Tanzania Places

Arusha

Arusha could be any small town in sub-Saharan Africa—dusty, crowded, and forgettable. A couple of pleasant features do distinguish it, however: potted plants line the pot-holed streets (put there by the plant nurseries just behind the sidewalks), and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Meru, Africa's fifth-highest mountain at 4,556 meters (14,947 feet) looming in the distance.

The town is bisected by the Nauru River. The more modern part is to the east of the river where most of hotels, safari companies, and banks are located; west of the river is where the bus station and main market are. Most people spend an overnight here either coming or going. There's not really much to see and do in Arusha. If you do go out, you'll be accosted by safari touts.

Shopping

If you haven't yet picked up your gifts and curios, then stop by Arusha's Cultural Heritage Centre (Serengeti Rd.). It's one of the best curio shops in Tanzania and is only 3 km (1.8 mi) out of town. You can buy carvings, jewelry, including the gemstone Tanzanite, colorful African clothing, local music, and much more. The King and Queen of Norway and Bill Clinton and his daughter Chelsea have all stopped to pick up last minute gifts and souvenirs.