The development in the city over the past few years has been phenomenal I love the city of Arusha - it is one of my favourite places in Tanzania, and a place where we once lived. I have written about it on the blog before, and posted photos and if you haven't read that post, then you should do so by clicking here as it will give you a quick overview of the city, aswell as a few more photo's.
The Arusha Clock Tower (situated on a grassy 'roundabout' a.k.a. 'traffic circle') is a famous city landmark
When we first moved to Tanzania a little over 12 years ago, many of the roads in the city (Arusha did not yet have 'city' status at that stage) were still dirt roads, and the ones which were tarred were mainly peppered with potholes and in poor condition. Over the years the roads have been fixed up, buildings in the main streets repaired and painted and there has been so much development .... with new shops, petrol stations, office blocks, hotels and restaurants being built all over the city.
Over the years, many of the roads have been repaired and tarred - and less livestock is seen on the roads now, too !
It's great to think that Arusha is an up-and-coming African city, and nice to have watched it grow and develop over the years. Especially when I compare it to some parts of Africa, where poverty is rife and many African cities and towns are sad remnants of what they once were. Sure, Arusha has it's problems in parts like crime, poverty and filth just like any other city .... but I like to rather focus on it's more positive aspects.
City traffic is increasing as the years go by & more people can afford to buy their own cars The clock tower is a famous Arusha landmark (pictured in the first 2 photo's of this post). It is commonly thought that it is the midway point between the Cape and Cairo (supposedly representing the halfway point between the two points of Africa's old British Empire). But this is not the case, as the real midway point between these 2 African cities actually lies in the central Congo. Nevertheless, it is still probably one of the most photographed city landmarks.
Many interesting items can be found for sale along the city streets - here are some African mud pots - great for putting plants in & displaying on your veranda ! According to the 2002 National Census, Arusha has a population of around 1,292 973 people, and this is increasing by around 6% per year. Many of the people living in the area are small commerical or subsistence farmers and as you drive through the city you can find many things that resident's have for sale along the roadside .... fresh fruit and vegetables, cloths and secondhand shoes and clothing, pots and plants/seedlings to mention but a few.
Mt Meru - Africa's 5th highest mountain - is visible from all over the city on a clear day (& sits at the 'end' of this road above !) Arusha lies at the Southern foot of Mt Meru (Africa's 5th highest mountain) and on a clear day the mountain is visible from many parts of the city - especially at the end of this road pictured above, although you cannot see it in the photo.
Can you see the banana plantations along the main road as you exit the city ? The photo above is taken as you head out of the city. Arusha is surrounded by lush, green, fertile lands and many banana and maize plantations (pictured below). If you ever visit Tanzania, a trip to this city is a 'must' - it has so much to offer, interesting landmarks, friendly people and some great restaurants, too ... perhaps I'll have to do a blog post about that side of the city sometime, too !
Lush, green lands and small banana and maize plantations can be found on the outskirts of the city 
