Arusha Declaration Museum
Explore Tanzania's socialist past and the legacy of Julius Nyerere at this historical museum. Meet Grandpa Tom, the ancient tortoise!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Arusha Declaration Museum
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Tanzania's socialist past and the legacy of Julius Nyerere at this historical museum. Meet Grandpa Tom, the ancient tortoise!
"A fantastic historic museum about Tanzania's past. Pay for the tour guide; it's worth every penny."
🎯 Hire a Tour Guide
Highly recommended for deep historical insights. Guides like David are exceptional! :bustsinsilhouette:
📚 Research 'Ujamaa' Policy
Understand the declaration's complex impact on Tanzania's development before your visit. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arusha Declaration Exhibits
Explore the foundational principles of Tanzania's socialist development and self-reliance outlined in 1967.
President Julius Nyerere's Life
Discover the journey and legacy of Tanzania's first president through dedicated displays.
Grandpa Tom the Tortoise
Meet Arusha's oldest resident, a tortoise believed to be over 100 years old, living at the museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Declaration's Impact
Book a Knowledgeable Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hire a Tour Guide
Highly recommended for deep historical insights. Guides like David are exceptional! +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
📚 Research 'Ujamaa' Policy
Understand the declaration's complex impact on Tanzania's development before your visit. :books:
📸 Capture History
The museum offers a unique glimpse into Tanzania's past.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect an entry fee of approximately 70,000 Tanzanian Shillings. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hire a Tour Guide
Highly recommended for deep historical insights. Guides like David are exceptional! +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
📚 Research 'Ujamaa' Policy
Understand the declaration's complex impact on Tanzania's development before your visit. :books:
📸 Capture History
The museum offers a unique glimpse into Tanzania's past.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect an entry fee of approximately 70,000 Tanzanian Shillings. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Arusha Declaration Museum to be a valuable historical site, particularly for its insights into Tanzania's socialist past and the life of Julius Nyerere. Many highlight the exceptional knowledge and passion of the tour guides, making the experience highly educational. However, some note that the museum could delve deeper into the practical impacts and complexities of the Arusha Declaration and 'Ujamaa' policy.
"The Arusha Declaration was an initiative by president Julius Nyerere to turn the newly founded federation Tanzania into a self-sustaining socialist republic. The declaration was signed on February 5th 1967 in Arusha, hence the name, and outlined the principles for the new form of government. While well meant and rooted in the principles of human rights and equality for all, in practice the new rule lead to a collectivisation of agriculture where villages where formed after the ”Ujamaa” principles. Although this was first done by voluntary initiatives only, forced resettlement followed, as well as forced settlement of land not suitable for agriculture. Villages were supposed to deliver crops according to goals outlined in plans not made by those who knew the principles of farming. The result? Failing crops, falling agricultural productivity and partial famine, as well as villages being punished with more hard labour for failing to meet the quotas.
That said, the Ujamaa principles lead to higher literacy rates, longer life expectancy, lower infant mortality and, to some lesser extent, increased gender equality.
Most of the above, however, is NOT told in the museum, instead I gathered this from Wikipedia afterwards. The museum outlines the principles of the Arusha Declaration, then moved on to showcase Tanzania’s history from prehistory until the early eighties (with focus on Nyerere’s life and a quick breakout to showcase presidents, speakers of parliament and prime ministers). The job of a museum is to ask questions rather than give answers - in this case, however, the question turned out to be ”what was actually the impact of the Arusha Declaration?”, and that is definitely beside the mark.
Oh, but if you want to see a picture of a German soldier on a zebra, this is the place for you!"
Gustav Sjöstrand
"I loved this museum and I was blessed to met David. A talented young man who was my guide. He told me so many things about Tanzania history, about the early time, colonialism, slavery, tribes the first president. I’m overwhelmed with excitement about this visit and the knowledge he shared with me. His degree and his passion for history are clear.
This trip is now even more complete now.
THANK YOU, ASANTE DAVID!!! Please go to the museum and let David guide you."
Giuj_
"Very good place for history lovers and school going children.
Tour guide available."
Pauline Omoche
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Arusha, Tanzania. Many visitors arrive via shuttle from Nairobi, Kenya, which can cost around 2,500 Kenyan Shillings one way. Taxis or private transport are also common within Arusha.
Yes, Arusha is a tourism hub, and various transport options like taxis and shuttles are readily available. +1
Shuttles are a popular and convenient option, with services like Impala Shuttle mentioned by travelers. Pre-booking tickets is advised.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is approximately 70,000 Tanzanian Shillings (TzSh).
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, school groups have visited the museum for educational tours.
Opening hours are not specified in the provided content, but it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours.
Advance ticket purchase information is not readily available, but pre-booking shuttle tickets to Arusha is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the Arusha Declaration, President Julius Nyerere's life, Tanzania's history from prehistory to the 1980s, and meet Grandpa Tom, a very old tortoise.
Yes, tour guides are available and highly recommended. Guides like David are praised for their extensive knowledge of Tanzanian history. +1
Yes, it's considered a very good place for school-going children to learn about Tanzanian history.
The Arusha Declaration, issued in 1967 by Julius Nyerere, outlined principles of socialism and self-reliance for Tanzania's development.
Grandpa Tom, a tortoise believed to be over 100 years old, is a unique living exhibit at the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food and dining options within the museum itself are not specified. However, Arusha has many restaurants and cafes.
Arusha offers various dining experiences, with places like Butter & Scotch being recommended for meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, as many visitors share photos and videos online.
Key exhibits, historical artifacts, and the unique presence of Grandpa Tom the tortoise offer great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a tour guide to make the experience even more engaging for younger visitors. A knowledgeable guide can simplify complex historical concepts and make the stories come alive.
📚 History Enthusiasts
The museum chronicles the nation's journey from prehistory through the early 1980s, with a significant emphasis on the life and impact of President Julius Nyerere. To truly maximize your visit, hiring a tour guide is highly recommended. Enthusiasts rave about guides who provide extensive historical context, making the exhibits far more meaningful.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Arusha Declaration: A Historical Context
While the museum showcases these principles, it's important to note that the practical implementation of 'Ujamaa' had mixed results. Some sources suggest that while it led to improvements in literacy rates and life expectancy, forced resettlement and agricultural collectivization sometimes resulted in decreased productivity and hardship.
Visiting the Arusha Declaration Museum offers a direct look into the ideals and historical narrative promoted by the Tanzanian government during this era. It's a place to reflect on the nation's post-independence vision and its impact on the country's trajectory.
The Role of Tour Guides
Engaging a guide is often described as being 'worth every penny' and is highly recommended for anyone interested in history.
Beyond the historical context, guides can also offer local perspectives and connect the past to the present, making the visit more relevant and engaging. Their expertise ensures that visitors leave with a more profound appreciation of Tanzania's heritage.
Grandpa Tom: A Living Piece of History
This ancient creature is more than just an exhibit; he's considered a living piece of history, having witnessed generations of change in Arusha. His presence serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of conservation and respecting all forms of life, even the slowest. Grandpa Tom's longevity and calm demeanor offer a moment of quiet reflection amidst the historical narratives. He embodies a sense of continuity and resilience, connecting visitors to a much longer timeline than the museum's exhibits might otherwise convey.
His inclusion at the museum highlights a broader message about heritage, emphasizing that history is not just found in documents and artifacts, but also in the living beings that share our planet.
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