Stories and photos by Elsa Dixon (unless otherwise indicated)
Exploring Arusha, Tanzania
Before embarking on a safari in Tanzania, it is customary to overnight either at the Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) or the nearby town of Arusha, a forty-minute drive from the airport. Instead of treating Arusha as a springboard for a safari, I diversified my traveling experience, chilled for a few days, got to know the local people and the culture, and explored what the town had to offer. I had the good fortune of a private tour with Jeremiah Ngoko, a trusted friend and safari guide associated with Gideon Faustin Kabitulila’s HM Safaris. He would introduce me to what Arusha had to offer the tourist and what the tourist could learn from and, in turn, offer the town.
Relax at the Kibo Palace Hotel
The four-star Kibo Palace Hotel gave me a warm Tanzanian welcome. I felt a tingle of excitement as I bumped into a life-size Maasai figure in the lobby. I was indeed in Tanzania!
As I waited to check into my room, I lounged in the sunken reception area with its plush settees and comfortable chairs. This luxurious hotel has spacious rooms and all modern conveniences. I soon relaxed in the pool area, surrounded by beautiful gardens, enjoying a drink and a casual lunch.
In the evening, I had the opportunity to sample their excellent menu in the spacious dining room. Their service is impressive, and they go out of their way to make one’s stay memorable. While there, for example, the chef baked a giant birthday cake for one of the guests who turned 80. The celebration certainly was a special one. The staff carried in the creation while dancing and singing their version of the Happy Birthday song. Since they presented the cake at breakfast, the cake went on safari with the group.
Explore the Cultural Heritage Art Gallery
I did not know what to expect when Jeremiah told me we would be visiting the ‘Arusha Guggenheim,’ the affectionate name the locals gave to this Cultural Heritage Art Gallery. I was surprised to see the big building with its indoor spiral staircase spanning five stories. Each level displays an extensive and stunning collection of authentic African Art, some for sale at astoundingly high prices.
The items, collected from all over Africa, are clearly labeled with historical and cultural references and biographical and historical information. Besides the main Gallery, there is a separate building with adjoining rooms, each devoted to a different specialty such as African masks, tanzanite and other semi-precious stones, jewelry, purses, clothing, soapstone carvings, and much more. The sheer number of beautiful crafts, all works of Art, is truly astounding. Outdoors on the property, visitors can watch artisans practice their Art, such as carving and painting their handicrafts. The officials were proud to point me to the cornerstone of an exciting upcoming development, the Jane Goodall Museum, opening within the next few months.
Take a City Tour
There is no better way to get a feeling of life in Arusha than driving in the busy streets of the town. Pedestrians throng the sidewalks, traffic jams the streets where regular traffic rules do not seem to apply, and dodging oncoming traffic is an art form. I soon discovered that the primary forms of transport were taxis in the form of vans, tuc-tucs, and motorbikes. The big vans display bright patterns, images, and slogans in large letters, such as “Elijah is my Answer.” They weave through the cars, competing with cyclists and motorbikes. These mopeds, seating two and even three people, are a favorite form of transport. It is not unusual to see mothers balancing babies on their backs or hips on the two-wheelers.
Visit a Local School
Local guides or volunteer organizations are sure to arrange visits to local schools. I was keen to see the newly established Luwaini Pre & Primary School, run by Gideon, the owner of HM Safaris. He started with one grade only, adding a class every year. As we pulled to a stop, I could hear the enthusiastic chanting of young voices in the school building. I was impressed by the original murals on the outside walls. Detailed maps of Africa and Tanzania welcomed one.
Eat Nyama Choma at a Local Barbecue Joint
Mt. Kilimanjaro is a two-hour drive from Arusha. This mountain is the highest mountain in Africa, and the largest free-standing mountain in the world. On the way, we stopped at a local coffee farm to admire the oldest house, a dark mud structure, still in use, in Kilimanjaro.
As we entered the Kilimanjaro National Park, we saw a climber gear up for scaling the mountain. It was thrilling to see the showers where the mountaineers end up after their adventure, and it was amazing to stand at the point where mountaineers attempt this challenging climb. Be careful not to put a foot across the entrance to the route, though – you then have to pay the fee! One can enjoy an excellent display of the history, people and culture, typography, wildlife, flora, and ecosystem of the Kilimanjaro National Park or scale a giant replica of the mountain. I was impressed by the local guide, who told us that he regularly accompanied climbers up the mountain.
Add Arusha to Your Safari Itinerary
I highly recommend a tour of Arusha and its surrounding area before embarking on a safari. Meeting the people living in the country, exploring their environs, and getting to know more about their life, culture, arts, and crafts add a different dimension to one’s travels. My journey connected me to the town’s people and gave me a better understanding of their history and culture and what made Arusha such a special place.
