Arusha

Mt Meru - and another holy mountain for the Hindus as the hangout of Lord Brahma

Set under the shadow of Mount Meru (4566m, this large and fast growing town sprung onto the international map by the setting up of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. It was here that former Rwandan Prime Minister Jean Kamada entered a guilty plea to cultural genocide and gave information on a number of eminent politicians.

The town itself is a bit of a dirty dump with open drains and sprawling street markets, but does provide a base for organising safaris to a wide number of National Parks in the near vicinity.

Other than that there is not a great deal to do. However it does provide a variety of good eating options predominantly found on Sokoine Road and Dodoma Road.

Green Hut offers burgers, pizza and roast beef from Tsh3000, whilst a similar menu can be found at Dolly’s Patisserie. McMoody’s is a somewhat more sparkly fast food and burger joint with set meals ranging from about Tsh7000.

The precincts close to Shoprite on Dodoma Road offers excellent ice-cream at Ciao Geleti’s and the Stigbuck’s coffee house is very popular too.

I am staying at the excellent Hotel Flamingo with spotless self contained singles/doubles at Tsh25000/Tsh30000 including breakfast and hot water. The staff are exceptionally nice and helpful, and the location very central.

There are plenty of ATMS dotted around town.

It is unsafe to walk on the Old Moshi Road at night and there are pickpockets around the central bus stand.

Electricity seems to be rather hit and miss with daily powercuts.

Lonely Planet claim that the town has the most tourist touts to be found, but surprisingly i am rarely bothered or hassled.

There seems to be a sizeable ex-pat community most of which are affiliated to NGOs.

Post election disorder has been in place with street demonstrations and police in riot gear patrolling the streets so i am kinda trying to keep a low profile.nd