It’s been a while since my last update, back when I was still in Moshi. A lot has happened since then. After spending nearly two months in Moshi, I decided it was time to move on as my visa was nearing its end. Now, I find myself in Arusha, a larger city with a few more amenities — like warm water in the showers — a luxury I’ve come to appreciate.
Settling into Arusha
I booked a stay at the Arusha Backpackers Hotel through Booking.com. It’s a budget-friendly hostel with tiny private rooms that remind me of doghouses — similar to my experience in Dahab, Egypt, though pricier. Five nights in a private room cost me 28 euros. The rooftop common area, accessible by a staircase I’m not fond of. The private rooms makes it harder to connect with others. Despite this, I’m considering extending my stay by another five days before moving on.
Revisiting Familiar Spots
I’ve revisited places I’d seen before, like the Clock Tower, the turtles at the former German fortress, and a familiar café. The café’s prices have climbed steeply — a cappuccino now costs 7,000 TZS instead of the 5,000 TZS it used to be. Meanwhile, the turtles have grown significantly larger. One amusing highlight was catching two turtles mating, a rare sight that I captured in photos and video.
The Massai Market
The Massai Market, bustling with activity, drew me back. While it’s more of a tourist attraction than a traditional Massai marketplace, the array of crafts, souvenirs, and local goods is impressive. I’m on the hunt for a small pouch to organize my adapter, charger, and cables in my backpack. Though I haven’t made up my mind yet, the “mzungu price” — a markup for white visitors — makes bargaining an exhausting ordeal. This phenomenon isn’t new to me, but it’s still frustrating.
My Hat Story
Back in Moshi, I needed a hat to shield my head from the relentless sun. After days of negotiating, I finally bought one for 10,000 TZS — down from an initial quote of 35,000 TZS. While the hat offers decent sun protection, the workmanship leaves much to be desired. Experiences like this have taught me to research prices beforehand, though even that doesn’t guarantee a fair deal.
The Journey to Arusha
My journey from Moshi to Arusha was another adventure. I opted for the express bus, which costs 5,000 TZS and takes about two hours. Initially, a tout tried to sell me a ticket for the smaller buses at an inflated price and with the lie it is the express bus. After some back-and-forth, I secured the correct fare and endured a cramped ride with my backpack on my lap. Once in Arusha, I checked into the hostel — coincidentally, the same room I’d stayed in four months prior.
Food Adventures
Street food exploration in Arusha has been a mixed bag. On my first day, vendors quoted inflated prices — a common experience for mzungus. Eventually, I found an honest vendor who sold me fries at the local price of 2,000 TZS. Although he didn't have a seating area, he kindly cleaned up a spot in a nearby shop so I could sit and enjoy my meal. The fries, served with a spicy sauce, were delicious.
Dinner the next evening was another test of patience. Tired of haggling, I returned to a vendor I’d dealt with before. When he tried quoting a high price again, I firmly corrected him. This time, he smiled and gave me the local rate: 3,000 TZS for fries and two beef sticks.
A Glimpse into Arusha’s History
The Clock Tower, a relic from British colonial times, marks the midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town. Though often misunderstood as the center of Africa, its symbolic significance remains intriguing. Before becoming part of the British Empire, Tanzania was under German colonial rule. In Arusha, there's an old German fortress that now houses the National Museum. This historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into Tanzania's colonial past, complete with its current unusual residents a group of turtles that add a unique charm.
Moving On
As I write this, I’ve been in Arusha for nearly two weeks. Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to a new city, preparing to leave Tanzania and explore other African countries. While Tanzania, once part of German East Africa, has a unique charm, it’s time to continue my journey.
Stay tuned to discover where the road takes me next!
