About Arusha
Arusha was initially settled in the 1830s by pastoral members of the Maasai and Chini communities. It was later overtaken by Germans in 1896, followed by the British in 1916, who both left their mark on the city. It has grown substantially since then and now has a population of over 400,000 people, but there were less than 2,000 residents in 1940.
Located 1300m high, at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is not necessarily an end point in and of itself as far as Tanzanian destinations go. It’s most commonly used as a starting point for those going on safaris or mountain treks, and by travelers attempting transcontinental journeys (it’s the halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town). Dozens of tour operators and expedition companies base themselves here, catering to the thousands seeking to climb Meru or Kilimanjaro, go on a game drive, take a cultural tour, or visit one of the coffee plantations in the surrounding area.
A bustling, sometimes hectic rural hub, Arusha isn’t nearly as busy as Dar es Salaam, but there’s plenty to keep travelers’ attention for a day or two. If you haven’t been to Tanzania before it can even be a bit overwhelming, considering the number of touts, vendors, and wheeler-dealers offering all manner of tours, goods and services. The central business district and the Sekei neighborhood are the two spots that are most interesting to nose around in amongst the ever-growing urban sprawl. The CBD is populated with government and finance buildings, while most of the better restaurants, shops and nightlife can be found in Sekei. Those looking to pick up a few souvenirs should head to the Maasai Market, which has an assortment of arts and crafts targeted at tourists. For daily goods, the Central Market is also worth checking out.
Safety: Arusha is a relatively safe city, however, travelers should still avoid walking alone at night. There have been attacks on tourists in the past, particularly in the city center and on Old Moshi Road. Travelers should be particularly alert in these areas. Don’t pay attention to those who offer to help you carry your backpack when you arrive in the city, as this is a common scam by thieves aiming to get their hands on your valuables.