Tanzania’s Safari capital City, Arusha, is where most Tanzania safaris start or finish. Elevated above its surroundings, Arusha enjoys a fantastic climate year round. The dynamic city is brimming with buildings both colonial and modern, with the contrasting Arusha Nationa park; Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Kilmanjaro and Serengeti which are not far from the City.
In Arusha, there are plenty of budget and mid-range options, perfect for that quick stopover before/after your Kilimanjaro hike.
For luxury accommodation, it is best to head outside of Arusha, where there are beautiful guesthouses and boutique hotels set amidst coffee farms.
On Kilimanjaro itself, your accommodation will be in huts or camps, depending on which route you choose.
Accommodation in Arusha, at a Glance
It’s 6am. You’re handed a freshly brewed coffee. Orange streaks cover the sky towards the horizon as the sun climbs higher. You’ve got a full day of safari ahead of you.
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, and there is no shortage of exceptional accommodation here.
Picture a private veranda overlooking a verdant clearing. A private pool just a few hundred metres from a group of elephants. A whisky or wine around the campfire in middle of Africa’s wildest wilderness areas.
The types of Accommodations
- Luxury Lodges: Tanzania has an impressive number of five-star hotels, luxury beach resorts, city escapes, boutique guesthouses, and luxury safari camps and lodges.
- Private Islands: For a real treat after a safari adventure, head east to Pemba island or Mnemba island for a desert-island-lost-in-a-tropical-paradise experience, and a true barefoot luxury holiday.
- Tented Camps: In many of the national parks and conservation areas, you can find luxury and mid-range tented camps. These put you closer to nature, whilst retaining all the amenities and creature comforts you want on a safari.
Serengeti Trips Tanzania Says
As if the wildlife, scenery, and brilliance of the locals wasn’t enough, Arusha provides a truly exceptional range of accommodation. The truth is, even if these camps weren’t set amongst some of the best safari destinations in the world, they would still be well worth a visit.
Budget Accmmodation in Arusha
Dan Stan Hostel
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, White House of Tanzania offers accommodations in Arusha. The hostel is located 500 m from Njiro Complex.
Utamaduni House
Utamaduni House B&B provides free WiFi, and guests can enjoy a garden, a shared lounge and a bar. The bed and breakfast offers a continental or vegetarian BB.
Savannah House
Located in Arusha, 5.6 km from Old German Boma, The House provides accommodation with free bikes, free parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
White House Tanzania
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, White House of Tanzania offers accommodations in Arusha. The hostel is located 500 m from Njiro Complex.
Serengeti Villa
15096 kijenge arusha, Arusha, Serengeti Villa of Tanzania offers accommodations in Arusha. The Villa is located not very far from the Main road.
Kizumba House
Kizumba House features a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and bar in Arusha. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a barbecue.
Mid Range Accommodation in Aruha
Boulevard Inn Mt. Meru
Set in Arusha, Boulevard Inn Mt Meru is set on Themi hills with a breath taking view of Mt Meru. Email or call us for bookings and reservations
Venus Premier Hotel
Set in Arusha and within 800 metres of Uhuru monument, Venus Premier Hotel has a bar, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Mrimba Palm Hotel
Located in Arusha, Mrimba Palm Hotel provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge.
Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa
Located in Arusha, 2.4 km from Uhuru monument, Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. .
Out Post Lodge Arusha
Set in Arusha, 1.7 km from Old German Boma, Outpost Lodge offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. .
Green Mountain Lodge
Set in Arusha, 1.7 km from Old German Boma, Outpost Lodge offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. .
Luxury Accommodation in Aruha
Gran Melia
Gran Melia Arusha offers 5-star accommodation in Arusha and has a bar. The property features outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and garden.
Kibo Palace
Situated a 15-minute walk from Arusha city centre, Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha features a landscaped garden with large outdoor pool, a restaurant and spa and wellness facilities.
Arusha Coffe Lodge
Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is located in Arusha. Free WiFi access is available throughout and on-site parking.
Mount Meru Hotel
Set at the foot of Mount Meru and located opposite Arusha Golf Course, the 4-star Mount Meru Hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness centre and 24-hour front desk.
Four Point Sheraton Arusha
Offering a gym, a restaurant and a swimming pool surrounded by gardens, Four Points by Sheraton, The Hotel is conveniently located by the city centre.
Fun Retreat Resort
Featuring water sports facilities and a sun terrace with a swimming pool, Fun Retreat is located in Arusha, 3.9 km from Njiro Complex and 7 km from Old German Boma.
Getting to Arusha, Arusha Map
Getting to Arusha
By Plane: Visitors getting in to Arusha can enter via Kilimanjaro International Airport or the Arusha Airport. You can access Arusha via a shuttle for TZS 22,355 or by taking a cab, which will cost you TZS 111,775.
By Car: You can choose to drive in from Nairobi or Dar-es-Salaam via the Nairobi-Mombasa Road.
By Bus: You can take an express coach from Nairobi to Arusha. From Dar-es-Salaam, it will take you 12 hours. Arusha has direct bus services available from Tanga, Mwanza, and Lushoto. You can take a shuttle bus between Arusha and Moshi.
Arusha City Video and FAQs
Situated at the foot of the beautiful Mount Meru, Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. It’s a bustling city filled with an interesting mix of markets, chaotic traffic, old colonial buildings and modern conveniences, like coffee shops with WiFi, and an array of great restaurants.
- #1: Climbing mount Meru.
- #2: Book a northern circuit Tanzania safari tour.
- #3: Visit the Arusha National Park.
- #4: Nature walk at Lake Duluti.
- #5: Go to Meserani Snake Park.
- #6: Canoeing on Lake Momella.
- #7: Pay a visit to the national natural history museum Arusha.
- #8: Visit the maasai tribe.
YES, but not alone, As most incidents happen in big cities everywhere around the world, we do not recommend to walk alone in the city after dark (7pm). This rule applies throughout Africa and not just Tanzania. Use safe transport like taxis or ask your hotel or guide to arrange the transfer.
Arusha has a higher quality of life than some of the other areas of Tanzania. As an ex-pat, you can easily get an affordable home with most of the same amenities you have in your home country. The country does have random power and water outages though.
Arusha National Park is the closest park to the town with the similar name. It is a popular destination for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris.
