Sunrise in Dar-as-Salam as we boarded the ATR for the final leg to Kilimanjaro
Spring in Tanzania showed us our first pleasant surprise, Jacaranda trees were blooming at the height of their majesty all over the country.
Banana plantations along the road from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha. Over the coming week we'll get to taste bananas harvested at all stages of maturity, uncooked and cooked in delicious local dishes, usually with cassava.
Our group got dropped off at the Gran Melia initially. What a great first impression of Tanzania.
The patio and pool at the hotel.
A view from the Gran Melia Arusha patio.
Mount Meru Hotel
Part of the impressive landscaping at the Mount Meru Hotel.
Mount Meru, a view from the Mount Meru Hotel..
A beautiful Poinciana tree, but overshadowed by the gigantic cactus tree behind it. The tropical climate and rainfall in Arusha helps make all kinds of plants verdant and grand.
A leaf full of rainwater was a bath this bird enjoyed for a long time, giving me a chance to capture a few poses.
So many new birds, we need an ornithologist in our group.
These yellow birds behaved like sparrows but a little bigger and bolder. A grilled tomato for breakfast !
Amani took us to all the famous landmarks, the Clock Tower. He said It is believed that the Arusha Clock Tower is located exactly between Cairo and Cape Town and is considered the center point of the three countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The Arusha Declaration MonumentIt was unveiled in 1977 by the nation's ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party to commemorate ten years of the Arusha Declaration.
Our shopping earlier was well received at the first dinner in Tanzania!
Our Tuktuk ride in Arusha.
Healthy street food!
Primary educatoin in mandatory in Tanzania.
The Maasai Curios Market: We were in for a treat with more than 100 stalls that sell everything from local arts and crafts to souvenirs and quirky jewelr
A drive through the "suburbs", nicely manicured lawns, well cared for home probably housing city officials, Arusha has a lot of government offices.
Our new friend Amani gave us his mobile number for future fun rides in his limousine.
Jacaranda galore.
We decided to go on a tour of Meru Falls.
Headed into the jungle.
Only tough vehicles and talented drivers allowed !
Turn left at the banana tree:-)
Arrived for a short introduction to Arusha and its culture.
The jungle was all around us, but, surprisingly no mosquitos. Eveyone made it happily down to the waterfall.
Meru Falls.
The trail even had a comment book.
Back into our vehicles before it got dark. The people living there even had sturdy sticks we could use for the trail.
The Kilimanjaro hikers came back hungry. They joined us for the garden arrangement for APPNA, grilled lamb and chicken and lots of other food and dessert.What a great beginning to our Tanzania tour.
