A Farm in Africa

Arusha

​Arusha is the most important "city" in Tanzania after Dar es Salaam and is located about 30 km or 40 minutes drive away. About half of the milk produced makes its way to a dairy in Arusha for processing.

Most supplies used on the farm are sourced in Arusha and are readily available. Arusha has a rapidly expanding population in need of agricultural produce and land, both beneficial to the farm.

Arusha has a large expatriate community​ supported by shopping, leisure, medical and educational facilities. It is also the tourism gateway for northern Tanzania, with numerous international standard hotels and lodges. 

Other Towns

Ngaramtoni is about 20 km from the farm and the road passes the town on the way to Arusha.  With a large population, it is of growing commercial and residential importance. There is an important local market at Ngaramtoni. The closest large hospital (Selian) and several other clinics are located here.

To the north lies Longido where some milk is delivered to a cheese factory. Longido is the new District HQ with a booming real estate market. It is about 45 minutes north along the road to Nairobi. At Longido, a road heads west into Lake Natron Game Controlled area and onwards to Loliondo and Serengeti. 

Real Estate Values

Broker-estimates for the value of real estate in the area where the farm is located is currently +/- 15 million shillings an acre (+/-USD 9650) if the land was subdivided into plots for sale. Subdivision is an option for any buyer. This price is poised to rise significantly over a short period of time. 

Land values in Arusha have been rising sharply, reaching USD 60,000 an acre within city limits. Nearby at Ngaramtoni, land is currently selling at +/- US$ 15,000 to 20,000 an acre.  

There is every indication that prices will continue to rise, due to a growing population and increased spending capacity. 

Schools

International School Moshi's Arusha campus is located west of Arusha near the regional airport. This is about 35 minutes from the farm. The school has an excellent reputation at an international level. A little further away is Braeburn school, also with a very good reputation and the St. Constantine's (Greek) school. These schools are all located on the farm side of Arusha avoiding most of the traffic congestion experienced by those living in Usa River or East of Arusha. 

Universities

There are a number of universities in and around Arusha. These include Makumira near Usa River, East of Arusha and West Meru University near Ngaramtoni. More importantly, the Aga Khan Foundation is now constructing a new Campus at Ngaramtoni which will house the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in East Africa.​ This is a very important development which will greatly raise the demand of real estate in the vicinity of the farm. (See also this report from University World News).

Hospitals

The most recent hospital to open in Arusha is the Aga Khan ​University Clinic. Another important hospital is the recently built Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There are older hospitals in the town and many other good clinics including the Ithna Asheri Charitable Dispensary.

Arusha also has a flying medical service that provides medical airlifts to Nairobi and sometimes to South Africa if necessary. 

Clubs

In the Selian Coffee Estate which is between the farm and Arusha, is the Friedkin Recreation Center.​ This has a full service bar and restaurant supporting the country's top rugby team / field. There is quality gym, pool, squash and tennis facilities and a secure long distance running track. 

Further afield is the Nduruma Polo and Country Club for those interested in equestrian sports and socializing. (The farm actually initiated the polo fad in Arusha by arranging weekly Polo Cross events that attracted a large Arusha following. This inspired players to pursue the polo bug, which has grown more popular ever since. 

Images

Around the farm / Main House / Guest Rooms / Gardens / Cattle / Horses / Wildlife Areas / Safaris / Scenery / Maps