Tanzania's most important northern city, Arusha is the hub for Tanzania's northern circuit of big game viewing. Rather modern for an African city, beautifully landscaped and often congested with traffic, the city is located directly beneath Africa's 5th highest mountain, Meru. There are several fine hotels, lodges and restaurants, and it's always a good place for shopping, particularly for the precious gem, Tanzanite, which is only mined at locations near the city. Visitors can feel completely safe roaming the small central core of the city around the famous Clock Tower during the day time.