We spent a few days in Arusha, a bustling city known as the “safari capital” of the country and the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit. It’s a multicultural hub, situated at the foot of Mount Meru. It has a rich history intertwined with trade, colonial influence, and key moments in Tanzanian nation-building. Initially settled by the Arusha Maasai in the 1830s, it became a trade hub, particularly after the Pangani Valley route was extended. The town later experienced German and British colonial rule, followed by significant events like the signing of the Arusha Declaration in 1967 and the Arusha Accords in 1993. Today, it serves as a major tourist centre and the headquarters of the East African Community.
We created a walking tour with friendly locals, Simon and his son, Rodney. We explored the city centre around the Clock Tower and then went to the Arusha Cultural Heritage gallery. It encompasses a wide array of artistic, historical, and traditional expressions of the Tanzanian people, particularly those living in and around the Arusha region. It features diverse exhibits of traditional and contemporary art, crafts, and artefacts, reflecting the cultural identities of various ethnic groups in Tanzania.
After that, we drove to Morombo, where a famous street with little shops serving Nyama Choma is located. It is a popular dish, meaning “grilled meat” in Swahili. It typically consists of grilled goat, beef, or chicken, cooked over an open fire, often with a smoky flavour. Nyama Choma is usually seasoned simply with salt and sometimes lemon, letting the natural flavours of the meat shine. It’s commonly enjoyed with a side of kachumbari (a local salad of onions, tomatoes, and chilli) and a refreshing drink. We spent 16000 TZS for six people on meat and 13000 TZS on beer and some soft drinks.
Parking location – Arusha: 3.385300S 36.720514E (🚻,🚿,💦,🔌,🅿️10 USD / person)