Mbalageti Serengeti
Mbalageti Serengeti
Mbalageti Serengeti (Serengeti National Park) – located on the western corridor of the Park, this lodge offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama view of the Serengeti Plain lands and the Mbalageti River, where one of the main attractions is the annual migration of wildbeest and zebra. Morning diners have the option of an exclusive bush breakfast, while later arrivals can take part in a group (buffet-style) bush dinner.
BOMA Grill
BOMA Grill
BOMA Grill (Four Seasons Lodge, Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park) – this restaurant is styled as a Masai boma with the exotic touch of luxury people come to love at the Four Seasons. Natural wooden appointments with a central stage fire pit and deep red accent pillows are all illuminated by candlelight. At night, the Masai perform several songs around the fire (a source of entertainment for the guests). Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. Since spaces are limited, it’s wise to make reservations.
MINIBUSES
MINIBUSES
MINIBUSES – the main mode of public transport in Arusha is the daladala. These minibuses are ubiquitous all over Tanzania, and are very cheap, at TZS400 (about 25 cents) for any trip around town. However, they tend to cram in as many people as possible, so safety is a real concern, and pickpocketing can happen quickly, so store valuables in bags on your lap. Taxis are also cheap and easily available, but make sure to agree on a price before leaving for your destination.
TAXI
TAXI
TAXI –in Arusha (as on other parts of Tanzania), since taxis there are not metered, it is best to negotiate the fare before boarding. The taxi services that function in Arusha are:
Impala Shuttle Services: +255 754 678 678
Tarimo Taxi Service: +255 756 595 945
InDriver Taxi App: this Russian taxi app launched in Arusha in November 2018 (expanding to Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town). It allows riders propose fares for their trips (based on pre-approved rates) after which nearby drivers who receive notice of the ride request can accept the rate or respond with counter-offers. A prospective rider then picks a preferred driver based on their agreed fare or driver rating.
See their website for details: indriver.com
Uhuru Monument
Uhuru Monument
Uhuru Monument (Uhuhu Roundabout, Arusha) – located near the Arusha Declaration Museum, this monument pays tribute to the “Arusha Declaration”, made by the country’s rulers in 1967 that espoused equality for all humanity, individual rights, a just return for one’s labor through socialism, and economic self-reliance. The monument was erected in 1977 by the country’s ruling party to commemorate (at the time) the Declaration’s tenth anniversary.
Tanzanite Museum
Tanzanite Museum
Tanzanite Museum (The Tanzanite Experience, Blue Plaza, 3rd Floor, India Street, Arusha) — visiting The Tanzanite Experience Museum gives visitors a chance to enjoy one of the main attractions in Arusha. It is an exciting journey that leads you right into the heart of this precious gemstone. Through a guided tour, visitors understand why Tanzanite is not only so rare and sought after, but also the complexities involved with its mining, the skills of cutting and polishing the gemstone, as well as enjoying the stories and myths surrounding the stone. Free admission. Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Monday – Saturday), 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Sunday).
Olduvai Gorge Museum
Olduvai Gorge Museum
Olduvai Gorge Museum (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) — Founded by Mary Leakey in the late 1970s, Olduvai Gorge Museum is now looked after by Tanzania’s Department of Cultural Antiquities. The attraction was created to house fossils of early hominids, as well as tools and other paleontological artefacts found in the area around Olduvai Gorge. In the 1990s it was restored and a new wing added using funding from the J. Paul Getty Museum. Entrance fee: US$35 per person.
Mwalimu Nyerere Museum Centre
Mwalimu Nyerere Museum Centre
Mwalimu Nyerere Museum Centre (Butiama, Mara Region) – this museum first opened its doors to visitors in 1999. Exhibits include an interesting selection of objects relating to the life of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who was born in this village in 1922 and later became the country’s very first president. They include personal items, as well as those involved in the struggle for Tanzania’s independence and some presidential gifts. Hours: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm (daily).
Isimila Stone Age Site
Isimila Stone Age Site
Isimila Stone Age Site (Iringa) — back in the late 1950s, archaeologists discovered this historical find, one of the most significant Stone Age sites ever identified, scattered amid a dramatic landscape of eroded sandstone pillars. Tools found on the site included hammerstones, axe heads, flints and scrapers that are estimated to be between 60,000 and 100,000 years old. There is also a small museum on site.
The town of Isimila is signposted off the Mbeya road to the left, about 21 km southwest of Iringa. Admission: 20,000 TZS (foreigners), 2,000 TZS (locals). Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (daily).
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (Haki Road, Plot No. 486 Block A, Lakilaki Area, Arumeru District, Arusha) – this was an international court set up by the United Nations in November 1994 (under UN Security Council Resolution 955) in order to try those accused of committing war crimes during the Rwandan genocide that took place in that neighboring country earlier that year.
Many high-ranking Rwandans (in particular from the majority Hutu ethnic group) were tried and convicted of various war crimes during such trials. Arusha made diplomatic history by simply hosting these proceedings. Even though the Tribunal officially shut down in 2015, there are other Rwandan war criminals who have not been brought to justice, which could trigger its reopening in the near future (if and when they are apprehended).
