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Tanzania has a fascinating history.
In 1899, the Germans began constructing a boma or strong fortification in Arusha. The Maasai people were conscripted to complete this task while the new colonists surveyed the work site on horseback. Those not working as as swiftly as deemed necessary welcomed whippings and severe punishment. Resentment ensued and after a Maasai tossed his master into the river, many Maasai went into hiding, fearing the consequences. A local Maasai chief was sent to find them and act as mediator. He explained that they could return to work with no ramifications. As the approximately 400 Maasai marched back into town, down Boma Road, they were all gunned down. A bloody beginning for the German edifice.
The boma was completed in 1900 and became a barracks for 150 Nubian soldiers. Later, the fortification was made the regional government offices until 1934, when it was turned into the Arusha Museum of Natural History.
Today, the boma still stands strong on Boma Road as the Museum of Natural History. Those wishing to enlighten themselves on Tanzania’s natural wonders can also educate themselves on Tanzania’s turbulent history.
Though the museum is not teeming with high tech displays, it is extremely informative and can be navigated with the help of a guide (if so desired). Take the time to read the displays and investigate the numerous artifacts available…you won’t be disappointed.
The museum divided into three different areas. The wing dedicated to the evolution of humans is quite fascinating as much of what the world knows about the topic comes from fossils unearthed in Tanzania, including the findings from the Olduvai Gorge and the Laetoli footprints. On display are many incredible early hominid fossils, including Australopithecines, Homo erectus, and Homo habilis skulls, and stone hand axes from Olduvai Gorge. Illustrations, facts and Neanderthal displays highlight the building. In addition, there are many displays of insects and amazing photos of plants and animals by photographer Dick Persson.
The second building is dedicated to the history of the German colonial regime in Northern Tanzania. There are many photos and displays pertaining to this period and to Tanzania’s struggle for independence.
The third building offers more animal pictures and facts about the origin of man. Here, you can see taxidermists at work as well as a vast array of their endeavors on the walls. We loved seeing these up close as a precursor to our expedition.
On the side and rear of the property you can find a couple of indigenous snakes and many native plants and trees in the botanical garden.
Be sure to check out the artists and shops at the far end of the grounds. There are many items for sale and you can watch the artisans at work. Paintings, clothing items, carvings, jewelry are all available in a no hassle atmosphere. Take your time walking around and watch them create their wares. If you so desire, you can even take a painting lesson! Now that would be an impressive souvenir!
The museum is situated at the end of the Boma road neighboring the Arusha International Conference Center, the Arusha Municipal Council, and the Arusha Regional Offices and is easy to find navigating from the clock tower. Definitely an enlightening visit!
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Arusha Natural History Museum
- http://eol.habari.co.tz/museum.htm
- Address: Located at the end of the Boma road neighboring the Arusha International Conference Center, the Arusha Municipal Council, and the Arusha Regional Offices.
- Hours: 0900-1800
- Admission: $5.00
Beginning with a brief introduction on where Tanzanite is found in one small area in the Mererani Hills in Northern Tanzania, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Akiyo then went on to explain how Tanzanite could once be collected on the surface. Eventually, this scavenger mining gave way to pits and tunnels extending far beneath the earth’s surface.
Our flight from New York to Istanbul was uneventful, if not a long one. Movies and a nap helped pass the time and I was quite comfortable in economy class with the help of my new neck pillow and foot sling. Before long, we were landing in Turkey, gazing longingly at the skyline, wishing I had time to visit the Bazaar (how I miss Istanbul’s shopping!) After a three hour sit, we boarded our plane and were landing in Kenya six hours later, making our way through customs and immigration quickly.
Making our way out of Terminal 1D, we began looking for a cafe that we could have a bite to eat and hang out. Paul Caffe was near the main part of the airport, and after entering, we discovered that many other people were spending time and even taking naps (which the workers did not seem to mind). Ordering a couple of sodas, we found a table with outlets nearby to charge our devices. After having breakfast a little later, we found very clean bathrooms just around the corner and were able spread out our things, change clothes and take a quick sponge bath.
There are a few companies that offer shuttle transportation between Nairobi and Arusha. We chose Riverside from a recommendation from a friend and because the price was higher than two of the others that I had investigated. Believing the higher price made the product more desirable, we were a little disappointed to find the bus’ interior to be only adequate. A few seats were available near the back of the bus and we found the ride to be a bit uncomfortable due to the lumpy seats and the many speed bumps along the highway. Despite the cramped quarters, however, we were able to take a quick nap before arriving at a rest stop about three hours later. Given ten minutes to use the facilities and get a drink, we even had time to peruse the many crafts available at the site.
Departing the rest stop, we soon found ourselves at the Namanga border crossing, about 120km from Arusha. Ushered into the building and lined up against a wall, the process was a bit confusing. A uniformed officer checked to ensure that each person had a yellow fever immunization card before allowing us to proceed to the window. Since we had arrived into Kenya, the night before, we were quickly re-fingerprinted and stamped out. Heading to the exit, we found our bus waiting for us and hastily dodged the numerous Masai women selling bracelets, necklaces and other items. Driving around to the Tanzanian side of the border, we were required to claim our baggage from the bus and proceed into the building to clear immigration and customs. Once again, our yellow fever immunizations cards were checked and we were ushered into one of the lines snaking through the new building. At the window, our immigration forms (given to us by our driver) were handed to the agent and $100 (per person) was paid while our visa was pasted into our passports. Though we were required to bring our baggage into the building, we were not required to pass it through the x-ray machines nor was it inspected.
One of the oldest hotels in East Africa, the Arusha Hotel was established in 1894 in the then new and undeveloped town. Over the years, the hotel was a haven for those traveling from Cairo to the Cape and beyond. Enduring many changes and improvements over the years, the hotel has retained its status as one of Arusha’s grandest hotels, offering its foremost hospitality to many guests over the years, including the Prince of Wales, Baron Von Blixen and John Wayne, while filming Hatari.
An Airtel office, a block away, was also a convenient find. Knowing that we would be restricted to WiFi in the lobbies of our lodges during our safari, adding a local sim card to my extra phone ensured that I could be reached in the event of an emergency. It also allowed me to have access to the internet while we were out and about or in our room.
After our swim back to the Bad Kitty 2, we were on our way once again with a seagull riding the wind behind us. Our next destination, Salt Island and the wreck of the RMS Rhone.
Since, our lunch orders had been called in to the restaurant earlier in the day, we were all seated and served quickly, helping to keep us to our tight schedule.
The sun was bright, the sands warm, the water cool, the music blaring and the booze flowing…how much more fun can you have?
Sadly, our day was drawing to a close. Climbing on board the Bad Kitty 2, we watched the colorful bars grow smaller as we headed into the deep blue waters of the Caribbean and the setting sun.
St. John was our final stop in order to clear customs back into the United States before heading back to St Thomas. The U.S. is a little more strict than the BVI so tipsy or not, we all had to cover up, act sober, making our way onshore, passports in hand and clear customs.
Originally, settled by the Arawak and Carib Indians, the United States purchased St. John from the Danish West India and Guinea Company in 1917. In 1956, over 5,000 acres of land was donated to the National Park Service by Laurance Rockefeller, assuring it natural preservation.
‘After a few rain showers blew through and the skies decided to remain cloudy, I persuaded my family that we should drive into town to see the fort…the fact that there is a souvenir market next door and the promise of some cool t-shirts cemented the deal.
A basic square structure with stone curtain walls and diamond-shaped stone bastions at the corners, the Tyygborg tower and north curtain were eventually demolished as well as other parts of the fort. The current Gothic Revival structure, with its Victorian clock tower, which serves as an entrance, was eventually built to replace the north curtain in the 18th century. Today, the bastions and the rooftop can be accessed as well as the living quarters that were later added.
We enjoyed visiting the lower level which houses former cells, displays detailing the fort’s history, chapel and the living quarters. These areas are filled with antiques and gives an idea of the living standards at the time. We did not have a tour guide as we arrived just before three o’clock (last admitting time) however, having an escort would have been a benefit in learning more about the history of the structure and the role it played in protecting the island’s harbor.
