Arusha – The Safari Capital of TanzaniaArusha is the undisputed safari hub of Tanzania. Almost every tour to the famous Northern Circuit begins and ends here. While most visitors come mainly to organise their safari, the town itself has plenty to offer if you have a day or two to explore.

The Clock Tower
Strolling through town, you’ll almost certainly find yourself at the iconic Clock Tower on Sokoine Road. This bustling area is packed with banks, forex bureaus, grocery stores, and souvenir shops. You’ll be approached by friendly batik sellers, Maasai women offering crafts and fresh fruit, and vendors from the nearby Maasai Market on Fire Road. It’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs, but if you’re not buying, simply be polite yet firm. The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) office is conveniently located along Boma Road, near the New Safari Hotel.

Restaurants
Arusha’s dining scene is lively and diverse, with new restaurants regularly opening. Here are some excellent options worth trying:

• Colobus Club – Specialises in Mexican cuisine. Also has an internet café, nightclub, and casino.
  Location: Old Moshi Road (former Mawingu Club)

• Ethiopian Restaurant – Perfect for exotic flavours. Traditional Ethiopian dishes plus some international options for less adventurous palates.
  Location: Old Moshi Road, near Impala Hotel

• Shanghai – Widely regarded as the best Chinese restaurant in town.
  Location: Sokoine Road, next to the Post Office

• Khan’s – A unique daytime auto spare-parts shop that transforms into a popular restaurant in the evening. Famous for the best chicken barbecue in Arusha, spicy Indian curries, fresh salads, and delicious naan bread. Great value.
  Location: Mosque Street

Night Clubs
Arusha offers a vibrant nightlife with something for every taste:

• Triple A Club – Modern and very popular. Plays Western, African, and Indian music. Features dance shows, barbecues, and live bands.
  Location: Sakina

• Colobus Club – Great mix of expats and locals dancing to Indian, American, and African hits.
  Location: Old Moshi Road (former Mawingu Club)

• Crystal Club – Known for Saturday dance performances. A lively local hangout with excellent Tanzanian music and dance moves. Slogan: “The choice of modern people.”
  Location: Seth Benjamin Street

• Sabasaba – Popular disco with a mature crowd, mainly playing African music.
  Location: Boma Road, next to Impala Hotel

Wildlife Sanctuaries

• MBT’s Snake Farm – Location: Arusha-Moshi Road (Momella)

• Meserani Snake Farm – Home to pythons, cobras, and vipers. Don’t miss the daily python feeding show! Also offers camel rides, a restaurant, bar, and campsite.
  Location: Dodoma Road, Meserani village

• Mount Meru Game Sanctuary – Location: Arusha-Moshi Road, Usa River

Internet Cafés
Arusha has seen a big internet boom. Cafés are easy to find, rates are reasonable, and connections are generally fast. Most close by 8 pm, but several stay open later.Central Market
A vibrant, colourful, and slightly chaotic experience you shouldn’t miss! Fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, dried fish, live chickens, fabrics, and crafts fill the stalls. The traditional kanga and kitenge fabrics are especially addictive — many visitors end up buying several. Shopping
Grocery stores stock a surprising range of imported goods (though prices can be high). You’ll find film, disposable cameras, clothing, cosmetics, and toiletries. Pharmacies are plentiful, with some carrying international brands (e.g. Moona’s Pharmacy on Sokoine Road). The largest supermarket is Shoprite on Sokoine Road, which has almost everything you might need. The same complex also has bookshops, cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops.Breakfast Spots

• The Hot Bread Shop – At the Clock Tower. Fresh bread, buns, croissants, ice cream, cakes, and light lunches. Internet available.

• Dolly’s Patisserie – On Sokoine Road. Excellent variety of pastries, cakes, and light meals. Internet available.

• Meru House Inn Patisserie – Ground floor of Meru House Inn. Fresh fruit juices, croissants, Danish pastries, cakes, plus lunch and dinner options.

Airports

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – About 1 hour’s drive from Arusha.

• Arusha Airport (ARK) – Domestic flights only. Just 10 minutes from town.

Arusha is the perfect starting point for your Tanzanian adventure — safe, friendly, and full of character!