenirs for all friends and relatives.

If you want to purchase truly authentic wood carvings, the workshop is not to be missed. Antique Makonde Carvers on the highway Nairobi-Moshi near the airport. Here souvenirs are sold directly from manufacturers.

You can only pay for purchases in most stores in cash. Since ATMs are not common everywhere, take care in advance about withdrawing cash or exchanging currency.

Transport

The most profitable transport option for a traveler in Arusha is a taxi. There are always a great many of them in the city center, especially near Arusha Hotel. True, the cost of a trip by car rented from the hotel may be somewhat overpriced (to save money, it is worth moving away from it or at least turning the corner). Streams of taxis ply the streets Boma And India, along Sokoine Highway, along the eastern part of the street Makongoro and down the street Joel Maeda, so removing the car is not a problem. Tariffs are low: a trip around the city will cost $1-2.5.

It is best to ask your hotel administrator to arrange a transfer to the airport.

Connection

Many hotels provide Internet access for free, but if you are unlucky with this, cafes The Pattiserie on the street Sokoine Road- what you need. There are several Internet cafes in the city, the tariff will not exceed $1-2 per hour of work.

The main post office is located at Boma Road, right next to clock tower. There is an internet cafe on the ground floor. It is not recommended to send valuable parcels by mail - for these purposes it is better to use the services of the DHL service (street Sokoine Road, next to NBC Bank).

Safety

Judging by African standards, Arusha can be considered a safe city. However, precautions are never superfluous. You should not take night walks around the city, even if you are going to walk as part of a group. During the day, almost everywhere is safe, but in crowded tourist areas and markets, speculators can pester you. Although they do not pose a serious threat, you should not engage in dialogue with them.

During safaris and outings in general, encounters with tsetse flies can be a headache. They are ubiquitous in forests and bite very painfully. Meanwhile, the main danger is that tsetse are carriers of sleeping sickness. Be sure to take bug spray with you and do not wear dark clothes ( dark color attracts tsetse).

To exchange currency in Arusha, contact one of the exchange offices, or bureaux de change what's on the street Joel Maeda. In banks the rate itself is a little more favorable, but at the same time there is a high commission, and some of them, oddly enough, do not provide currency exchange services to foreign citizens. Experienced travelers recommend changing money in Imperial Hotel in the city center: here the exchange rate is higher and the opening hours are more convenient, while banks and exchange offices are open from 08:30 to 16:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturday.

When it comes to medical care, Tanzania is not a country where you will find serious, qualified medical care. It is better to solve health problems before traveling. If you still urgently need a doctor in Arusha, it is better to go to the hospital Trinity Medical Diagnostic Clinic on Engira Road(tel. 027/254-4392).

Arusha is a city with a population of about 400 thousand people in the northeastern part of Tanzania in East Africa. Considered the beginning of the popular safari tourist destination.

general information

Arusha (known locally as "A-Town") is located at the foot of Africa's fifth highest mountain, Mount Meru. Due to its high position above sea level, the city has a pleasant climate and plenty of vegetation.

Arusha is not a particularly attractive city for tourists, and for them it is nothing more than an emergency stop before the safari begins. However, the natural charm of the Tanzanians and the bustle of the vibrant city mean there is plenty to do in Arusha for those tired of cozy hotel rooms.

The International Tribunal for Rwanda is located in Arusha. The Arusha Declaration was also signed there.

How to get there

By plane

The airport is located about 60 km (45 minutes) from the city center. A taxi ride costs $50, but many airlines provide buses for free or for $10.

Arusha Airport is located on the outskirts of the city and serves only domestic flights, mainly to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, as well as charter flights. Air viva has regular flights between Arusha and Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro. You can see how much air tickets cost for your dates.

A visa on arrival can be obtained at Kilimanjaro International Airport for 50 or 100 (for some countries) dollars.

By bus

There are express buses to Arusha from Nairobi (, 6 hours, daily at 8.00 and 14.00, opposite Parkside Hotel, $35), Dar es Salaam (12 hours) and Kampala (Uganda, 17 hours). There are also direct flights from Mwanza, Tanga and Lushoto. Some companies sell first class tickets, which are slightly more comfortable, although it is worth noting that the standards are generally the same as most African bus companies. There are also minibus taxis between Arusha and Moshi, and they are much more convenient than buses. Tickets for some of them can be booked on BusAfrica.net.

Clue:

Arusha - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Arusha - weather by month

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Arusha - weather by month

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub Tanzanian Shilling, TSh

Main attractions. What to see

Sunrise on Mount Meru (4,667 meters)

This may take 2 - 4 days, depending on your physical fitness. There is no need for guides, but you must have an armed ranger with you. It may be cold, so be prepared with warm clothes and sleeping bags.

Climb Mount Meru

A professional guide, in addition to armed forest rangers, will help you do this comfortably and with pleasure. He will tell you about the weather, wild animals and help you reach the summit. The guide will also provide instructions on acclimatization, altitude sickness and make sure food is prepared. The guides will also help you carry things.

Most guides work for local travel agencies, so... The best decision- find a trustworthy travel agency where you will find a suitable guide.

Arusha has a large number of restaurants and fewer establishments where Indian cuisine predominates. Prices range from less than a dollar for street fast food to $15 for a main course at a luxury hotel.

Africafe Coffee House. Old Boma Street (near the Clock Tower). Open from 8.00 to 20.00. Stylish cafe, good selection of coffee, delicious pastries(For example carrot cake and muffins), breakfasts, burgers, salads. Despite the name, they serve natural coffee, not instant African coffee. Sometimes there is Wi-Fi. From 2,500 Tanzanian shillings.

Alberos Treehouse. Haile Selassie Street (two blocks east of the Clock Tower on Nyerere Street, +255 653 575 507. Open from 11.00 to 23.00. Italian pizza and pasta, BBQ on weekends. Pizza delivery available every day. From 10,000 Tanzanian shillings.

Bay Leaf. Vidzhana Street, building 102. An elegant European-style restaurant with tasty, although expensive, dishes. You can sit both inside and in the garden. From 20,000 Tanzanian shillings.

Big Bite. Swahili Street, +255 754311474. An upscale Indian restaurant that has been operating in Arusha for over 20 years. Excellent food. You can also take food with you and order it to your home for free. The owners are very friendly and helpful. 10,000 Tanzanian shillings (about $3.75).

Cafe Bamboo Restaurant. Expensive restaurant/cafe from the point of view of locals, but cheap enough for many tourists. They serve snacks such as samsa, potatoes, kebab. There are also Western, Indian and traditional African cuisines. Locally popular among tourists.

Chinese Dragon. A good place With Chinese cuisine in Arusha, average prices: 10,000 - 15,000 Tanzanian shillings.

Khan's Chicken on the Bonnet. Pakistani barbecue, also has chicken, beef, lamb, various salads and flatbreads. Perhaps the best barbecue in the city (competes with Nick's Pub BBQ in Njiro). Two locations: one in the city center, which serves as a car repair shop during the day and a barbecue place in the evening, and the second, newer one, is located in a cinema in Njiro. 4,500 - 9,000 Tanzanian shillings (3 - 7 dollars) per person.

L"Oasis Lodge. Near idara ya maji, Székely (via Moshi/Nairobi streets), +255 757 557 802 ( [email protected]). From 7 am until late. Nachos, refreshments in the garden or by the pool. Groups of less than 10 people do not need to make a reservation.

The Lively Lady Bar & Grill. Opposite the station, on the way to Arusha Backpacker's, +255 713 650777 ( [email protected]). From 17.00 to midnight, 6 days a week (closed on Sunday). Small traditional rock bar in the city center. There is good European and Indian cuisine here, and a wide selection of drinks and good rock will brighten up your evening.

McMoody's. Open from 7.00 to 22.00 7 days a week. A large assortment fast food right in the city center. They also have a branch on Njiro Street near the cinema. Breakfast will cost 1,400 Tanzanian shillings ($1). These are eggs, bread, tea or coffee.

Onsea House Restaurant. +255 787 112 498. Known as the best French/Belgian restaurant in East Africa. Suitable for romantic dinners or holidays. It's better to book tables in advance.

Shanga River House, ( [email protected]), POB 15938, Dodoma Street (on the road to Arusha Airport), +255 689759067 ( [email protected]). Open from 9.30 to 4.30, ( [email protected] - [email protected]). Shanga is located on Tanzania's oldest coffee plantation in Arusha next to the national park. Ask about the Pink Balloon project. A friendly, delightful place - the staff will simply surround you with care and warmth. Shanga employs 50 people with disabilities: They work in workshops, processing glass, aluminum, paper and tires into original and high-quality products. Shanga is a restaurant the River House and the Shanga store, where you can buy unusual gifts at attractive prices. The River House Restaurant is open from 9.30 to 16.30, lunch by reservation only. Lunch, made from healthy local ingredients, is served at the riverside pagodas. Coffee and tours are available before and after lunch. This is a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of Arusha where you can spend some quality time.

Via Via Cultural Cafe. Old Boma Street (in the gardens of the National History Museum, next to the AICC building). A quiet and pleasant place in an amazing garden, surrounded by forest. Popular among the staff of the International Tribunal for Rwanda. Every Thursday evening there are concerts and parties. You can also book cultural tours here. From 6,000 Tanzanian shillings.

Fifi`s Restaurant. Temi Street (200 meters down from the clock tower on the left side of the street), +255774301007. Open from 7.30 to 21.00. Absolutely new restaurant which offers various dishes High Quality, fresh baked goods and best coffee in the city. The restaurant has two rooms with a delightful seating area. Free secure parking for visitors.

Rivertrees. River Trees Street, Usa River (Kilimanjaro Airport), + 255 73 297 1667. Rivertrees is one of the best pizzerias in the city, also serving delicious peasant food. It's a good place to make appointments and also to stop on the way to or from the airport. Locals often gather there to drink, eat or relax. Free Wi-Fi. Rivertrees takes its name from the magnificent trees that surround the open lawns and lush gardens on the banks of the River Usa (the village shares its name). There you can watch sports matches on satellite TV in the open air. The hotel has 22 rustic rooms throughout the complex.

Kiti Moto. Makao Mapya area. It is better to take a taxi: 3,000 Tanzanian shillings from the bus station or Nakumatt supermarket and 5,000 from the city center. Second floor, Seuri Guesti Hostel, next to the Premier Palace Hotel (not The Palace Hotel in another part of Arusha). Lunch and dinner - until 9 or 10 pm every day. This restaurant specializes only in pork dishes. You don't see this very often in East Africa, especially at this price. One of the best dishes there is grilled pork with herbs (like spinach). And the richest source of carbohydrates is ugali - a dish made from corn flour. You will also be served French fries (called chips in East Africa) or chapatis (similar to thin pita bread). Tanzanian schools teach English but it is a remote location so be patient and if there are any communication problems ask Stephen or Mbosi. Stephen is the owner and is a Maasai. This is an interesting and friendly guy. Speaks excellent English. Prices: 10,000 - 20,000 Tanzanian shillings for two.

Beverages

Arusha has many interesting bars and restaurants. Generally, the best food is Indian, thanks to the city's large subcontinental community. Liquid Blue in Njiro and Big Bite on Swahili Street are among the most popular Indian restaurants.

And to try yama choma - Tanzanian fried meat - you can go to Nick's Bar in Njiro. There are also countless bars where foreigners are usually welcome. For tourists who are not very adventurous, the direct route is to Via Via, which stands on the site of an ancient German fortress This is an interesting cultural center and part public organization, which trains locals in the hospitality business.

For those who for some reason do not want to meet the locals, there is also a wide selection of bars and restaurants, such places are very easy to find.

As for nightclubs, AQ Club, Babylon, Velocity, Colobus Club, Maasai Camp, Triple A, 777 and Polygon Triangle are popular among locals and foreigners. They open late in the evening and close late at night (or early in the morning). Pickpockets and sex workers operate in such places, so caution is in order.

Safety. What to watch out for

Arusha's security is average by African standards, but precautions must still be taken. Walking at night is not recommended - no matter whether alone or in a group. There are many taxis, but it's best to negotiate the price before the trip (the cars don't have meters, which makes it easier to overcharge after the trip is over).

Avoid motorcycle taxis, especially in front of clubs at night. It will be easy for robbers to take advantage of this opportunity. In the city center (on Sokoine Street) and in certain areas (along old Moshi Street), attacks on tourists often occur, especially when they are carrying backpacks or bags. Make sure you book a taxi when you arrive or leave town (as gangs usually know when and where travelers are arriving), and don't take a bag with you when walking into town.

Foreigners are almost always accosted by barkers. It can be scary, especially when they grab and chase you, but they are usually harmless. In this case, don't stop, slow down or make eye contact, just say “hapana asante” (no thank you) if they ask or offer you something. The hassle will be much less if you do not come into contact with them.

When walking in any non-central part of the city, it is recommended to take a guide with you. The Old Moshi Street Bridge is known as a robbery spot, and although it is often patrolled by police, it is best not to cross it on foot. If you are sitting alone in a park near a bridge, a police officer will immediately approach you and insist that you leave.

Things to do

You can go on a wildlife safari tour in Arusha National Park, which is located on the slopes of Mount Meru. There, on the slope, there is a village of the Maasai tribe, from which you can go on a camel journey. This great opportunity for adventure, meeting wildlife and Maasai culture. You can also see Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru on clear days.

Cultural excursion to nearby villages

The official website of Tanzania Tourism can arrange cultural excursion to nearby villages for 15 - 50 thousand Tanzanian shillings. It’s for the sake of trips like this that it’s worth going to East Africa, and communication with the population will complement the safari. Some of these villages (Ilkidinga, Ngiresi) are located an hour's walk from Arusha. Some others are within an hour's drive (Monduli Yuu, Longido, Mulala, Tengeru, Ilkurot, Oldonyo Sambu).

In these places you can learn a lot about the Maasai and Meru tribes living nearby, about pastoralism, agriculture, local economy. Listen to stories and legends. There are also some good hiking trails near Mount Meru where you can see beautiful waterfalls. There are camel safaris in Longido. They are flexible by nature, so you can go for an hour-long walk or an all-day walk. In some places you can rent accommodation or camp.

Please be aware that the guide may ask you to donate money to charity, school or Orphanage. Some unscrupulous guides pocket this money, so it is better to give it directly to a reputable charity. The guide will provide you with information.

Cinema “Century”

The Century cinema shows films for 5 - 7 thousand Tanzanian shillings (3 - 5 dollars). It is part of the new complex on Njiro Street, which also houses modern and prestigious restaurants: the popular Indian restaurant Khan’s, McMoody’s Steak Bar and the Spice Retreat restaurant, which serves Ethiopian, Tanzanian, European and other dishes. Njiro Street is not safe to walk in dark time days, so it is better to avoid walking. A taxi to/from the city center will not cost more than 4 thousand Tanzanian shillings (3 dollars).

Coffee tour

Coffee Tour, Nkoaranga Village (30 minutes drive from Arusha towards Moshi), +255 784 420 342/+255 784 416 317 ( [email protected]). Private tours are available upon request. The coffee tour is hosted by a local coffee company on the slopes of Mount Meru. The guide will show you around the small family farm and roastery where you can follow along coffee beans. 15 - 45 dollars (depending on the number of people).

Safari

A safari is definitely something to try if you can afford it. There are many tours for different budgets. The most expensive ones provide travel to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, to places where nature is almost untouched by man. Cheaper excursions - to nature reserves and parks - last less and are also profitable. If there is any trip that can change your outlook on life, it is an African safari.

Few guides can carry on a conversation on any topic, so you may want to take a guide with you.

Don't overpay for housing - you will still be provided with the same conditions that you would have received at the regular price.

Shopping and shops

The markets in the city center are a must-see. You can and should bargain: prices can vary from cheap to overpriced for tourists, depending on the goods and how much interest you show.

In these markets you can find almost everything - from food and clothing to trinkets for friends and family. Batik and silk in bright colors deserve special attention. They are usually sold in rolls, but once you get home you can use them for almost anything. Kikoy, which is worn by local women, also makes excellent skirts.

Maasai women craftsmen make beautiful jewelry that they sell to tourists, often to pay for their children's education. If you happen to visit there, you will definitely need to buy something, as these products are very beautiful and make original gifts.

The Maasai market is a place created by local Tanzanians to sell handmade items. There you can buy ebony and mahogany products, as well as paintings by local artists. Here you can bargain, and depending on this, prices can vary greatly.

How to get around the city

Taxi. What features exist

Taxi is an accessible and cheap form of transport, but make sure before departure that you and the driver have agreed on the price (no more than 5,000 for a trip within the city center and 8,000 for remote areas at any time of the day).

Rent a car if possible. Most companies provide their own drivers. Car rental conditions and prices can be found here.

Buses

The main mode of transport is daladala, minibuses, which are found everywhere on the main routes of the city. They are cheap (0.25 cents) and have a fixed price for all trips within the city (beware of those who will charge you more because you are a foreigner). The daladal is very crowded and hence the level of security is not very high. Accidents with this type of transport occur frequently, and often with serious consequences for passengers. Victims of pickpocketing include: local residents, and tourists. This happens instantly, so keep valuables in a bag on your lap.

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