Arusha
Photo: Samwel francis / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season, ideal safari weather) and January to February (short dry)
Language
Swahili, English (both official)
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3)
Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 46 km east; Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic/charter flights
Population
~600,000 (metro area)
Climate
Tropical highland, avg 15-28°C year-round; cooler than lowland Tanzania due to 1,400 m elevation
Safety Rating
Moderate (Level 2) — safe in tourist areas, use reputable guides and taxis
Elevation
1,400 m above sea level — pleasant temperatures but UV is strong
Top Highlights
Arusha National Park
A compact park (552 km²) featuring Mount Meru (4,566 m), Momella Lakes, and Ngurdoto Crater. Half-day drives from $50/person plus $53 park fee. Walking safaris with armed rangers are allowed — rare in Tanzania. Colobus monkeys, giraffes, and flamingos are common. 25 km from city center.
Coffee Plantation Tour
The slopes of Mount Meru grow some of Tanzania's finest Arabica. Tours at plantations like Arusha Coffee Lodge or Shamba Estate cover bean-to-cup processing, roasting, and cupping sessions. Half-day tours from $40, including lunch. Best booked as a pre- or post-safari activity.
Maasai Market
The central market (open daily, busiest Wed and Sat) sells Maasai beadwork, Tingatinga paintings, Tanzanite jewelry, kangas, and carved ebony. Bargaining is expected — start at 40% of asking price. Located on Market Street in the city center; allow 1-2 hours.
Kilimanjaro Viewpoint at Moshi Road
On clear mornings (best 6-8 AM, June-February), Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak is visible from eastern Arusha. The viewpoint along the Moshi highway near Usa River offers an unobstructed frame. Free; combine with a coffee tour. Cloud cover typically rolls in by 10 AM.
Cultural Heritage Centre
A large complex 3 km west of the city with galleries of Makonde carvings, gemstone showrooms (Tanzanite!), and a snake park. Entry to galleries is free; snake park $10. The on-site restaurant serves solid Tanzanian and Indian fusion. Allow 2 hours.
Mount Meru Trek
Tanzania's second-highest peak at 4,566 m is a challenging 3-4 day trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. Far quieter than Kilimanjaro with better value (~$600-800 all-inclusive vs. $1,500+ for Kili). Great acclimatization before a Kilimanjaro attempt. Permits through TANAPA.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Arusha Itinerary
Arrival in Arusha — Safari Capital
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Arusha. The highland city sits at 1,400 m with Mount Meru as the backdrop.
Airport transfer to Arusha(1 hour)
JRO is 46 km east. Pre-arranged transfers $30-50. Shared Impala shuttles $10. Traffic can be heavy entering the city
Check-in at African Tulip Hotel(1 hour)
Central boutique hotel $80-150/night. Rooftop restaurant with Mount Meru views. Budget: Arusha Backpackers from $15/night
Lunch at Africafe(1 hour)
Near the Clock Tower. Wood-fired pizza (TZS 18,000/$7), fresh juices, strong Tanzanian coffee. The Clock Tower marks the midpoint between Cairo and Cape Town
Evening walk through the city center(1 hour)
Walk from the Clock Tower along Boma Road past the Old Boma (1900, now a museum). The jacaranda-lined streets have a pleasant highland buzz
Coffee Plantation Tour & Kilimanjaro Views
Experience Tanzania's finest Arabica from bean to cup, then catch Africa's highest peak in the morning light.
Kilimanjaro viewpoint at dawn(30 minutes)
Drive to the Moshi highway viewpoint near Usa River by 6 AM for unobstructed Kilimanjaro. The snow-capped peak glows pink at sunrise. Free. Clouds roll in by 10 AM — early is essential
Coffee plantation tour at Arusha Coffee Lodge(3 hours)
Bean-to-cup tour on a working plantation on Mount Meru slopes. Roasting, cupping, and lunch included. ~$40. Tanzania's Arabica is underrated — rich, wine-like acidity
Lunch at the plantation(1 hour)
Farm-to-table lunch with views of the coffee fields. Included in tour price
Maasai Market shopping(1.5 hours)
Open daily, busiest Wed and Sat. Maasai beadwork, Tingatinga paintings, Tanzanite jewelry, kangas (colorful wraps). Start bargaining at 40% of asking
Dinner at Fifi's(1.5 hours)
Indian-Tanzanian fusion on Old Moshi Road. Butter chicken (TZS 22,000), tandoori prawns. Popular with expats and visiting safari-goers
Arusha National Park — Walking Safari
A compact park 25 km from the city with the rare privilege of walking safaris among wildlife.
Drive to Arusha National Park(30 minutes)
552 km² park with Mount Meru (4,566 m), Momella Lakes, and Ngurdoto Crater. Entry $53/person
Walking safari with armed ranger(2.5 hours)
One of the few parks in Tanzania that allows walking. Ranger fee $20. Walk through montane forest with black-and-white colobus monkeys overhead. Buffalo at a safe distance. The ground-level perspective is humbling
Game drive around Momella Lakes(2 hours)
Seven alkaline lakes at the base of Mount Meru, each a different color. Flamingos, giraffes, and waterbuck. The Meru backdrop is stunning
Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint(30 minutes)
A miniature Ngorongoro — a forested crater you view from the rim. No descent allowed. Free with park entry
Cultural Heritage Centre & Tanzanite
Art, gemstones, and the cultural richness of northern Tanzania.
Cultural Heritage Centre(2.5 hours)
Large complex 3 km west. Makonde carving galleries (free entry), gemstone showrooms (Tanzanite!), and a snake park ($10). The carvings are museum-quality
Tanzanite shopping(1 hour)
Arusha is the world's only source. Buy from certified dealers here or at Goliondoi Road. Insist on a certificate. Prices: $50/carat (commercial) to $500+/carat (AAA). Always bargain
Lunch at Via Via(1 hour)
Popular traveler cafe in the Old Boma courtyard. African fusion dishes (TZS 15,000), cold Kilimanjaro beer. Good for people-watching and meeting other travelers
Afternoon free time(2 hours)
Rest or explore the Indian quarter on India Street — spice shops, colorful mosques, and chai stalls. Arusha has a significant South Asian community
Dinner at The Blue Heron(1.5 hours)
At Arusha Coffee Lodge. Continental and Tanzanian menu. Grilled ostrich steak (TZS 28,000), South African wines. Upscale farewell-level dinner
Lake Duluti Walk & Local Markets
A morning nature walk around a volcanic crater lake, then dive into local markets.
Lake Duluti guided walk(2 hours)
A forest-ringed crater lake 13 km from Arusha. Guided walks through the forest canopy cost $15-20/person. 200+ bird species including crowned eagles and turacos. The forest is cool and atmospheric
Canoe ride on Lake Duluti(1 hour)
Traditional dugout canoe ($10/person). Paddle across the calm crater lake. Monitor lizards bask on the shore
Lunch at Khan's BBQ(1 hour)
On the Moshi highway. Excellent Indian food — chicken tikka (TZS 12,000), biryani (TZS 10,000). Quick and affordable
Tengeru Market visit(1.5 hours)
The real local market 12 km east. Bananas, avocados, spices, secondhand clothes ('mitumba'), and household goods. Chaotic, colorful, and completely authentic. Wednesday is the biggest day
Evening bajaji ride and street food(1 hour)
Take a bajaji (tuk-tuk, TZS 3,000-5,000) to the food stalls near the bus station. Chipsi mayai (french fry omelette, TZS 3,000) is Tanzania's beloved street food
Day Trip to Lake Manyara
Drive 90 minutes to Lake Manyara National Park — tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and a groundwater forest.
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park(1.5 hours)
90 km southwest. Park entry $53/person. Compact park below the Great Rift Valley escarpment
Game drive through groundwater forest(3 hours)
Dense tropical forest at the base of the escarpment, then open grassland along the lake shore. Tree-climbing lions (rare behavior), hippo pools, elephants, and 400+ bird species. The forest section feels like a different continent
Lake shore flamingos(1 hour)
When alkalinity is right, the shore turns pink with lesser flamingos. Even without them, the lake views against the escarpment are dramatic
Drive back to Arusha(1.5 hours)
Return via Mto wa Mbu town. Stop for banana beer if you're brave
Farewell dinner at Arusha Hotel(1.5 hours)
Historic colonial hotel. Set menu $20-30. Sit on the terrace with a Serengeti Lager
Departure — Mount Meru Sunrise & Airport
Early morning Meru views, last shopping, then JRO airport.
Sunrise Mount Meru viewpoint(30 minutes)
Clear mornings reveal Meru's symmetrical cone from Arusha. The second-highest peak in Tanzania rarely gets the attention Kilimanjaro does, but it's beautiful
Last souvenir shopping at Maasai Market(1 hour)
Final chance for beadwork, carvings, and Tanzanite
Transfer to JRO airport(45 minutes)
46 km east. Allow 3 hours for international flights
14-Day Arusha Itinerary
Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at JRO and settle into the safari capital at 1,400 m elevation.
Airport transfer(1 hour)
JRO 46 km east. Transfers $30-50, shared shuttles $10
Check-in at African Tulip Hotel(1 hour)
$80-150/night. Rooftop Mount Meru views
Lunch at Africafe(1 hour)
Pizza (TZS 18,000), coffee near the Clock Tower
City center evening walk(1 hour)
Clock Tower, Boma Road, jacaranda-lined streets
Coffee Plantation & Kilimanjaro
Bean-to-cup tour on Mount Meru slopes and Africa's highest peak at dawn.
Dawn Kilimanjaro viewpoint(30 minutes)
Moshi highway. Free. Snow-capped peak glows pink. Clouds by 10 AM
Coffee tour at Arusha Coffee Lodge(3 hours)
~$40 including lunch. Roasting, cupping, plantation walk
Maasai Market(1.5 hours)
Beadwork, Tingatinga, Tanzanite, kangas. Bargain from 40%
Dinner at Fifi's(1.5 hours)
Indian-Tanzanian fusion. Butter chicken (TZS 22,000)
Arusha National Park — Walking Safari
Walking among wildlife in a compact park with Mount Meru views.
Drive to park(30 minutes)
25 km. $53 entry
Walking safari(2.5 hours)
Ranger fee $20. Montane forest, colobus monkeys, buffalo
Momella Lakes game drive(2 hours)
Seven alkaline lakes, flamingos, giraffes
Cultural Heritage & Tanzanite
Art galleries, gemstones, and Arusha's cultural richness.
Cultural Heritage Centre(2.5 hours)
Makonde galleries (free), Tanzanite showrooms, snake park ($10)
Tanzanite shopping(1 hour)
Certified dealers. $50-500+/carat. Insist on certificates
Lunch at Via Via(1 hour)
Old Boma courtyard. African fusion (TZS 15,000)
Indian quarter walk(1 hour)
India Street spice shops, mosques, chai stalls
Lake Duluti & Local Markets
Crater lake nature walk and authentic local market immersion.
Lake Duluti guided walk(2 hours)
Forest crater lake 13 km out. $15-20. 200+ bird species
Canoe ride(1 hour)
Dugout canoe $10. Monitor lizards on shore
Tengeru Market(1.5 hours)
Real local market 12 km east. Chaotic and authentic
Street food — chipsi mayai(1 hour)
Bus station food stalls. French fry omelette TZS 3,000
Lake Manyara Day Trip
Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and forest below the Rift Valley escarpment.
Drive to Lake Manyara(1.5 hours)
90 km. $53 entry
Game drive(4 hours)
Groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, hippo pools, 400+ bird species
Rest Day in Arusha
Mid-trip rest. Arusha's highland climate makes it pleasant.
Spa or pool time(2 hours)
African Tulip and Mount Meru Hotel have pools and spa services
Lunch at Khan's BBQ(1 hour)
Chicken tikka (TZS 12,000), biryani (TZS 10,000)
Mount Meru Trek — Day 1
Begin a 2-day Mount Meru trek (abbreviated version) through rainforest to Miriakamba Hut.
Drive to Momella Gate in Arusha NP(30 minutes)
Trek registration and armed ranger assignment. Park fees $53/day + guide/porter fees ~$100/day total
Trek to Miriakamba Hut(4-5 hours)
From 1,500 m to 2,514 m through montane rainforest. Black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys overhead. Buffalo and elephant signs on the trail — your armed ranger goes first. 10 km hike, moderate difficulty
Settle in at Miriakamba Hut(1 hour)
Basic mountain hut with bunk beds. Simple meals prepared by your cook/porter. The sunset views of the Meru crater from the hut terrace are spectacular
Mount Meru — Saddle Hut & Descent
Climb to Saddle Hut for panoramic views, then descend back to the park gate.
Morning climb to Saddle Hut(3 hours)
From 2,514 m to 3,570 m through moorland and giant heather. The landscape transitions from forest to alpine desert. Views of Kilimanjaro appear on clear mornings — extraordinary
Rest and lunch at Saddle Hut(1 hour)
The highest point on this abbreviated trek. Panoramic views of the Meru crater, the ash cone, and Kilimanjaro in the distance
Descent to Momella Gate(5 hours)
Descend via the same route or the alternative Tulusia track. The downhill is fast but tough on the knees. Total descent 2,000+ m
Drive back to Arusha hotel(30 minutes)
Hot shower, cold beer, horizontal surface. You've earned all three
Recovery Day in Arusha
Full rest after the trek. Legs will be sore.
Massage at hotel spa(1.5 hours)
Post-trek massage is essential. African Tulip spa from TZS 80,000 ($30)
Lunch at The Blue Heron(1.5 hours)
Arusha Coffee Lodge. Grilled ostrich (TZS 28,000). Treat yourself
Tarangire National Park Day Trip
Drive to Tarangire for elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
Drive to Tarangire(2.5 hours)
120 km southwest. $53 entry
Game drive(5 hours)
200+ elephant herds, 2,000-year-old baobabs, 550 bird species. Highest elephant density in Tanzania
Cooking Class & Community Visit
Learn to cook Tanzanian dishes and visit a community project.
Tanzanian cooking class(3 hours)
Several Arusha operators offer cooking classes ($25-40). Learn to make pilau rice, mchuzi wa kuku (chicken curry), chapati, and ugali. Market shopping for ingredients included
Community project visit(2 hours)
Visit Shanga Workshop (inside Cultural Heritage Centre) — a social enterprise employing people with disabilities. Beautiful handmade glass, jewelry, and fabric. Free tours, products for sale
Dinner at Nyama Choma Centre(1.5 hours)
Local institution for grilled meat. Nyama choma (grilled goat/beef) sold by the kilo (TZS 15,000/kg) with ugali and kachumbari salad. Busy, noisy, authentic
Materuni Waterfall & Village Walk
Day trip to a waterfall on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes and a Chagga village experience.
Drive to Materuni village(1.5 hours)
On the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, 40 km from Arusha. The drive passes through banana and coffee plantations
Hike to Materuni Waterfall(2 hours)
A 3 km forest trail to a 70 m waterfall. Swim in the cold plunge pool at the base. Guide fee ~$20. Moderate difficulty with some steep sections
Chagga village cultural tour(1.5 hours)
Meet Chagga families, learn about banana beer brewing, and see traditional irrigation systems. Home-cooked lunch included ($15). The Chagga are one of Tanzania's most entrepreneurial tribes
Departure from Arusha
Final morning shopping and transfer to JRO.
Last Maasai Market visit(1 hour)
Final souvenir run. Beadwork, Tanzanite, Tingatinga paintings
Farewell lunch at Africafe(1 hour)
Full circle. One last pizza and coffee
Transfer to JRO(45 minutes)
Allow 3 hours for international flights
21-Day Arusha Itinerary
Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at JRO and settle into the highland safari capital for three weeks.
Airport transfer(1 hour)
JRO 46 km. Transfers $30-50
Check-in at African Tulip(1 hour)
$80-150/night. Rooftop Meru views
City walk(1 hour)
Clock Tower, Boma Road, jacaranda streets
Coffee Plantation & Kilimanjaro Views
Bean-to-cup on Mount Meru slopes, Kilimanjaro at dawn.
Coffee tour at Shamba Estate(3 hours)
~$40 with lunch
Arusha National Park
Walking safari, Momella Lakes, and Ngurdoto Crater.
Walking safari(2.5 hours)
$53 park + $20 ranger. Colobus, buffalo, forest
Momella Lakes drive(2 hours)
Seven alkaline lakes, flamingos, giraffes
Cultural Heritage & Tanzanite
Art, gemstones, and cultural exploration.
Lake Duluti & Local Markets
Crater lake and authentic Tengeru Market.
Lake Duluti walk(2 hours)
$15-20. 200+ bird species
Canoe ride(1 hour)
$10
Rest Day
Mid-week rest before the Mount Meru trek begins.
Mount Meru Trek — Day 1
Begin the 4-day trek up Tanzania's second-highest peak (4,566 m).
Drive to Momella Gate(30 minutes)
Registration, armed ranger. $53/day + guide/porter ~$100/day
Trek to Miriakamba Hut(4-5 hours)
1,500 m to 2,514 m. Montane rainforest, colobus monkeys, buffalo signs. 10 km
Settle at Miriakamba Hut(1 hour)
Basic bunk beds, porter-prepared meals
Mount Meru Trek — Day 2
Climb through moorland to Saddle Hut at 3,570 m.
Trek to Saddle Hut(4 hours)
2,514 m to 3,570 m. Moorland and giant heather. Kilimanjaro views on clear mornings
Afternoon acclimatization walk to Little Meru(2 hours)
Side trip to Little Meru (3,820 m). Panoramic views of the Meru crater and ash cone. Helps with altitude adjustment
Early dinner and sleep(2 hours)
Summit attempt starts at midnight. Sleep as much as possible
Mount Meru Summit — Day 3
Midnight departure for the summit (4,566 m) — Tanzania's best sunrise viewpoint.
Midnight summit push(5-6 hours)
3,570 m to 4,566 m. The ridge walk above the crater is exposed and spectacular by headlamp. The ash cone drops away on one side. Reach Socialist Peak by dawn
Sunrise on the summit(30 minutes)
Kilimanjaro rises across the horizon, lit by the sunrise. On clear days, the mountain fills your entire field of view. One of the great mountain moments in East Africa
Descend to Miriakamba Hut(5 hours)
Long descent via Saddle Hut. Rest and late lunch at Miriakamba
Continue to Momella Gate(3 hours)
Optional — some trekkers spend one more night at Miriakamba and descend tomorrow
Recovery Day in Arusha
Full rest after the summit. Hot shower, real bed, cold beer.
Post-trek massage(1.5 hours)
African Tulip spa from TZS 80,000 ($30)
Lunch at The Blue Heron(1.5 hours)
Grilled ostrich (TZS 28,000). Celebratory
Tarangire Day Trip
Elephant herds and ancient baobabs — an easy post-trek safari day.
Drive to Tarangire(2.5 hours)
120 km. $53 entry
Game drive(5 hours)
200+ elephant herds, 2,000-year-old baobabs
Lake Manyara Day Trip
Tree-climbing lions and flamingos at the Rift Valley lake.
Drive to Lake Manyara(1.5 hours)
90 km. $53 entry
Game drive(4 hours)
Groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, hippos, flamingos
Mto wa Mbu village walk(1.5 hours)
The town at the park entrance has a vibrant market and banana beer brewers. Guided walks $15-20. Multi-ethnic community with 120+ tribal groups represented
Cooking Class & Community
Learn Tanzanian cuisine and visit social enterprise projects.
Tanzanian cooking class(3 hours)
$25-40. Pilau, mchuzi wa kuku, chapati, ugali. Market shopping included
Shanga Workshop visit(1.5 hours)
Social enterprise employing people with disabilities. Glass, jewelry, fabric
Evening at Nyama Choma Centre(1.5 hours)
Grilled meat by the kilo (TZS 15,000/kg)
Materuni Waterfall & Chagga Village
Kilimanjaro lower slopes — waterfall hike and Chagga cultural immersion.
Waterfall hike(2 hours)
3 km trail to 70 m falls. Swim in plunge pool. Guide $20
Chagga village tour and lunch(2 hours)
Banana beer brewing, traditional irrigation, home-cooked lunch ($15)
Rest Day
Leisurely day in Arusha before the northern circuit safari begins.
Bookshop browse at A Novel Idea(1 hour)
Arusha's best bookshop on Sokoine Road. Good East African literature selection
Dinner at Stigmata(1.5 hours)
Italian restaurant on the Old Moshi Road. Good pasta (TZS 15,000), wood-fired pizza, wine list
Northern Circuit Safari — Ngorongoro
Begin a 4-day safari. Drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Drive to Ngorongoro via Karatu(3.5 hours)
190 km. NCA entry $71/person + $295/vehicle
Crater rim sunset(1 hour)
260 km² caldera below. Pack warm layers for 2,300 m elevation
Ngorongoro Crater Floor
Descend 600 m for a half-day among 25,000+ animals.
Crater floor drive(5 hours)
All Big Five. Black rhinos, hippo pools, flamingos. Max 6 hours
Maasai village visit(1.5 hours)
$20-30. Dances, fire-making, hut tours
Serengeti — Central Seronera
Cross into the Serengeti and drive the central wildlife zone.
Drive to Central Serengeti via Olduvai(4 hours)
Stop at Olduvai Gorge Museum (~$35). Serengeti entry $71/person
Seronera game drive(3 hours)
Big cats, hippo pools, kopjes
Serengeti Full Day
Full day on the endless plains — migration herds and predator drama.
Sunrise drive toward migration(5 hours)
14,763 km² of grassland. Scale is humbling
Return to Arusha via Karatu
Final safari morning, then drive back east.
Drive to Karatu(5 hours)
Via Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Lake Manyara viewpoint stop
Farewell dinner at Gibbs Farm(2 hours)
Farm-to-table. Set menu $25-40. Coffee from own plantation
Departure from JRO
Final drive to Arusha and JRO airport.
Transfer to JRO(45 minutes)
Allow 3 hours for international flights
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Tanzania e-Visa Required
Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz at least 10 business days ahead. Single-entry costs $50 ($100 for US citizens). Visa on arrival is possible at JRO but expect long queues. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
transport
JRO Airport to Arusha City
Kilimanjaro International (JRO) is 46 km east. Pre-arranged hotel transfers cost $30-50. Shared shuttles run by companies like Impala Hotel cost $10. Taxis at the airport charge $50-60 — negotiate before boarding. The drive takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Dalla-Dallas and Bajajis
Local minibuses (dalla-dalla) cost 500-1,000 TZS ($0.20-0.40) for city routes. Three-wheeled bajajis (tuk-tuks) are faster and cost 3,000-5,000 TZS ($1-2) for short trips. Agree on fare before boarding. For airport runs or day trips, hire a private driver through your hotel.
Budget
Safari Booking Hub
Arusha has 200+ safari operators ranging from budget ($150/day) to luxury ($800/day). Vet operators through SafariBookings.com reviews or TripAdvisor. Legitimate companies are TATO (Tanzania Association of Tour Operators) members. Always get a written itinerary before paying deposits.
Pre-Safari Night in Arusha
Most northern circuit safaris depart Arusha at 6-7 AM. Arrive the day before and stay near the Arusha-Moshi highway for easy departure. Budget guesthouses from $20/night, mid-range hotels (Arusha Hotel, African Tulip) $80-150. The city has good Indian and Swahili restaurants for a pre-safari feast.
Safety
Gotcha: Street Touts Are Persistent
Safari touts approach tourists aggressively near the Clock Tower and bus stations, offering cheap deals. Many are unlicensed and unreliable. Politely decline and book through established operators or your hotel. Genuine deals below $150/day/person (budget camping) usually indicate cut corners on food or vehicle quality.
Local Customs
Tanzanite Shopping Tips
Arusha is the world's only source of Tanzanite. Buy from certified dealers at the Cultural Heritage Centre or reputable shops on Goliondoi Road. Insist on a certificate of authenticity and appraisal. Prices range from $50/carat (commercial grade) to $500+/carat (AAA). Always bargain.
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