A Local’s Guide to Exploring Arusha Tanzania
Arusha, located in northern Tanzania just below Mount Meru, is a city where rich cultural traditions blend seamlessly with the wonders of nature. Although it is known as the gateway to some of Africa's most iconic national parks, the city has a lot more to offer than its stunning landscapes. With the guidance of professional photographer, videographer and Argos' Tanzanian field partner David Wilfred, we here at Argos Destinations have compiled the ultimate guide to exploring Arusha, Tanzania.
Local Cuisine at Kitamu Cafe
One of the city's best hidden gems is Kitamu Café. Kitamu is not just a restaurant or coffee shop; it's a place where locals and international visitors come together to savor the fusion of local flavors with international appeal. This blend of patrons and flavors creates a rich tapestry of food, people, and experiences. Owner Leah Assenga has worked passionately to capture the Tanzanian flavors when crafting the recipes for the restaurant. She sources fresh, local products from nearby farmers and collaborates with skilled professional chefs who bring their boundless expertise to the preparation and design of these dishes.
More impressive than the food is Leah’s commitment to preserving and furthering the heritage around Tanzanian coffee. Despite Arusha and the entire Northern circuit being a renowned center for Tanzanian tourism and it being surrounded by some of the world's finest coffee plantations, there are a scarcity of Tanzanian-owned coffee shops in the area. This sets Kitamu apart as one of the rare coffee shops in Tanzania that is both owned and managed by Tanzanians. Even rarer, it is one of the very few owned and operated by a woman, a distinction that Leah is working hard to make less rare. Leah is a member of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) in Tanzania, where she volunteers to help over 25 women in the village of Kibosho to get started in coffee farming. Kitamu Café is more than just a restaurant, it is a destination deeply woven into the culture and people of Arusha.
Nature's Serenity in the Heart of the City
Arusha offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. The city is home to several serene spots where you can escape and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Themi Gardens is a hidden oasis located on the small river that runs through the city. Here, you can indulge in delicious vegetarian cuisine while surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of flowing water. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or birdwatching.
For a breathtaking panoramic view of Arusha and a stunning sunset experience, venture to Kilima Punda located at Ngaramtoni. This small mountain offers a magnificent vantage point where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a magical spell over the city.
Just outside the city are the Sekei waterfalls. These falls feed directly into the river running through the city and are accessible through a park and hiking trails. The Sekei waterfalls can be a casual trip into nature to birdwatch or picnic or could be enjoyed as a long and challenging hiking daytrip.
Experiences Tourists Often Miss
Arusha has a wealth of authentic experiences that often elude tourists. While many visitors flock to the more touristy spots, there are local markets and neighborhoods that provide a genuine glimpse into daily life in the city.
One such destination is the Kwamorombo Barbecue Market, where people gather to buy fresh goat meat or experience it prepared on the spot. Unfortunately, due to the market’s impromptu appearance and its crowdedness, tourists tend to avoid visiting it, but David swears by the experience.
You can also explore vibrant local markets like Kilombero, where the bustling atmosphere and unique offerings give you a taste of traditional Tanzanian life. These markets are where residents shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, spices, and hundreds of other things. Beyond just being a shopping trip, they are a sensory experience where marketgoers can take in an almost overwhelming number of sights, sounds, and smells.
The Arusha Nightlife Scene
Arusha's nightlife scene is a dynamic fusion of a pub and nightclub. While it may not have the same intensity as major cities, it offers a unique charm. Nightspots in Arusha play a house music subgenre called Amapiano that gives these spots the feeling and energy of a club. The music combines elements of jazz and lounge music with deep-house beats making it exciting to dance to but casual enough to enjoy eating and mingling too. The nightlife in Arusha is a fluid experience, where locals and tourists can choose to enjoy the night in the way they choose.
Interestingly, the nightlife scene is so tight knit that the typical clubgoers all choose to jump between pubs at the same time. All the nightlife could be centered around a single pub one week, and a completely different pub the next week. This makes it an exciting challenge for tourists to find the best destinations for nightlife during their trip.
Conclusion
As our exploration of Arusha, Tanzania, draws to a close, we hope this guide, enriched by David Wilfred's insights, has illuminated the city's multifaceted charm beyond its role as a gateway to Africa's majestic national parks. From the culinary delights of Kitamu Café and the tranquil oasis of Themi Gardens to the vibrant hustle of Kilombero market and the rhythmic pulse of its nightlife, Arusha unveils a tapestry of experiences that blend the richness of Tanzanian culture with the beauty of its landscapes. It's a place where the warmth of its people shines brightly, inviting you to delve deeper, look beyond the surface, and discover the heart and soul of this vibrant community. With Argos Destinations, we invite you to journey through Arusha, not just as a traveler, but as a participant in its unfolding story, carrying with you memories that resonate far beyond the borders of this enchanting city.
ABOUT DAVID WILFRED
David Wilfred was born in Morogoro the Easten part of Tanzania, grew up in Moshi. He is a self-taught Professional Photographer with a degree background in Banking and Finance. He is a Founder and Director of SKYSTUDIOS Africa based in Arusha Tanzania.
His photographic work has focused on various subjects over years, covering community, environments, nature, Travels, gender issues, commercials and destinations.
