“Karibu” Arusha, Tanzania 🇹🇿
"Karibu"
I found myself in this not so well known city in Tanzania
You create some of life's best memories when you wander off
Everything you need to know about Arusha, Tanzania
Where is Arusha and Why should you visit?
A lot of people come to Arusha as a getaway from other parts of Tanzania. It’s located in North Tanzania, and it’s considered the gateway to most of the national parks including the Serengeti.  It might appear small once on the ground, but it’s actually a pretty big city. Not big as in Chicago or New York, definitely big my African standards.Â
Looking for some of the most genuine people, and a truly awesome experience
The city provides people with a break from their everyday life. Arusha has a vibe of it’s own that’s almost inexplicable. It has great places to eat, the people are very welcoming, and the scenery is fantastic. Not to mention the temperature is usually pretty lush throughout the year, and that’s in part to its topography, or altitude. Plus it’s located near the foot of the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. I’m talking about Mount Meru.Â
Where should you stay While in Arusha, hotel, airbnb, or apartment rental?
There are plenty of options when visiting Arusha to rest, and recoup from a day of sightseeing. I chose to stay in the most central part of town. The Four Points Sheraton at the clocktower. This location is the very center of Arusha, in fact it's the very center of the entire continent of Africa. It's the mid way point between Cairo (North Africa) and Cape Town (South Africa).
Some cool tips you should know before visiting Arusha.
01.
Arusha is for everyone. you can find some of the most interesting foods around all of Africa.
The most popular food is Ugali – a thick porridge prepared from maize flour and it's served in almost all local restaurants or street food joints in the city. Grilled chicken, fries, goat ribs and bananas are also popular dishes you can enjoy.
02.
There are plenty of adventures available in Arusha. Mount Mero will not disappoint.
Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. You can climb this mountain by accessing the Momella gate on the eastern side of the mountain.Â
03.
It’s the heart of the Tanzanite gemstone
Tanzanite, the birthstone for December (My birth month), is one of Tanzania’s proudest exports, and The Tanzanite Experience – the world’s only museum dedicated to this gemstone – can be found in the heart of Arusha.
04.
It has a vibrant food market
If you want to get some great culture and great food as well look no further. Arusha has a central market that is one of the best places to get a glimpse, or become immersed in Tanzanian life, catering to all senses. Locals will desperately try to be your tour guide, for a fee of course, and others will try to barter and trade items with you. Everything from clothes, jewelry, shoes, you name it. The atmosphere is very lively indeed.
05.
be polite and patient. try to enjoy the people and the atmosphere of Arusha.
Arusha had a population of more than one and a half million people mostly made up of members of the Iraqw, Wameru, Sonjo, Chagga, Pare, Nguu and Maasai tribes. The locals in Arusha are full of smiles, and would often greet tourists with a "Karibu" ("welcome") or "Asante sana" ("thank you very much").
Smile and enjoy Arusha. take a long walk around and talk to people.
Most people see Arusha as nothing more than Tanzania’s safari capital or a stopover for hiking the snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro. However, this East African city shouldn’t be side-stepped. I promise you will enjoy yourself after a visit to Arusha, once leaving you might even find yourself speaking fluent Swahili. Until then thank you for taking the time to read my blog, or as the locals would say: "Asante sana" ("thank you very much").
