Arusha's busy central market and its colorful Maasai curio market offer a vivid look at daily life, and a few simple tips make visiting easy.
Before or after a safari, a few hours exploring Arusha's markets is one of the best ways to feel the pulse of the city. Piles of mangoes and avocados, sacks of beans and rice, spice stalls, secondhand clothes and rows of carvings and beadwork all compete for your attention.
Markets can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you are fresh off a long flight. Our team in Arusha shops in them every week, so here is our practical guide to enjoying them comfortably and respectfully.
Quick tips
- Visit the central market in the morning for the freshest produce and best atmosphere.
- Carry small Tanzanian shilling notes in a secure front pocket.
- Bring a reusable bag, since plastic bags are banned.
- Ask before taking photos of traders or their stalls.
- Consider a local guide on your first visit for help with Swahili and fair prices.
Arusha Central Market
The central market, known locally as Soko Kuu, is a working market used by residents for daily shopping. Inside and around it you will find fresh produce, dried fish, grains, spices, household goods and butchers, with traders calling out prices and porters weaving through the crowd.
It is not a tourist attraction, which is exactly its appeal. Go in the morning when produce is freshest and the atmosphere is busy but not chaotic, and consider buying fruit for your safari snacks.
The Maasai Market for Crafts
Arusha's curio market, often called the Maasai Market, gathers many small stalls selling beadwork, carvings, paintings, kitenge and kanga fabrics, baskets and jewelry. Not all sellers are Maasai, and many goods come from different regions of Tanzania and beyond.
Market locations in town have shifted over the years, so ask your guide or driver for the current spot. Expect friendly but persistent sales pitches; a polite hapana, asante (no, thank you) is perfectly acceptable.
How to Bargain Well
Bargaining is expected at craft stalls, though less so for everyday produce. A few principles help:
- Browse several stalls first to get a feel for typical prices.
- Decide what an item is worth to you before asking the price.
- Counter with a friendly offer and keep the tone light and good-humored.
- Walk away politely if you cannot agree, without insulting the seller.
- Once you agree on a price, honor it and pay promptly.
Money, Bags and Practicalities
Carry Tanzanian shillings in small notes, since market sellers rarely accept cards and may struggle to change large bills. US dollars are sometimes accepted at craft stalls, but you will usually get a better deal in local currency.
Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, so bring a reusable cloth or tote bag for your purchases. Wear comfortable closed shoes, as floors can be uneven, wet or muddy, especially in the rainy seasons.
Photography and Personal Safety
Many traders do not want to be photographed, so always ask first and respect a refusal. A wide shot of the market without close-ups of individuals is usually less intrusive.
As in any busy market worldwide, pickpocketing can happen. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag, leave valuables at your hotel and stay aware in crowded aisles. For a first visit, Ndovu African Expeditions can arrange a local guide to accompany you and help with language and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Arusha's markets?
Generally yes, with the same common sense you would use in any busy city market. Keep valuables secure, avoid flashing cash and consider going with a local guide on your first visit.
When are the markets open?
The central market and curio stalls typically open from morning until late afternoon, with Sundays usually quieter. Hours can vary, so check with your hotel or guide on the day.
Can I buy fruit at the market to eat on safari?
Yes, the market is a great place to buy fruit such as bananas, mangoes and passion fruit. Choose fruit you can peel, or wash it in clean bottled water before eating.
