From colorful markets to local food and charismatic neighborhoods, Arusha welcomes travelers with great energy and open arms. While many travelers pass through on their route to safaris or national parks, spending a day here provides an interesting view into Tanzanian urban life. Here's how to spend one day in Arusha.
Morning
Begin the day by perusing Maasai Market Curios & Crafts, a maze of kiosks crammed with Tanzanian items, for gifts and oddities. Exploring the market allows you to strike up a chat with a local and collect souvenirs. Prices are supposed to be negotiated, and the top finds at the Maasai Market include beading, hand-woven baskets, and wood sculptures. Instead, go to the Cultural Heritage Centre for more expensive souvenirs and jewels. It is recognized for its large assortment of tanzanite and has a gallery-like environment with high-quality art and crafts from all across the country.
Afternoon
The Old Bomas Museum is Arusha's leading natural history site, with a unique location inside a guarded German stronghold. Displays on human evolution and Tanzanian fossils, as well as taxidermy, photos of natural vegetation, and information about the country's amazing creatures, may all be found here. Some Arusha-guided excursions include a visit to the Old Bomas Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum. After you've seen the natural history wings, go to the portion about Tanzania's period under German colonial control.
Night
Take a cab for a night of local eating, whether you're seeking the expensive or more rustic fare. Barbecue fans should not miss the outstanding open-air Khan's Barbecue, while the beautiful Rivertrees Restaurant near Arusha National Park boasts a breezy, garden dining area. Kitamu Coffee, located near the Arusha Clock Tower, serves Tanzanian specialties such as green peas in coconut sauce as well as locally sourced Kilimanjaro coffee. Because of Arusha's strong Indian community, it's simple to discover delicious curries: Hot Tandoor Village Indian Cuisine serves dishes at outside tables surrounded by vegetation.