Dar Es Salaam is the largest and richest city in Tanzania. When you translate its name, it means House of Peace in Arabic. The city was formerly named Mzizima, before the Sultan of Zanzibar needed a port on the mainland. Dar Es Salaam grew fast after World War II. It is located on the east on a natural harbour on the Indian Ocean and has a population of around two million people.
Arusha is a city located in the north of Tanzania, situated below Mount Meru nearby the Great Rift Valley. The city has a pleasant climate since it’s close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha is being surrounded by some of Africa most famous landscapes and national parks. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 310 thousand people.
Arusha is known by locals as “A Town”, which helps understanding that Arusha is not a particularly attractive city. The city is often used by travelers as a stop over before safaris and sightseeing elsewhere in Tanzania. However, it’s natural charm and ambiance of the Tanzanians locals and the buzz of the fast growing city life makes Arusha having plenty to offer to travelers who are willing to see beyond air conditioned hotel rooms and safari trucks.
Arusha has two airports, the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which has regular flights from Amsterdam with KLM and other international travel destinations, and the Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) which is only in use for domestic destinations. Before continuing to your next destination or safari try to enjoy the following sightseeing’s including climbing Mount Meru, such trip can be done in 2 to 4 days. Contact the Tanzania Tourist Board in order to arrange it. Another highlight of the town, besides various markets, malls, and nightlife is the Century Cinema.
It is best to check the official website of Tanzania’s embassy in the United States for the latest information. As of early 2010, Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport for $50, or $100 for U.S. nationals.
