Travel to East Africa has experienced consistent growth over the past twenty years, with tourist numbers nearly doubling since the early 2000s until 2019.
Mozambique’s tranquil haven featuring extensive untouched shorelines
to a
A Kenyan upscale retreat providing distinctive close interactions with wild animals.
In the shadow of epic mountain peaks like Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, one can easily understand their allure. Tanzania, an East African nation bordering Mozambique to the south and Kenya to the north, offers numerous unforgettable experiences from its medium-sized hub city, Arusha. This vibrant town serves as a launching pad for many of the area’s most famous wildlife safaris and hiking expeditions. Standing amidst the foothills of Mount Meru with Kilimanjaro towering nearby, you’ll be inspired to embark on expansive adventures. However, discerning visitors will find that charming Arusha deserves exploration beyond merely being a transit point; it stands out as a captivating destination in its own right.
Arusha boasts a modest domestic airport where travelers can link up with key transit points in Tanzania like Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro International Airport. This international airport lies approximately 32 miles away from Arusha; transportation options include taxis, private transfers, or shuttle buses, all taking around one hour or slightly longer for the journey. Upon arrival in Arusha, visitors will find several attractions worth exploring prior to embarking on their safari adventure.
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Experience the local taste at Arusha’s markets and cafes.
The Tanzanian metropolis of Arusha is home to more than half a million residents who lead busy lives filled with various conveniences and rich cultural experiences, making this urban center an ideal destination for visitors seeking both immersive local traditions and vast wildlife tours along breathtaking landscapes. To fully appreciate what Arusha has to offer, be sure to delve into its distinctive culinary scene and vibrant community life.
Diverse mountains in another form—spices and fresh produce—are ready at Arusha’s vibrant Central Market, which serves as the core of daily existence for residents. Tanzanian cuisine exemplifies fusion cooking, drawing inspiration from European, Indian, and Middle Eastern flavors, making Arusha not only a recreation hub but also an exceptional culinary destination. To truly savor this location, consider visiting Rivertrees Restaurant, Universal Classic Restaurant, or Khan’s Barbecue.
Central to Tanzania’s agricultural economy is coffee, which also provides visitors with an additional opportunity for distinctive exploration. Savor a strong cup at one of Arusha’s top-notch coffee spots like Artisan Coffee, Kitamu Coffee, or Guruguru Café, or choose to tour a nearby coffee farm to closely observe the caffeine-producing plants. Keep in mind if you’re
taking whole bean coffee along to the airport
, yet it could present an undesirable chance for further customs examination.
Pick Your Own Artistic Journey in Arusha: Explore Culture, Arts, or Crafts
Culturally speaking, Arusha is equally rich with possibility as it is with beauty and cuisine. The city itself features a couple of iconic sculptures: the postcard-perfect Uhuru Torch Monument, as well as the historic Clock Tower, which recognizes the former British colonial rule. Both are perfect for selfies while exploring.
Before or after you set off on safari, what better souvenir is there from your experience than one you’ve made yourself? Tanzanian Tinga Tinga is a patterned art form that typically depicts wildlife, and in Arusha you can sign up to try your hand with a master of the form. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, (understandable), you can collect a traditionally-crafted Maasai piece from Arusha’s Maasai Market.
To thoroughly explore East African art, visit the cutting-edge Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre within the city. This modern facility showcases an extensive array of artistic expressions such as Tinga Tinga alongside various forms like architecture, sculptures, paintings, and photographs originating from across the area. Note that cameras must be left behind at your accommodation since their use isn’t permitted here; however, this restriction aims to help you engage more deeply with what you see.
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