Arusha City: The hub of tourism and 4×4 car rental in Tanzania,
Arusha City, colloquially referred to as “A Town” by residents, is situated in the northeastern region of Tanzania. The City is situated at the base of Mount Meru on the eastern periphery of the Great Rift Valley; Arusha’s position contributes to its mild temperature. The City is located near the Arusha region at an elevation of 4,600 feet and has a population of approximately 4,000 individuals from diverse ethnicities, including indigenous Africans, Arab-Tanzanians, and Indian-Tanzanians. The City serves as the safari capital of Tanzania, acting as a pivotal starting place for visitors intending to explore various locations throughout the country. Arusha city is strategically located for access to Tanzania’s national parks, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Olduvai Gorge, and Arusha National Park, among others.
The establishment of Arusha commenced shortly after the Germans seized control of old Tanganyika in 1896. The Germans encountered the Arusha Maasai, an agro-pastoral community residing in the southern region of Mount Kilimanjaro, mostly engaged in the trade of grains, honey, and beer. The region facilitated the establishment of administrative structures by the Germans, including the construction of a fort and the stationing of soldiers. In the 1920s, civilian rule was established, with the British supplanting the Germans and assuming control of their estates. Subsequently, Arusha City began to develop rapidly as the British relocated the regional administration there. By 1940, the population of this city had risen to 2,000 individuals. The Tanzanian government formally designated Arusha town as a city in 2006.
The City accommodates various international diplomatic missions and the headquarters of organisations, including the East African Community, an intergovernmental entity comprising six nations in the African Great Lakes region. Arusha City hosted the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda from 1994 to 2015. It served as the location for the signing of the Arusha Declaration. Arusha City is also the location of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These events establish Arusha City as a prominent international diplomatic centre in Africa.
Visitors perceive the City as a mere stopover for trekking expeditions to the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro; yet, Arusha has various attractions that warrant attention upon arrival. Arusha is served by Kilimanjaro International Airport, which offers regular flights to and from Arusha City. The city possesses a domestic airport known as Arusha Municipal Airport, situated on the periphery of Arusha City. This airport facilitates the transportation of visitors and travellers within Tanzania and to destinations such as the island of Zanzibar. The City serves as the primary hub for travel inside the country, as it is surrounded by roadways that link to many tourist destinations.
Attractions to explore in Arusha City
Mount Meru serves as a place of origin, as Arusha City is situated at the base of this prominent peak. This inactive volcano offers a sweeping vista over Arusha City. Numerous travellers utilise it as a preparatory zone prior to their ascent of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Ascending Mount Meru typically requires 3 to 4 days, and while guides are not mandatory, the presence of armed rangers is obligatory.
The National History Museum, situated in Arusha, was inaugurated in 1987. The museum has unique artefacts pertaining to human evolution and entomology. The Arusha Declaration Museum, situated on Kaloleni Road, is another museum in Arusha. The Arusha Declaration Museum displays materials pertaining to Tanzania’s colonial history, the Arusha Declaration, and the struggle for independence. The national history museum is situated within the historic German colonial defensive structure known as boma. The colonial era in Tanzania offers numerous aspects to appreciate, alongside the significant transformation that has transpired in the country.
The Arusha Central Market is a popular destination for travellers visiting Arusha. Arusha Central Market is a bustling trading hub, referred to as “soko kuu,” meaning “big market.” The Arusha Central Market features numerous shops that sell Maasai fabrics, making it an ideal location for acquiring African gifts. The Maasai Central Market predominantly showcases a diverse array of commodities, reflecting the heritage and culture of the Maasai community in Tanzania. This city features the Arusha Farmer’s Market, renowned for its meat goods.
The city is situated near several prominent national parks and game reserves in East Africa, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the largest inactive volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater; Serengeti National Park, renowned for its abundant Nile crocodiles and white-bearded wildebeests; Kilimanjaro National Park, where Mount Kilimanjaro hiking occurs; Lake Manyara National Park; and Tarangire National Park, where visitors can observe a remarkable congregation of wildlife during the dry season. The national park is accessible via the paved road located south of Arusha City.
The City boasts a plethora of hotels and restaurants that facilitate seamless movement for travelers, hence fostering growth in Tanzania’s hospitality sector. Arusha serves as a central hub for several tourism destinations. Numerous travelers often prepare and recuperate in Arusha City, resulting in a substantial number of hotels, motels, and eateries. Arusha offers a diverse selection of luxury, mid-range, and economy hotels, providing travelers with several options to suit their preferences. We possess such locations;
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha and The Arusha Hotel provide a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness facility.The hotel provides complimentary parking and WiFi access in both the guest rooms and communal spaces. There are also local hiking and biking paths, as well as a golf course.
Gran Melia Arusha is situated in Arusha City, where activities such as those at Arusha Golf Course and Kilimanjaro Golf Club can be enjoyed. The establishment features two restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a health club. The spa is included, along with complimentary parking and assured security. The hotel offers a tranquil ambience, affording guests an opportunity for leisure.
Mount Meru Hotel features two restaurants providing lunch and dinner, along with an additional eating establishment that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi throughout all rooms and public spaces, in addition to parking facilities. It also has a fitness centre along with additional amenities such as business centres, a bar, and massage rooms.
Additional locations that travellers explore in Arusha City include Kia Lodge, Kibo Palace Hotel, Venus Premier Hotel, Green Mountain Hotel, Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, Asmasi Hotels, and Palace Hotel Arusha.