The Arusha Declaration
Learn about the 1967 declaration of Ujamaa (socialism) and self-reliance led by President Julius Nyerere.
Tanzania Museums
Arusha Declaration Museum
Near Arusha's Uhuru Torch monument, this museum tells the story of Tanzania's journey from pre-colonial times to independence and the famous Arusha Declaration of 1967.
- Location
- Kaloleni, central Arusha
- Known For
- The 1967 Arusha Declaration
- Opened
- February 1977
- Visit time
- About 1 hour
Discover the Arusha Declaration Museum
Where modern Tanzania was shaped.
The Arusha Declaration Museum is located in the Kaloleni area of Arusha, close to the Uhuru Torch monument. The building was once a social welfare hall for the Kaloleni community, and in January 1967 it hosted the historic meeting from which Tanzania's political and economic policy of socialism and self-reliance was drawn.
In February 1977, the building was converted into a small political museum. Its permanent exhibition covers pre-colonial and colonial history, the struggle for independence, the formulation of the policy of self-reliance and the development of Tanzania after the Arusha Declaration.
Why visit
Understand Tanzania's story.
The museum is an easy and rewarding stop for anyone curious about Tanzania's history and identity.
Independence Story
Exhibits on the struggle for independence and the birth of Tanzania.
Pre-Colonial History
Displays on traditional societies, trade and resistance to colonial rule.
Central Location
Easily combined with a walking tour of Arusha city.
Location
Where is the Arusha Declaration Museum?
The museum is in the Kaloleni area of central Arusha, near the Uhuru Torch monument, within walking distance of the city centre and its markets.
It is an ideal stop on an Arusha city tour, before or after a safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
When to visit
When to visit the museum.
The museum is open year-round and is a great option on rainy days.
Dry Season
Dry, pleasant weather and the most popular time to travel in northern Tanzania.
Short Rains
Short afternoon showers and green scenery.
Warm & Dry
Warm days and clear skies, a great time to visit.
Long Rains
The wettest months; museums and indoor sites are a good choice on rainy days.
Month by month.
Any month is suitable for a museum visit.
Warm and clear, a great month to visit.
Warm and dry before the long rains.
Long rains begin; plan indoor visits around showers.
The wettest month, but indoor sites remain open.
Rains ease towards the end of the month.
Dry season begins, with cool mornings.
Cool and dry, ideal for sightseeing.
Dry and clear, a popular travel month.
Pleasant and dry, excellent for exploring.
Warm and dry before the short rains.
Short rains bring brief showers.
Warm, green and festive.
Explore the area
What you will see.
The exhibition follows Tanzania's history in clear stages.
GalleryPre-Colonial TanzaniaTraditional societies, crafts and early trade.
GalleryColonial Era & ResistanceGerman and British rule and the resistance movements.
GalleryRoad to IndependenceThe independence struggle and the founding of Tanganyika and Tanzania.
GalleryThe Arusha DeclarationThe 1967 declaration and Tanzania's development afterwards.
Self-Reliance & Ujamaa
The ideas that shaped a nation.
The Arusha Declaration, led by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, set out Tanzania's path of Ujamaa, African socialism, and self-reliance. It shaped the country's economy, education and national identity for decades.
The museum helps visitors understand how past social and economic developments contributed to the Tanzania of today, and it remains an important teaching aid for students of history, civics and political science.
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Arusha tours
Day tours and itineraries that include Arusha city.
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Where to stay in Arusha
Comfortable lodges and hotels in and around Arusha.
Silver tier
Arusha, TanzaniaShoki Shoki LodgeA cozy garden retreat at the foot of Mount Meru, the perfect place to rest before or after your safari.Mount Meru viewsView lodge
Gold tier
Arusha, TanzaniaArusha Planet LodgeAn eco-friendly retreat in lush tropical gardens on the quiet outskirts of Arusha, just minutes from the city centre.Eco-friendly lodgeView lodge
Platinum tier
Arusha, TanzaniaGran Meliá ArushaA five-star urban oasis set among coffee and tea plantations, with sweeping views of Mount Meru.5-star city hotelView lodge
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Tell us your plans and we will include the Arusha Declaration Museum in a city tour.
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The story behind the museum.
On 5 February 1967, President Julius Nyerere announced the Arusha Declaration, outlining a vision of a self-reliant, socialist Tanzania. The meeting that produced it was held in this very building.
Ten years later, the hall became a museum to preserve this chapter of history. Today, its exhibitions and education programmes raise awareness of past social and economic challenges as the foundation for a peaceful society.
What is the Arusha Declaration?
A 1967 policy statement by President Julius Nyerere setting out Tanzania's path of socialism and self-reliance.
Where is the museum?
In the Kaloleni area of central Arusha, near the Uhuru Torch monument.
How long does a visit take?
About one hour.
Is there an entrance fee?
A small entrance fee applies.
Can I combine it with other sites?
Yes, with an Arusha city tour, the Cultural Heritage Centre or the Natural History Museum.
Is it suitable for students?
Yes, it is an important educational resource for history and civics.
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Let Gip Adventure include the Arusha Declaration Museum in your Arusha city tour.