This sprawling city in the northern tourist region of Tanzania is the gateway to popular safari destinations and Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. But even if your stay is a brief stopover, you shouldn’t miss some of the stores that locals enjoy in Arusha’s downtown, an area of mostly low-slung concrete buildings where street vendors hawk everything from local crafts and fruit to children’s toys. These establishments sell goods made exclusively in this East African country and show off a side of Tanzania that’s beyond its prime game viewing.
PHOTOS BY ADRIANE OHANESIAN THE NEW YORK TIMES
Masai women who live in the Arusha countryside make fashionable jewelry sold at Sidai Designs.
Burka Coffee Estates. Just beyond downtown, you can see verdant coffee plantations in the distance. A trip to this lush 1,200 acre coffee farm, built around 1899, is well worth it to learn about the pride Tanzanians take in their high-quality coffee production.
A social enterprise and destination for design lovers, Shanga sells handicrafts made by Tanzanians with disabilities.
Schwari Collectibles. Beate Allard, a Tanzanian with a Swiss background, sells stylish home goods and clothing out of an airy 1952 bungalow that’s adjacent to her Mediterranean restaurant, The Blue Heron.
When Arushans want to buy local culinary staples such as peanuts, cashews, honey, dried fruits, turmeric, chai masala and clove powder they go to Gohil’s, a simple store.