Arusha -

Arusha is the largest urban centre in the Kilimanjaro district. Mt Meru, the second highest peak in the country, serves as the backdrop for the this area of western Kilimanjaro. As we leave Moshi and travel to Arusha the landscape is more lush with lot's of coffee and banana plantations.


Arusha's Natural History Museum is the old German 'Boma' built to defend the territory controlled by German East Africa Company until the territory was turned over to the British as part of the First World War Armistice settlement. The German's surrendered only after the war ended in Europe. They had a stronghold here in Arusha. The remnants of the German colonialism is still very evident. Many Lutheran churches and charitable organizations still rival the Roman Catholic churches across the country. The German's really introduced the agricultural practices of coffee and banana production. Quite a few of the guides speak English and a bit of German.

The UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda continues to hear cases here in Arusha and an International Court for Human Rights has also been set up in this area. The town has a mixed culture but the Maasai and Meru tribes are predominate in Arusha. The colourful plaid coverings they wear create a stark contrast west of the city where the plains are dry and dusty at the beginning of the short rain season before the grass and water returns The Maasai continue to herd their cattle and live a somewhat nomadic lifestyle. They practice ancient ceremonial customs including ear piercings and adult circumcision. Maasai women have no property rights.

Arusha has a large population of Muslim and other Indian cultures. This is really a peaceful community considering the mixture.

We had the opportunity to visit some one of the villages and the Cicely foundation's orphanage near Arusha. Here some education is made available for the poorest in the villages and some orphans who would not otherwise have an opportunity to attend a school.


This city is the centre for safaris. Endless convoys of tourists sitting in tightly packed Land Rovers or other heavy duty vehicles clog the already chaotic streets. Time seems to have stopped when you see hand pulled carts, sidewalk vendors and dirt side roads.