Welcome 2 Arusha

Welcome to DjangoCon Africa , This year the conference will be held in Arusha!

DjangoCon Africa 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Arusha,Tanzania

Welcome to Arusha, Tanzania, the host city for DjangoCon Africa 2025! This guide is designed to help you prepare for an unforgettable experience, from August 11th to 15th, 2025. We're excited to welcome you to this vibrant city, the "Safari Capital of the World," and gateway to some of Africa's most breathtaking landscapes.

Conference Details:

• Dates: August 11th - 15th, 2025
• Venue: Life Fitness Hall (Formerly known as 101 Complex) Njiro, Arusha, Tanzania
• Official Website: https://2025.djangocon.africa

Why Arusha?

Get a glance of how beautiful Arusha and Tanzania are

Arusha is more than just a starting point for safaris; it's a city rich in culture and history, offering a warm welcome to all visitors.:

Travel Information

Getting to Arusha

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA): This is the primary airport for reaching Arusha.
• Distance to Arusha: Approximately 50 km (31 miles).
• Transportation from KIA to Arusha:
  • Shuttles: Several shuttle services are available, offering a convenient and affordable option. Expect to pay around TZS 20,000 (~USD 8). It's advisable to pre-book.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport but are generally more expensive than shuttles. Negotiate the fare before you start your journey.
  • Private Transfers: Many hotels offer private transfer services. Contact your hotel in advance to arrange this.
• Arusha Airport (ARK): This airport primarily handles domestic flights.
• Connecting through Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): If you arrive in Tanzania through Dar es Salaam (DAR), you can take a domestic flight to Arusha Airport. This can save significant travel time. Check Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, and Air Tanzania for flight options.

Getting Around Arusha

Arusha offers several transportation options:

• Public Transport (Dala-Dalas): These minibuses are the most affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded. Be prepared for a local experience!
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Bolt and inDrive are available in Arusha, offering convenient and relatively affordable transportation. Both offer car and motorcycle (Bajaj) options.
• Taxis: Taxis are available, but it's essential to negotiate the fare before you start your journey.
• Motorcycle Taxis (Bajajs or Bodabodas): These are a quick way to get around the city, especially for shorter distances. Negotiate the price beforehand, and wear a helmet if provided.

Health and Safety

Health

• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
• Routine Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on your routine vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella, etc.).
• Yellow Fever: Tanzania requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Check the WHO website for the latest list.
• Typhoid and Hepatitis A: Consider vaccinations for these.
• COVID-19: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not currently required, but vaccination is strongly recommended.
• Malaria Prevention:
  • Anti-malarial Medication: Consult your doctor about appropriate prophylaxis.
  • Mosquito Repellent: Use a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
  • Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially in the evenings.
  • Accommodation: Sleep under a mosquito net or in air-conditioned rooms.
• Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water unless it has been boiled.
• Altitude Sickness: If you plan to climb Mount Meru, be aware of altitude sickness. Acclimatize gradually, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days.

Safety

• General Safety: Arusha is generally safe, but exercise common sense.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
• Secure Valuables: Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, cameras, or large amounts of cash.
• Use Reputable Services: Use registered taxis or reputable ride-hailing services.
• Nighttime Precautions: Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
• Petty Theft: Be aware of the possibility of pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.

Practical Information

Climate in August

August is an excellent time to visit Arusha, as it falls within the dry season.

• Weather: Expect warm days and cool evenings.
• Rainfall: Minimal rainfall.
• Daytime Temperatures: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
• Nighttime Temperatures: 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F)
• Altitude Variations: Temperatures can vary depending on altitude.
• Arusha National Park: Daytime highs around 19°C (66°F), nighttime lows around 9°C (48°F).
• Mount Meru: Expect significantly cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations.

What to Pack

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days.
  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants for evenings and protection from mosquitoes.
  • A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
  • A waterproof jacket or poncho, just in case.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
  • Modest clothing for visiting rural areas or religious sites.
  • Swimsuit.
• Essentials:
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Sunscreen (high SPF).
  • Hat and sunglasses.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Personal toiletries.
  • Any necessary medications (in their original packaging) and a copy of your prescription.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • A small backpack for day trips.
  • Universal adapter and power bank.
• Optional:
  • Binoculars (especially for safaris).
  • A travel pillow.
  • A small first-aid kit.
  • A headlamp or flashlight.

Culture and Etiquette

• Respect Local Customs: Tanzanians are known for their warmth and friendliness.
• Dress Modestly: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing.
• Greetings: "Jambo" (hello) is a common greeting in Swahili.
• Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people.
• Tipping: Tipping is customary in restaurants, hotels, and for safari guides.
• Language: Swahili is the national language. While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Swahili phrases is appreciated.

Accommodation

Here are some accommodation options that are nearby the venue and all city facilities. It's highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially because August is peak tourist season.

Online Means to review and book your accommodations:

For those interested in Hotel and AirBnB Rentals. Use

• Booking.com: Filtered Hotels and Accommodations near the Venue (Adjust the dates and your budget to fit your stay)
• Airbnb: Filtered Near the Venue and all Town areas (Adjust the dates and your budget to fit your stay)

Accommodations below will require linking up with the Coordinators on the ground:

• Eagles
  • Capacity: 13 people
  • Rate: Approximately USD 20 per person per night
  • Type: Lodge
• Megan Hotel:
  • Capacity: ~20 people
  • Rate: Approximately USD 30 per person per night
  • Type: Hotel
  • Link

This accommodation list will be updated to include more options. For more details - check with the people on the ground.

Local Resources and Contacts

• Venue: Life Fitness Hall, Njiro
• On-the-Ground Contacts:
  • Julius Moshiro
  • Emmanuel Evance

Additional Tips for an Amazing Trip

• Learn some basic Swahili: Simple phrases like 'Jambo' (Hello), 'Asante' (Thank you), and 'Karibu' (Welcome) will go a long way.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets and for taxis (if not using a meter or ride-hailing app).
• Currency: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments and markets.
• Stay Connected: Consider purchasing a local SIM card for affordable data and calls. Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo are common providers.
• Power: Tanzania uses Type D and G electrical outlets. Pack an adapter. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz.
• Respect the Environment: Be a responsible traveler. Avoid littering, and respect wildlife and their habitats. If you go on safari, follow the guidelines of your tour operator.
• Enjoy the local cuisine: Tanzanian food is delicious and diverse. Be sure to try local dishes like Ugali, Nyama Choma, and Zanzibar Pilau.
• Embrace the culture: Tanzanians are known for their hospitality. Be open to learning about their culture and traditions.

We hope this guide helps you prepare for an incredible experience at DjangoCon Africa 2025 and a memorable visit to Arusha!