Arusha walking route: Arusha Mall checkpoint to City Center
An 8.1 km route through Arusha, Tanzania's main tourist hub, connecting key city landmarks including the Arusha Mall checkpoint and City Center shopping areas. The 66-minute journey showcases how the town serves as a gateway for safari expeditions while offering modern amenities and local hospitality.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Welcome to Tanzania, Arusha
- End
- Shopping Mall
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Welcome to Tanzania, Arusha — Gateway city in northern Tanzania serving as the primary hub for safaris to Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the Serengeti ecosystem.
- Arusha Mall checkpoint — Central shopping and commercial landmark in Arusha where visitors encounter local commerce, security checkpoints, and authentic street-level interactions with residents.
- Arusha City Center — Tanzania's most touristic town in East Africa, known for busy streets with motorbikes and tuk tuks.
- Shopping Mall — A mall in Arusha that the speaker approaches while heading toward the café.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Negotiate tuk tuk prices before getting in. Hotel receptionist quoted 2,000 TZS, but drivers may ask up to 5,000 TZS for tourists. Actual fair price is around 3,000 TZS ($1.50).
- Food
- Café Arusha (in Arusha Mall, 3rd floor) has 4.9 rating with 290 reviews. American breakfast with coffee costs around $12-14. Service is fast (under 10 minutes) with good quality.
- Food
- Local soup restaurants near city center serve goat or beef soup for 1,000 TZS. This is affordable, protein-rich local food popular in the morning.
- Where to stay
- Hotels in Arusha often include breakfast. Many are among the highest buildings in the area, offering good city views and access to surrounding attractions.
- Tip
- Learn basic Swahili: 'Karibu' means welcome, 'Karibu sana' means very welcome. You'll hear 'Karibu' frequently from locals in Tanzania.
- Save money
- Arusha is a major tourist hub where many visitors start safaris and expeditions. Prices may be inflated for tourists—negotiate and ask for local prices.
- Tip
- Arusha Mall has a checkpoint at entrance. It's a shopping center with clothing, sports items, and wedding decorations alongside restaurants.
- Tip
- Mount Mawenzi (volcanic mountain) is visible from Arusha's high buildings. Offers good views of the city and surrounding areas.
Video on this route
This Is How They Treat You In Tanzania's Most Touristic Town - Arusha 🇹🇿