Arusha 🇹🇿 | Ultimate Safari Hub Guide for Backpackers

The most budget-friendly safari gateway in Tanzania! Join shared tours to 4 national parks or opt for day trips—perfect for solo travelers. 🚌 Transportation Kigoma → Arusha Direct bus: 65,000 TZS (~¥178), 21h journey Condition: Cramped seats, frequent stops (Tabora/Singida) Schedule: Departs 6:30 AM, arrives 3:00 AM at Arusha Station 🏡 Accommodation Arusha Backpackers Hotel Price: $6-8/night (single room with basic breakfast) Facilities: Fan, shared bathroom, no mosquito net Location: 500m to bus station, 10-20min walk to Chinese restaurants Tip: Online bookings often cheaper than walk-ins 🚶 Citywalk Highlights 1️⃣ National Natural History Museum ($6) Star Attraction: A 180-year-old giant tortoise! Extras: Wildlife specimens, botanical garden, art gallery 2️⃣ Maasai Market Bargain hard: Start at 1/3 of asking price! My haul: Coffee bracelet (5k TZS), Maasai statue (10k TZS), soapstone (2k TZS) 3️⃣ Cultural Heritage Centre (Free Entry) Stunning African art gallery—great to admire, but prices are steep. Shop at Maasai Market instead. 🍽️ Food & Drinks 📍 Lousiana Cafe Best deal: Beef stew platter (5k TZS/¥15) Also try: Grilled chicken (1k TZS), potato omelet (2.5k TZS) 📍 Uzunguni City Park Local BBQ: 1kg lamb leg (9k TZS) + ugali (2k TZS) + beer (3k TZS) Pro tip: The wild veggie sides outshine the meat! 📍 Flame Tree Chinese Restaurant Sichuan flavors: Spicy boiled beef (26k TZS/¥70) Bonus: Owner offers currency exchange 📍 Guruguru Café Vibe: Quiet, artsy space near clock tower Orer: Iced latte (5k TZS)—weak but photogenic 📌 Pro Tips Safari hack: Skip small parks if visiting Serengeti/Ngorongoro Cash: Withdraw/convert enough TZS—markets prefer cash Health: Stick to bottled water and well-cooked foods #ArushaOnABudget #SafariStagingGround #TanzaniaTravel