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Arusha Clock Tower

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Landmark
—°11
Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)

Weather…

The Arusha Clock Tower is the most iconic landmark in the city of Arusha and a vital reference point for travelers in Tanzania. Erected in the 1950s, the tower marks the center of the city at the intersection of major roads. It is famously associated with the legend that it stands at the exact midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town, although modern geographic measurements suggest this is more symbolic than precise. The tower features a simple colonial-style design and is situated within a well-manicured roundabout decorated with seasonal flowers. It serves as a popular meeting spot for tourists preparing to embark on safaris to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. The surrounding area is the commercial heart of Arusha, hosting major banks, the post office, and several historic hotels. For the people of Arusha, the Clock Tower is a symbol of the city's growth and its status as the 'Safari Capital' of East Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232423222120202122232323
Rain mm9668106122598371042108102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Arusha Clock Tower is a prominent landmark in central Arusha that can be viewed from the street at any time. It is an open public space with free access.
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Typical hours
As an open monument, it is visible around the clock. The best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.
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Photography
Photography is possible anytime without restrictions. The clock tower with the sign marking halfway between Cairo and Cape Town is a popular photo subject.
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Time needed
A short stop of about 10 to 15 minutes is enough to take photos and observe the surroundings. As the landmark is on a traffic island, cross the road safely.
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Combine with
Combine the clock tower with a visit to the Arusha Declaration Monument and Arusha National Park. Both attractions are just a few kilometres apart.
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Getting there
The clock tower is located in the heart of Arusha at the intersection of main roads. It is easily reachable on foot from the city centre; many hotels are nearby.
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Insider tip
Watch out for traffic when taking photos, as the monument sits on a busy roundabout. Use early morning hours when fewer cars are around.

Geography

Coordinates
-3.37030, 36.69080

Facts

  • Built during the 1950s
  • Marks the central business district of Arusha
  • Reputed midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town
  • Popular gathering spot for safari tours
  • Located at a major traffic roundabout
  • Surrounded by banks and commercial offices

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Arusha Declaration MonumentArusha Declaration Monument<1 km · SWExplore →
Castell de FerroCastell de Ferro4 km · NExplore →
CalahondaCalahonda4 km · WExplore →
CarchunaCarchuna6 km · WExplore →
Torrenueva CostaTorrenueva Costa10 km · WExplore →
La MamolaLa Mamola11 km · NEExplore →
Mount MeruMount Meru13 km · NEExplore →
El VaraderoEl Varadero14 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Arusha Clock Tower (11)

Arusha coffee mill Ltd🏺 historical

An old coffee milling facility standing as an industrial monument in Arusha.

Clock Tower🗼 tower

A famous circular clock tower in Arusha, traditionally considered the exact midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town.

Sundowner Spot📍 landmark

A popular evening attraction in Arusha offering scenic sunset vistas.

Songota Waterfall🌿 nature

A photogenic viewpoint allowing visitors to observe the cascading waters of Songota in Arusha.

Arusha Tours (Hidden Arusha Waterfall, Coffee & Village Tour - All-Inclusive)📍 landmark

A guided attraction introducing visitors to hidden waterfalls and local coffee farming communities around Arusha.

HKFARMS📍 landmark

An agricultural attraction showcasing local crop cultivation and farming practices in Arusha.

🕒 Mo-Sa 00:00-24:00

Masai camp🎭 culture

An arts centre and cultural hub in Arusha reflecting the traditions of the Maasai people.

Alliance Franco Tanzanienne of Arusha🎭 culture

An arts centre in Arusha promoting cultural exchange through French and Tanzanian artistic events.

Bodaboda stand🌿 nature

A lively urban viewpoint located at a busy motorcycle taxi stand in Arusha.

Nyumba za kupanga🌿 nature

A viewpoint observing the typical residential rental housing structures in Arusha.

Natural History National Museum🏛 museum

A national museum in Arusha detailing human evolution, local wildlife, and regional history.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Arusha clock tower a true landmark?
Yes, it is the iconic city center, symbolically marking the halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town.
Can you visit the tower?
The tower is a roadside monument and not accessible inside, but first-rate for photos.
When is the best time for a photo?
Morning light is best, before city traffic gets too heavy.
How much time should I allocate?
About 10-15 minutes is plenty for a quick stop and a photo memory.
Is there parking nearby?
There is little official parking; it's best to stop briefly in one of the side streets.
Arusha Clock Tower: where is it located?
Arusha Clock Tower is located in Tanzania.
Arusha Clock Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Arusha coffee mill Ltd, Clock Tower, Sundowner Spot.
Arusha Clock Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Arusha Clock Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Arusha Clock Tower is the most iconic landmark in the city of Arusha and a vital reference point for travelers in Tanzania.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Dodoma — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Dodoma
Tanzania's capital, known for its wide streets and political buildings.
Kondoa — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Kondoa
A centrally located town famous for the ancient rock paintings in its vicinity.
Mpwapwa — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Mpwapwa
One of the oldest inland colonial stations with a historical cattle market.

History & landmarks

Arusha Declaration Monument — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Arusha Declaration Monument
A monument commemorating Tanzania's socialist declaration of principles from 1967.
Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium
The central football stadium in Arusha, scene of numerous political and sporting events.
Mikumi National Park — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Mikumi National Park
Often compared to the Serengeti, this park offers excellent wildlife viewing and is easily accessible from Dar es Salaam.

Nature

Ruvu River — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Ruvu River
A river that flows into the ocean.
Kilombero River — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Kilombero River
A river in Tanzania.
Rufiji River — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Rufiji River
The largest river in Tanzania.

More places

Bagamoyo Historical Town — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Bagamoyo Historical Town
One of the oldest towns in Tanzania and a former important trading post for slaves and ivory on the Swahili Coast.
Mikumi Forest — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Mikumi Forest
A forest area in the national park.
Kaole Ruins — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Kaole Ruins
An archaeological site hosting a 13th-century Persian settlement, including one of the oldest mosques in East Africa.
Bongoyo Island — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Bongoyo Island
A small island near Dar es Salaam.
Pugu Forest Reserve — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Pugu Forest Reserve
Forest close to the coast.
Indian Ocean Coast — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Indian Ocean Coast
The long coastline of Tanzania.
🗺️
Mahenge Farmland
Agricultural region in the south.
Rufiji Delta Habitat — Arusha Clock Tower (Tanzania)
Rufiji Delta Habitat
Unique coastal ecosystem.