Arusha, Tanzania - Tourist. arusha national park how to get there by public transport
Arusha is a city of about 400 thousand people in the northeastern part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is considered the beginning of the popular safari tourist destination.
general information
Arusha (locally called it "City A") is located at the foot of the fifth highest mountain in Africa, Mount Meru. Due to its high position above sea level, the city has a pleasant climate and a lot of vegetation.
Arusha is not a particularly attractive city for tourists, and for them it is nothing more than a forced stop before the safari begins. However, the natural charm of the Tanzanians and the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city mean that Arusha has plenty to do for those tired of cozy hotel rooms.
Arusha is home to the International Tribunal for Rwanda. The Arusha Declaration was also signed there.
How to get there
By plane
The airport is located at a distance of about 60 km (45 minutes) from the city center. The cost of a taxi ride is $50, but many airlines provide buses for free or at a cost of $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 states) dollars.
By bus
Express buses run to Arusha from Nairobi (, 6 hours, daily at 8.00 and 14.00, opposite the 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 a little more comfortable, although it's worth noting that the standards are basically the same as most African bus companies. Shuttle taxis also run between Arusha and Moshi, and they are much more convenient than buses. Tickets for some of them can be ordered on BusAfrica.net.
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Arusha - the time is now
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Moscow 0
Kazan 0
Samara 1
Yekaterinburg 2
Novosibirsk 4
Vladivostok 7
When is the season. When is the best time to go
Arusha - monthly weather
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Arusha - monthly weather
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The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.
Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Tanzanian shilling, TSh
Main attractions. What to watch
Sunrise on Mount Meru (4667 meters)
This may take 2 - 4 days, depending on your fitness level. There is no need for guides, but you must have an armed ranger with you. It can be cold, so bring warm clothes and sleeping bags.
Climb Mount Meru
A professional guide will help you to do this comfortably and with pleasure, in addition to armed foresters. He will tell you about the weather, wild animals and help you conquer the summit. The guide will also instruct about acclimatization, altitude sickness and make sure the food is prepared. The guides will also help you carry your luggage.
Most guides work for local travel companies, so the best solution is to find a reputable travel company where you can find the right guide.
Arusha has a large number of restaurants and fewer establishments dominated by Indian cuisine. Prices range from less than a dollar for street food to $15 for a main course at a high-end hotel.
Africafe Coffee House. Old Boma Street (near the Clock Tower). Works from 8.00 to 20.00. Stylish cafe, good selection of coffee, delicious pastries (like 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, barbecue on weekends. Pizza delivery is available every day. From 10,000 Tanzanian shillings.
Bayleaf. 102 Vidjana Street. An elegant European-style restaurant with delicious, albeit 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 at home for free. The owners are very friendly and helpful. 10,000 Tanzanian shillings (about $3.75).
Cafe Bamboo Restaurant. Expensive restaurant/cafe in terms of locals, but cheap enough for many tourists. Serve snacks such as samsa, potatoes, kebabs. There is also Western, Indian and traditional African cuisine. Locally popular with tourists.
Chinese dragon. Good place with Chinese food in Arusha, prices are average: 10,000 - 15,000 TS.
Khan "s Chicken on the Bonnet. Pakistani barbecue, also has chicken, beef, lamb, various salads and flatbreads. Perhaps the best barbecue in town (competes with Nick's Pub BBQ in Njiro). Two points: one in the city center, which serves as an auto repair shop during the day and a barbecue place in the evening, and the second, newer, is located in the cinema in Njiro. 4,500 - 9,000 Tanzanian shillings ($3 - $7) per person.
L "Oasis Lodge. Not far from idara ya maji, Sekei (via Moshi / Nairobi streets), +255 757 557 802 ( [email protected]). From 7 am until late. Nachos, cold drinks in the garden or by the pool. Groups of less than 10 people do not need to book.
The Lively Lady Bar & Grill. Opposite the train station, on the way to Arusha Backpacker's, +255 713 650777 ( [email protected]). From 17.00 to midnight, 6 days a week (day off - Sunday). Small traditional rock bar in the city center. There is good European and Indian cuisine, and a wide selection of drinks and good rock will brighten up your evening.
McMoody "s. Open from 7.00 to 22.00 7 days a week. A large assortment of fast food right in the city center. They also have a branch on Njiro Street near the cinema. Breakfast will cost 1,400 Tanzanian shillings ($ 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. Better to book tables in advance.
shanga river house [email protected]), POB 15938, Dodoma Street (on the way 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. Friendly amazing place - the staff will just surround you with care and warmth. Shanga employs 50 people with disabilities to work in workshops, converting glass, aluminium, paper and tires into original and quality products. Shanga is the River House restaurant and Shanga shop, where you can buy unusual gifts at attractive prices. The River House Restaurant is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, lunch is by reservation only. A lunch of wholesome local products is served at the pagodas by the river. Coffee and tours can be ordered before and after dinner. This is a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of Arusha, where you can have a good time.
Via Via Cultural Cafe. Old Boma Street (in the gardens of the National Historical Museum, next to the AICC building). Quiet and pleasant place in an amazing garden, surrounded by forest. Popular among the staff of the International Tribunal for Rwanda. Every Thursday night there are concerts and parties. Cultural tours can also be booked 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. A brand new restaurant that offers a variety of high quality dishes, fresh pastries and the best coffee in town. The restaurant has two halls 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 town and serves delicious rustic food. It is good to make appointments there, as well as to stop on the way to the airport or back. 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 Usa River (the village is also named after). There you can watch sports matches on satellite TV in the open air. The hotel has 22 rustic-style rooms throughout the complex.
Kitty Moto. Makao Mapya area. It is better to take a taxi: 3,000 TS 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 only specializes in pork dishes. You don't see that 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 cornmeal. You will also be served French fries (in East Africa they are called chips) or chapatis (like thin pita bread). English is taught in Tanzanian schools but it is a remote place so be patient and if there are any communication problems ask Steven or Mbosi. Steven is the owner, he belongs to the Maasai people. He is an interesting and friendly guy. He speaks excellent English. Prices: 10,000 - 20,000 Tanzanian shillings for two.
The drinks
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 nyama choma - Tanzanian fried meat - you can go to Nick's Bar in Njiro. There are also countless bars where foreigners are usually welcome. Not very adventurous tourists have a direct path to Via Via, which stands on the site of an old German fortress This is an interesting cultural center and part of a public organization that trains locals in the hotel business.
For those who for some reason don't want to meet the locals, there is also a wide selection of bars and restaurants that are 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 at night and close late at night (or early in the morning). In pickpockets and sex workers operate in such places, so caution will not be superfluous.
Security. What to watch out for
Arusha's security is average by African standards, but precautions still need to be taken. Walking at night is not welcome - it does not matter, alone or in a group. There are plenty of taxis, but it's best to negotiate the price before you travel (there are no meters in the cars, which makes it easy to go up in price at the end of the trip).
Avoid motorcycle taxis, especially at night in front of clubs. It will be easy for thieves to take advantage of this opportunity. In the city center (on Sokoine street) and in certain areas (along the old Moshi street), attacks on tourists often occur, especially when they are with backpacks or bags. Make sure you book a taxi when you arrive or leave the city (since gangs usually know when and where travelers arrive) and don't take a bag with you on a walk into the city.
Barkers almost always pester foreigners. 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 thanks) 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 bridge on Old Moshi Street is notorious for robberies, and although it is often patrolled by the police, it is best not to walk across it. If you sit alone in a park near a bridge, a policeman will immediately come up to you and insist that you leave.
Things to do
You can go on a wildlife safari tour in the Arusha National Park, which is located on the slopes of Mount Meru. There, on the slope, is the village of the Maasai tribe, from which you can go on a camel trip. This is a great opportunity for adventure, exploring the wildlife and Maasai culture. You can also see Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru on clear days.
Cultural excursion to nearby villages
Tanzania's official tourism website can arrange a cultural tour to nearby villages for 15,000 to 50,000 TS. For the sake of such trips, it is worth going to East Africa, and communication with the population will complement the safari. Some of these villages (Ilkidinga, Ngiresi) are within an hour's walk from Arusha. Some others are within an hour's drive (Monduli Yuu, Longido, Mulala, Tengueru, Ilkurot, Oldoño Sambu).
In these places, you can learn a lot about the Maasai tribes and the Meru living nearby, about grazing, agriculture, and the 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. By nature, they are flexible, so you can take an hour-long walk or a walk that lasts all day. In some places you can rent accommodation or set up a camp.
Be aware that the guide may ask you to donate money to a charity, school or orphanage. Some unscrupulous conductors put this money in their pocket, so it is better to give it directly to a trustworthy charitable institution. The conductor will provide you with information.
Cinema “Century”
In the cinema "Century" they show films for 5 - 7 thousand Tanzanian shillings (3 - 5 dollars). It is part of a new complex on Njiro Street, which also houses modern and prestigious restaurants: the popular Indian restaurant Khan’s, the McMoody’s steak bar and the Spice Retreat restaurant, which serves Ethiopian, Tanzanian, European and other dishes. It is not safe to walk along Njiro Street at night, so it is best to avoid walking. A taxi to / from the city center will not cost more than 4 thousand Tanzanian shillings ($ 3).
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 made on request. The coffee tour is hosted by a local coffee company on the slopes of Mount Meru. The guide will show you a small family farm and roastery where you can follow the path of the coffee bean. 15 - 45 dollars (depending on the number of people).
Safari
Safari is definitely something to try if you can afford it. There are many tours for different budgets. The most expensive ones provide a trip 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 journey that can change the outlook on life, then this is an African safari.
Few guides can hold a conversation on any topic, so you can take a guide with you.
Do not overpay for housing - you will still be given the same conditions that you would have received for the usual cost.
Shopping and shops
The markets in the city center are the place to go. Bargaining is possible and necessary: prices can range 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 knick-knacks 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 just about anything. The kikoi worn by local women also makes excellent skirts.
Maasai needlewomen make beautiful jewelry that they sell to tourists, often to pay for their children's education. If you happen to visit there, you will certainly need to buy something, as these products are very beautiful and they 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 move around the city
Taxi. What features exist
Taxi is an affordable and cheap form of transport, but make sure you and the driver agree on a price before departure (no more than 5,000 for a trip within the city center and 8,000 for outlying areas at any time of the day).
Rent a car if possible. Most companies provide their own drivers. You can find out the conditions for renting a car and prices.
Buses
The main mode of transport is dalalala, minibuses, which are found everywhere on the main routes of the city. They are cheap (0.25 cents) and are a fixed price for all trips in the city (beware of those who will demand more from you because you are a foreigner). Dalaladal is very crowded and therefore the level of security is not very high. Accidents with this mode of transport are not uncommon, and often with serious consequences for passengers. The victims of pickpocketing are both locals and tourists. This happens instantly, so keep valuables in a bag on your lap.
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Arusha National Park is not large, its area is 137 square meters. 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 Masai origin.
Arusha Park can be divided into three zones: 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 peak of Meru). The vegetation of the park depends on the height and soil of the area. The surroundings of the Ngurdoto Crater are 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 meet a wide variety of animals: on the lakes - flocks of migratory birds, in the forests - antelopes. It is difficult to build a clear scheme of habitats, because animals are constantly on the move. About 400 species of birds were seen in the park, some of them arrive only in October and April, others can be seen all year round in the forests of the park
The park is located in a densely populated area where the demand for land is high and therefore the park is bordered by numerous settlements. Plans to expand the park to include the surrounding forests are intended to protect the flora and fauna of the area. The park is only 32 km. from Arusha, replete with a variety of flora and fauna
Peculiarities.
There are three breathtaking 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 gates of the park 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 a fat-bodied monkey. In the vicinity of the crater, you can meet herds of buffalo and warthogs.
To the north, the fields merge into the serene tranquility of the Momela Lakes, each in a different shade of blue and green. Their shores are covered with hundreds of pink flamingos, many other birds accumulate near the lakes, and herds of antelopes roam nearby. Giraffes, zebras and other animals roam the nearby hills.
Although elephants, lions, leopards and hyenas are rare 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, only 50 km away. from the park.
However, Mount Meru, the unassuming twin brother of Mount Kilimanjaro, dominates the landscape of the park. Its peaks from the eastern slopes are protected by the park.
Passing through the forests of the savannah, you can meet buffalo 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 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 due to the volcanic peaks and Mount Meru itself. Everywhere in the park you can enjoy pristine views of nature, wildlife life. Those who dare to climb the mountain will appreciate the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Crack Valley.
How to get there?
From Arusha, the park can be reached in just 40 minutes, it is 60 km from Kilimanjaro Airport.
Tourist activities.
Walks in the woods, excellent places for picnics; A three or four day hike up Mount Meru is a great way to adapt to the climate of Kilimanjaro.
In the words of Bill Clinton - "African Geneva" - was, like a city, founded in 1900 by German colonists. At first, Arusha became a small military settlement. Since 1967, the city can rightly be called the economic capital of East Africa. Here 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, that world-class meetings and negotiations are held. At one time, many famous political figures spoke here, including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and former South African President Nelson Mandela. The city also houses the building of the International Tribunal for the Rwanda Genocide.
Arusha is a bustling, rapidly developing city, one of the country's significant commercial, banking and tourist centers. It has everything that a big city can offer tourists: 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, the present, and the future: on the streets you can meet local residents - Masai in bright national clothes, tourists from different countries.
The main advantage of Arusha 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 Lakes Victoria and Tanganyika.
The choice of safaris is almost unlimited: morning, afternoon and night classic safaris, eco safaris, 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. Rains are more common 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 falls on the end of March - May.
Just 32 km from the city of Arusha is the Arusha National Park, which was described by Sir Julian Huxley as a "pearl" among the parks. It contains three attractions: Momela Lake, Mount Meru, and Ngurdoto Crater. On clear days, the majestic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is visible from anywhere in the park. The flora and fauna are varied from forests to swamps.
The park is famous for being home to 400 species of birds, both native and migratory, and black and white colobus monkeys. Other animals are often found in the park: baboons, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, leopards, hyenas, zebras and many species of antelope.
Meserani snake park is located 20 kilometers west of the city. Many snakes and other reptiles can be seen in the park.
Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is located 50 km northeast of the Arusha National Park. This is the only snow-capped peak in Africa and its highest point. On the slopes of the mountain is the Kilimanjaro National Park, which is famous for its tourist routes to the famous extinct volcano. Climbing it is very difficult and requires serious physical preparation, but they are worth it. Hiking takes about 4-6 days. The most popular routes on Kilimanjaro are Maranga and Mahama. Marangu is considered easier to climb, while Mahame offers paths through forests and wild natural 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 take place. The peaks of migration occur during the periods from May to July and from January to March. Gazelles, zebras and wildebeest in search of food and water move 800 km throughout the park and beyond, followed by predators. The Serengeti is home to 35 species of mammals, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, rhinos, antelopes and zebras. Local landscapes vary from low grassy communities in the south of the park to tall grass savannahs in the center and forested areas in the north. In the Serengeti, there are lakes Lagaya and Magadi, where flocks of flamingos can be seen on the banks.
The Ngorongoro Nature Reserve borders the Serengeti. Its area is 8 thousand square meters. km. The reserve has a huge volcanic caldera - the largest in the world. Its diameter is 22 km, its area is 250 sq. km, and the walls of the caldera rise to a height of 610 m. Lake Magadi is located at the bottom of the caldera. 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. About 30,000 animals live in the reserve - lions, leopards, hyenas, ungulates, hippos, two-horned rhinoceros and many birds. In Ngorongoro, the world-famous Olduvai Gorge is located, where the skulls and bones of a skilled man, 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 presents the remains of the predecessors of modern man, the remains of prehistoric animals and mammoth tusks.
Lake Manyara National Park is located near Ngorongoro. Here you can see rare lions that can climb trees. In the western part of the park is the East African Rift Valley, which rises above the lake. Flamingos, storks and herons live on the shores of the lake. You can watch birds here only from a distance, because it is difficult to move along the banks due to the viscous soil. The park is also open at night for observing nocturnal species of animals.
Just south of Lake Manyara is the 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 territory of the park is the only place in Tanzania where you can see animals such as the oryx and the giraffe gazelle, which can go without water for a long time.
Safari tours through Arusha
Safari in other national parks
Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park is located in the rainforest at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. The park attracted not only predators, but became home to colonies of pink flamingos, the number of which amazes even seasoned travelers. A dense pink spot along the coast, reflected from the water surface, multiplies an already huge population on an incredible scale.
Tarangire
The name was borrowed from the Tarangire River that cuts through the park, which supplies the surrounding flora and fauna with fresh water necessary for life. In Tarangire Park itself, one of the largest colonies of long-lived baobabs grows. During the dry season, many herbivores migrate to the river in the hope of finding an escape from the drought. Herds of wildebeests, zebras and buffalo trample around the dried-up lagoon, warming up the hunting instincts of watching lions and leopards to reach the underground streams of the river. Everyone wants to grab their piece of life-giving moisture.
Ngorongoro
The ancient Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO heritage site and one of the most interesting parks in Tanzania, it is here that the largest number of different animal species per square kilometer lives. The park has harmoniously blended into the natural landscape of the Great Rift Valley, framed by a tropical forest, it has brought its natural beauty to the present day. Exciting rides along the edge of the crater, lunch on the lake with hippos and picturesque lakes with pink flamingos are waiting for you.
Serengeti
The Serengeti Valley is one of the greatest places where wild and untouched nature has been preserved in its original form. It is called the "Endless Plain of Africa", and there is no doubt about it - an area of 15 thousand square kilometers, a place where herds of wildebeests can start five meters from you and end, merging with the horizon line in a thin dark strip against the crimson sunset. Once in the valley, you realize that this is a completely different world, where everything seems surreal and more like a dream than reality. The Serengeti National Park is considered to be one of the most interesting parks in Tanzania. Travelers with their children come here to show scenes from the Lion King cartoon, and it is here that hundreds of programs for National Geographic and Animals planet are filmed.
Lake Natron
We know that there are many places on Earth with extreme habitats that sometimes look completely harmless and friendly, but one can hardly say something like that about Lake Natron. It is worth trying to describe it in colors, as soon as only such epithets as alien, bloody and lifeless come to mind, which is partly true. But, as they say, it all depends on the angle - for some, this place, on the contrary, gives a chance for survival.
Lake Eyasi
The picturesque creation of the rift valley is the soda lake Eyasi. On its coast live, absolutely different from each other, the tribes of the Hadza and Datog peoples. The first led a nomadic lifestyle in the past: they were engaged in hunting and gathering, and gradually settled in this region. Their wilderness survival skills are extremely high, and of course their archery skills are beyond any expectation. In turn, the people of the Datog people, on the contrary, have always been engaged in cattle breeding and cultivating the land. They were driven back to Lake Eyasi by other tribes, which had better weapons and superior numbers. Far from the developing world, the Hadza and Datog tribes remained untouched and were able to maintain their way of life. Thanks to this, now we can plunge into the atmosphere of primitive African life and even go hunting with them.
Arusha, Tanzania is a city with a population of more than 400 thousand people, located in the north of the country, where acquaintance with African beauties often begins. Arusha is at the center of northern Tanzanian attractions, including Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Manyara.
Good to know! The city of Arusha, named after the Maasai tribe, was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. Initially, it was an administrative unit of the German colony. All that remains of the colonial past is the wall of the former fort in the south of the city.
Julius Nyerere Perfectly coping with the functions of a tourist Mecca, Arusha is the political and economic center of Africa. Bill Clinton aptly called Arusha "African Geneva", implying its importance to the world. Conferences and negotiations are held in the city, important decisions of international importance are made. It was here that the first president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, presented the "Arusha Declaration", in 1999 the Treaty on the Formation of the East African Community was signed. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda was located in Arusha and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights still operates today.
Interesting to know! Exotic plants are grown in Arusha, coffee, jute grains and coconut fiber are processed.
The city of Arusha in Tanzania was chosen by the Catholic and Protestant episcopates to host the representations of their confessions. Followers of these religions, as well as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc. peacefully coexist in the multinational city. Americans and Europeans, Indians and Arabs aspire here, but nevertheless, indigenous Africans still prevail among the inhabitants of colorful Arusha.
Attractions
In a lively, rapidly developing city, the past and the present met - the natives in bright national clothes and tourists, women with heavy baskets on their heads and fashionable cars, porters and artisans mixed into a colorful noisy crowd. Bazaars, souvenir shops and shops invite customers, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs and casinos open their doors in anticipation of visitors - in Arusha and the surrounding area there is entertainment for everyone and attractions for everyone.
Mount Meru is one of the main attractions of Tanzania and the "mother" of Arusha, because it was at its foot that a settlement arose, which later turned into a city. Today, this hulk (its height is more than 4000 meters) with a pliable character can be seen from anywhere in Arusha. Meru is considered the natural talisman of the Tanzanian city. It will be conquered by anyone in just 3-4 days (depending on the health and fitness of tourists) - this mountain can become an independent goal or preparation for Kilimanjaro.
On a note! Meru is a stratovolcano. Its last strong eruption was recorded at the end of the 19th century.
Meru promises an interesting ascent due to its terrain, unparalleled views from the top and a walking safari. The mountain is surrounded by the Arusha National Park, which has giraffes and zebras, elephants and antelopes, buffaloes and warthogs. Organized groups of travelers are always accompanied by professional guides and rangers with guns, so the adventures that Meru promises are absolutely safe.
Good to know! From Mount Meru 50 kilometers to Kilimanjaro Airport, almost 400 kilometers to the capital of Tanzania and almost 300 kilometers to the Indian Ocean.
Another attraction - Arusha National Park - is located thirty kilometers from the city. It covers just over 100 km², making it the smallest of the Tanzanian wildlife sanctuaries, but no less entertaining. Among the "insides" are craters and lakes, views of Mount Meru, leopards and hyenas, rare colobus and four hundred species of birds.
The national park has three zones with different types of vegetation: Mount Meru, Momela Lakes (the birthplace of pink flamingos) and Ngurdoto Crater. Importantly, in Arusha you can make walking tours accompanied by an armed forester - in most African parks it is strictly forbidden to leave the car in open areas. Walking along a proven path (from bushes - through a cozy valley - to the Ulyulyusya waterfall), you can feel safe, since not a single attack on people has been recorded in this park.
Tours to villages near Arusha can be arranged with the Tanzania Tourism Board. They will help you get to know the ethnic groups of the African country, learn about their way of life, history and traditions. This is an amazing opportunity to interact with the people of the villages of Ilkidinga and Ngiresi (an hour's walk from them), as well as Monduli Yuu and Oldonyo Sambu, Tengeru and Longido, Ilkurot and Mulala (an hour's drive from the city).
A cultural tour is a way to see first hand how the locals are engaged in grazing and agriculture, listen to amazing legends, and admire the sights along the way, including waterfalls. In Longido you will be offered a safari on docile camels, in some villages you can set up camp and stay for a few days.
Note! If a guide accompanying a group on a cultural tour offers to donate money to a charity, ask them how to donate directly to a trusted charitable institution. Not all conductors are conscientious enough to send money to its destination, and not into your pocket.
Safari to national parks
Serengeti A few kilometers from Arusha, a world of wild savannah opens up. The main attractions of northern Tanzania are national parks, and the main entertainment in them is safaris. If the prices are not embarrassing, you can visit the Serengeti, Tarangire, the Meserani snake park and the Lake Manyara park, and also take an excursion from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater. Hundreds of species of animals live here - wildebeests mysteriously freeze on the plains, buffaloes walk slowly and zebras frolic, lions bask in the shade of bushes, cautious servals and caracals meet early in the morning, as if elephants are grazing in slow motion.
Among the African safari tours there are offers for different budgets: traditional, camel and horseback, canoe and mountain bike, as well as hot air balloons. You can just walk through the forest area or climb the hills, or you can arrange an adventure full of unpredictable dangers.
Where to stay
Arusha Planet Lodge There are many hotels in Arusha. Most of them, when setting prices, rely on the current season, benefiting from the influx of tourists. During the high season, which lasts from June to October-December, room rates increase markedly.
Estimated price for accommodation in a three-star hotel (double room) is $50-70. In this category, there are seasonal offers that promise housing for $30-40. The most budget option for two is hostels and homestays. Such options will cost only $10-15 per night.
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Nutrition
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant Arusha is not the gastronomic capital of Tanzania, but there are enough restaurants, cafes, taverns and street fast foods here. You can find decent places with traditional African dishes (Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant on Nairobi Road), European (Picasso Café at Kijenge Supermarket) and even Asian menus (Chinese Whispers Restaurant on Njiro Road). The estimated cost of lunch or dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant is $23.
Transport
You can explore the sights of Arusha, move between the hotel and the restaurant, market or shops by taxi. Here this type of transport is quite accessible. The main thing is to agree in advance with the driver about the cost of the trip, since there are no meters we are used to in a taxi. You can catch a car right on the road, and there are a lot of them near each hotel. A trip around the city will cost $ 1-2.5.
The main mode of transport in Tanzania is Dala-dala. Minibuses, which are trucks with awnings and benches, run along the main routes of Arusha, offering to take anyone who wants it for just 0.25 cents. It will be crowded and dangerous, but you will get to the place with a breeze. Recommendation: keep an eye on valuables.
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