Sports & nature
Arusha is a typical small, dusty Sub-Saharan African town and that is part of its charm. Set at the foot of Mount Meru, it has bustling markets next to old, rather delapidated colonial buildings interspersed with more modern shops all set on pot-holed roads filled with hooting taxis and crazy drivers. It's hard not to feel the beat of Africa here. First settled in the 1830's by the Maasai people, the town was conquered by the Germans in the early 1900's, who built the fort (Boma) which still stands. The British took the town during WW1 and it remained in their hands until independence was granted to the then Tanganyika in 1961. In July 2006, Arusha was declared a city by Tanzania. This chequered past adds to the mixture of architecture and culture still found here.
GOLFING
In Tanzania’s lush northern interior, within an amphitheater of world famous views of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and the Maasai Steppe, one thousand acres has been developed into the Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate; affectionately known locally as ‘KiliGolf’ by residents and locals. Located some 1,400 metres above sea level, Kiligolf offers outstanding views of Mount Kilimanjaro, of Mount Meru (the country’s second highest peak) and the Maasai Steppe. It is these three vistas that make the estate so unique. The course at Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate is the first championship layout in Tanzania. The par for the golf course is 72.Visitors are welcome to The Arusha Gymkhana Club, where one can take advantage of the facilities that are on offer: golf, tennis, snooker, swimming pool and gym. Arusha Gymkhana Club is a private members sports club that provides sports and social facilities to the community of Arusha as well as members of their families. Many local, national and international sporting events are held from time to time, attracting a large number of business and consumer oriented visitors. The club also boasts a challenging 9-hole golf course kept in excellent condition, which promises a good golfing experience. We also have a fully functional clubhouse.
MESERANI SNAKE PARK
The snake park is a special treasure of Arusha, a wonderful source of enjoyment and relaxation for locals and foreign visitors. 25k from Arusha and on the way to Ngorongoro and Manyara, Snake Park provides various activities, take a guided tour and learn about some of the most dangerous snakes in the world, from the Black and Green Mamba, Egyptian Cobra, Puff Adders and many more. Capture your special moment and hold a real live snake – they’re surprisingly friendly! Check out the 10 foot crocodiles at feeding time and stroke a baby crocodile. At snake Park you can also visit the Maasai Cultural Museum, jump on a camel and go on safari to the local Maasai village. Meserani Snake Park runs a free education centre for Maasai children and operates a free medical clinic for local people
THE OLD BOMA MUSEUM
In 1899 the Germans began construction of a strong fortification, a ‘boma’, which they forced the Warusha to build. Maasai in Arusha still remember the humiliation of this task: the new colonists took pleasure in riding around on the backs of the Warusha and Maasai men, egging them on with whips. One Maasai recorded the growing resentment at this form of transport in his memoirs. He was particularly enraged by an unusually heavy cargo; passing the river with his charge set heavily across his back, his patience snapped and he tossed his ‘master’ into the water. Fearing the consequences, many Maasai went into hiding in the bush, until a Maasai chief was sent to find them. The chief explained to the mutinous group that he was acting as a mediator, and that if the group returned to work all would be forgiven. The runaways marched back into the new town in a column of about 400 men; as they strode down Boma Road, the entire troop was gunned down in the street – one of history’s many warnings never to trust a ‘safe conduct’. It is said that the ‘mediator’ was promptly promoted. The bloodstained fort was completed in 1900 and became a barracks for 150 Nubian soldiers, later being made the regional government offices until 1934. When it was turned into the Arusha Museum of Natural History.
VISIT THE COLOURFUL BUSY BUZZING MARKET
For atmosphere, you can’t beat Arusha’s Central Market (between Somali and Sokoine rds.). Most stalls cater to locals, but you will unearth a few gems, including an Indian-owned shop that sells Maasai blankets to the Maasai at half the price you will pay anywhere else. (Heading north toward the market from Sokoine Rd., it’s next to the only bicycle shop.) Do be aware that the area is notorious for pickpockets so try to visit with a local guide/driver and make use of Safariland Cottages secure storage to carry only the cash you need.
CULTURAL HERITAGE & ART GALLERY
Cultural Heritage is a unique cultural centre on the outskirts of Arusha. They have curio shops, a jewelers boutique, a tanzanite and precious stone counter, a restaurant, bargain centre and an outstanding commercial art gallery. There are a vast array of ornaments, jewellery, antiques and local crafts to cater for any budget. High quality clothing, textiles, accessories, books and spices can also be found on-site at One way and the Spice Centre. Discover exquisite precious and semi-precious stones including rubies, emeralds, tsavorite, diamonds, sapphires, opals and the most highly treasured – tanzanite, a rare blue/violet stone found only in Tanzania. Purchase loose stones, select from ranges of hand-made jewellery or work with jewellers and designers to create your own unique piece.
TANZNITE EXPERINCE
Tanzanite: “1,000 times rarer than diamonds” and unique to Tanzania. There are many shops selling these brilliant blue gemstones in Arusha, but the Tanzanite Experience also offers you the chance to learn bit a more about its history and how it was formed. Buying tanzanite here ensures that you get the best quality and that it has been properly graded and certified. Prices are reasonable too, and there is a dazzling array of stones and jewellery to choose from, ethically sourced directly from their own mine, the world’s largest supplier of tanzanite. It’s an excellent way to spend an hour in Arusha and maybe pick up one of the rarest gemstones in the world.
CHANGAA SHANGAA
Shanga Shangaa, meaning “Beads Amazing”, in Swahili, is a small business employing 42 disabled, mute or deaf people based near Arusha in Tanzania. The company produces a range of beautiful necklaces made from beads and a selection of silk, kanga, chiffon and voile coloured fabrics. The company began producing Shanga necklaces for a Christmas fair in Arusha in 2006. The success of the necklaces resulted in a more serious and sustainable operation being developed which now supplys retail outlets across Tanzania.
ARUSHA DECLARATION MUSEUM
The Arusha Declaration Museum is located in the Kaloleni area in Arusha town. It is the first ever museum in the Arusha region and in the northern tourist circuit. The Museum is housed in the historical building which until 1967 was used as the social welfare hall for the people of the Kaloleni area. This museum was opened to the public in 1977 and it mainly exhibits the political history of our nation. When visiting this museum you will see depiction of the formulation of self-reliance policy, the struggle for independence, the colonial history, and the political development of Tanzania.
