Tag: natural history

Arusha, Here We Come!

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The prospect of getting to Africa is a daunting one!

Having booked our flights many months before, the time had finally come to pack our bags and make our way to the start of our safari.

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.

Since our arrival was at 2:30 in the morning and we were departing on the Riverside shuttle a short six hours later, we had a decision to make…find our way to a nearby airport hotel for a short nap and a shower or search for a quiet  corner to make ourselves comfortable for our brief stay.  Well, six hours isn’t that long, so we opted for the latter!

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.

Nairobi Airport

Before we knew it, it was almost time to board our bus to Arusha.  Once we made a quick call to their airport contact to confirm our departure, we found that we were actually in the correct spot for Riverside’s pickup.  Peter met us inside of Paul Caffe around 8:30 a.m. and walked us out across the street to meet the waiting bus.

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.

Exiting the building, we were once again on our way to Arusha.  The whole process was completed in about an hour and not overly complicated, however, if traveling on your own, expect the border to be the busiest during the hours between 9:30-11:00 and 15:30-16:30 when the shuttle buses are passing through.  Chatting with other passengers and admiring the colorful Maasai villages helped to pass the time quickly and before long we were pulling into the Riverside bus stop.  Directed to board another bus with our luggage, we were then taken the final few blocks to the Arusha Hotel, our home for the next couple of days.

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.

We were extremely pleased to find the hotel beautiful and clean and its staff, most welcoming.  Our room was extremely comfortable and modern, though we had to have our lack of hot water addressed shortly after our arrival.  While waiting for our plumbing issue to be resolved, a short walk around the traffic circle to the small grocery store, directly across from the hotel, ensured that we could stock our refrigerator with soda, beer and have some snacks to munch on, before our nap.

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 a much needed shower and nap, we awakened feeling hungry, but not quite ready to tackle an unfamiliar city in the dark.  Deciding to visit the hotel’s dining room, we discovered that breakfast and dinner was included with our stay.  Usually, in these circumstances, one finds meals to be lackluster, however, we were quite pleased to discover dinner to be quite tasty with a large variety of options on the preset menu.

Finally, retiring to our rooms and closing our mosquito net around us (so Africa-like!), we were in lala land in no time at all!

The next morning, we discovered that most of our group had arrived late the night before.  After introducing ourselves and attending a short briefing about our trip, it was time to hit the market and see what Arusha had to offer.

Though Arusha is a bustling town, it is mainly the starting point for safaris and Kilimanjaro treks.  Taking the time to check out local shops, meet the local people and see a few of it’s attractions will help you to acclimate to this beautiful country.  A few local attractions are listed below and I will cover each in detail in its own post.

The Maasai Market offers the chance to purchase locally, handmade, one-of-a-kind souvenirs as well as sample local cuisine at its onsite cafe.

The Tanzanite Experience museum, though small, is an inviting space which through a guided tour, explains how tanzanite is mined at the foothill of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Many pieces of tanzanite and jewelry set with tanzanite are available for purchase.

The Shanga Market at the Arusha Coffee Lodge, is a unique enterprise employing people with disabilities.  It is most certainly worth a taxi ride and can be combined with the nearby Cultural Heritage Center which contains shops, restaurants, a precious stone counter and one the largest art galleries in Africa.

The Arusha Natural History Museum offers a look at the evolution of humans, fossils and the history of Arusha during the German colonial era.  A colorful market is located in the rear of the premises.

Arusha National Park, the closest National Park to town, doesn’t offer the Big Five, but rather the opportunity to explore a wide array of habitats within a few hours.  Giraffe, leopard, buffalo, and acrobatic colobus monkeys can be spotted here…add that to hiking, kayaking and climbing along with the promise of a view of Kilimanjaro and it it a great way to spend a day.  Though we did not visit this particular park, I wish we had, as many in our group gave it rave reviews!

Overall, we loved our time in Arusha!  The people were friendly and most welcoming, the cuisine delectable and our stay extremely comfortable!  If you are considering a safari in Tanzania, you won’t be disappointed with the your starting and ending point!

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The Arusha Hotel

  • http://www.thearushahotel.com/
  • Address:  P.O. Box 88, Arusha, Tanzania
  • Nightly rates:  Superior, Executive Deluxe and Suites available, $190-$350 per night single or double occupancy

Maasai Market

  • Address:  School Road, Arusha, Tanzania.  Located about a quarter mile from The Arusha Hotel.
  • Hours:  No posted hours, but operates approximately from 0900 until 1800, daily.

Tanzanite Experience Museum

Shanga

  • http://www.shanga.org/
  • Address:  Arusha Coffee Lodge, Dodoma Road, (near Arusha Airport), Arusha, Tanzania
  • Hours:  0900-1630, daily
  • Admission:  free

Cultural Heritage Center

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

Arusha National Park