What to Do in Arusha Before or After Your Safari

To a great number of tourists, Arusha is the sole port of entryway to the globally renowned Tanzanian safari region- the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire among others. But this is more than a mere stopping over in this busy metropolis which lies at the foot of mount Meru. Be it before your safari or end of your days in the wilderness, Arusha has more than enough to serve in terms of culture, food, history, and natural beauty of Tanzania. This is a guide on how to spend the time in Arusha.

Explore Arusha Central Market.

Arusha can be introduced best by going to the lively central market where flamboyant stalls are stocked with tropical fruits, spices, fabrics and craft products. It is a walk through the market which is an adventure into the life of the Tanzanian people and the people selling their goods stoning their offers, smelling of fresh coffee and cloves and people talking with a smile. It also provides fantastic offers whereby the souvenirs such as kitenge materials, bead work and wood carvings can be found. You are in city and you have never been here before, then you must get a local guide who would give you the local tales and also would help you go through the maze of stalls.

Cultural Heritage Centre Learn Tanzanian Culture.

Cultural Heritage Centre is a tourist attraction site located on the highway to Serengeti. It is not merely a souvenir shop, and it is treasure trove of Tanzanian art, jewellery and antiques. And Makonde wooden carvings of any intricacy, and Maasai art and paintings of the locals. Even the architecture itself is fascinating and made to resemble a drum and shield. Though you never mean to go shopping, you will find it worth going to the galleries and the exhibitions of the art which can illustrate the diversity of the 120 ethnic groups which make up the Tanzanian population.

Visit the Maasai Market

In a way, Maasai Market is also very interesting, as it is not as large as the central one. Here, one can find hand-made jewelry, sandals, and traditional shukas (red and blue checked cloths worn by Maasai) sold to the visitors by the Maasai artisans. You not only have a chance to interact with the craftspeelle themselves through purchasing their products but you also help them to live. It is great to negotiate but also keep in mind that one should be friendly and polite.

History of the Arusha Declaration Museum.

An hour at the museum of the Arusha Declaration just to have a glimpse of the political history of Tanzania. It is in the edifice where the 1967 declaration of Arusha was made, the Tanzanian socialist policy of Julius Nyerere. The exhibitions tell the story of the independence of the Tanzanian state, its push towards integration, and its path towards the modern development. The history enthusiasts will enjoy the display of the rare photographs, documents and artifacts.

The tastes of Arusha Coffee Culture.

Tanzania is a coffee producer with the best Arabica coffee and Arusha is the hub of coffee growing region in the country. The coffee tour is an excellent experience during which one learns more about the process of bean-to-cup. Many coffee plantations that are located just outside the city also encourage their visitors to take guided tours of the plantations, get to see how the coffee is roasted, and, of course, taste it. You just do not have time to take a comprehensive tour, to visit one of the good cafes of Arusha. Other cafes including the Africafe or the Fifi Café are also serving good brews with pastries and light meal.

Tour Arusha national park.

In case you need to have another dose of the nature without having to travel long distance, Arusha National Park is only just 40 minutes by the city. It provides varied sceneries as it is not that well known as the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro but an orientation of the thick forests, the glittering lakes and the view of the mount kilimanjaro and the mount meru. The park has been famed with the flamingo infested Momella Lakes, the black and white colobus monkeys and the ranger guided walking safaris. One or two days to stay here is a perfect pre-safari or post-safari excursion.

Mount Meru Hike or Take a Day Trek.

Mount Meru is the second-tallest mountain in Tanzania and a mountain worth climbing in its own right and has a height of 4,566 meters. Despite the time consuming nature of the mountain (takes several days to explore its summit), it has short day hikes that one can engage in during the lower section of the mountain in case of time limitation. These hikes give you a chance to have walks in forest, waterfalls and panoramic sightseeing without necessarily taking up a full scaled expedition. It is also a great introduction to any person who is planning to visit and have an attempt to climb Kilimanjaro.

Taste the Tanzanian Flavors.

Arusha is a blend of cultures and the food industry of the town is not an exception. Street food vendors also have such delicious dishes as chapati, samosas, and nyama choma (grilled meat). In case of a sit down meal, the Blue Heron or George Tavern restaurants can cater to international and local food delivered in relaxing gardens. You will not forget the attempt to taste ugali (com meal dish) cooked with stewed veggies or meat- one of the most important dishes in the Tanzanian cuisine.

Unwound in Local Lodges and Spa.

You require some of these relaxation after the days of hopping through the safari tracks. The majority of lodges and the boutique hotels located in Arusha possess serene gardens, swimming pool and spa. You can also reserve a massage using the locally available necessary oils so that your body can be refreshed before your next adventure. Even a few of the lodges close to the Kilimanjaro International Airport provide the day-rooms to its visitors who even could fly out of the airport and have to clean up before taking an evening flight.

Visit Local Villages

The village tours around the Arusha surroundings offer a deeper understanding of the life of the Tanzanians to the tourists who seek to have a purest experience of culture. Visit the Meru people in the Meru hills on top of Mount Meru, where one can visit banana and coffee farms, traditional cooking lessons or drumming and dance lessons. What is even better is that all these experiences are enriching your experience and that they directly benefit local communities.

The Practical Proposals on Exploring Arusha.

Plan your time: You should pay your attention to the Cultural Heritage Centre or the central market or a tour of the coffee only during several hours. Include a village visit or a full day in the Arusha National Park.

Transport: Taxis and hotel shuts are certain and local minibuses can be used by people who prefer adventure (dala-dalas). Safety Arusha is generally safe as an attraction that is not so unsafe to visitors, but like any city, it is a good idea to store valuables in a locker and have a look around when at markets.

Money: A little money in form of shillings of Tanzanian currency will be nice to buy a few minor things though large hotels and shops accept credit cards.

Conclusion

Arusha is not just any safari lodge. It is a highly colorful city that is a blend of culture, history, food, and nature and which is an absolute match in your Tanzanian trip. You are also able to be strolling through crowded markets, sipping fresh coffee in the surrounding plantations, hiking the hill slopes of the Mount Meru, and sitting in a local cafe garden where you will find that Arusha has experiences to be remembered by its own. It is also a way of complementing your safari, as before, or after your hunting trip, you will not only enjoy your wildlife, but people, tastes, and the spirit of this great country.