Best hotels and lodges in Arusha

Arusha is a very popular city in Northern Tanzania for wildlife safaris.  About 90% of all Tour operators are found in Arusha.

It is also known as the Geneva of Africa and is the headquarters of the East African community, with the largest International convention center

“The Arusha International Conference  Center (AICC).

How to get to Arusha?

Arusha is located just below Mount Meru and 1.5-2 hours southwest of Kilimanjaro National Park, making it a popular base for avid trekkers and safari-goers.

It is 43 km from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). The distance between Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and Arusha Airport (ARK) is 49 km.

The best way to get from Moshi to Arusha without a car is by bus, which takes one h 42m and costs more.

The shortest distance (air line) between JRO and ARK is 30.73 mi (49.45 km).

If you’re coming for a safari or Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, you’d better arrange transfers with the tour agency you’re traveling with.

Why is Arusha a famous and expensive city in Tanzania?

Tourism and diplomatic conventions have made Arusha a more expensive city than other cities in Tanzania.

Either for the cost of living or even buying groceries on the street.

Arusha is well advanced in fintech, with many outlets accepting cards for services and other purchases.

When traveling in Tanzania, whether you’re visiting the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, you’re sure to pass through Arusha.

Many safari specialists may share your tour programs overnight in this popular city.

You may ask yourself, why Arusha? Yes, Arusha is the gateway to all destinations on the Northern Circuit.

Whether you plan to visit Tarangire or Manyara, the best way to start a safari is from Arusha.

That said, let’s see how this has affected the accommodation rate and what the best option is for you to stay before or after the safari.

This classification is based on price, location, comfort, and even international standards for star( *) ratings.

To make it simple, you can choose to stay in a five-star hotel or a backpackers’ hostel during your trip. The choice is yours; you get what you paid for.

What types of accommodation are available in Arusha for safaris?

1. Backpackers accommodation
2. Budget hotels and lodges
3. Mid-range hotels and lodges
4. Luxury lodges and hotels
5. Deluxe hotels and lodges

Backpackers  accommodation

This option is suitable for travelers who prefer very affordable accommodation, whether for an extended stay, a cultural experience, or remote work.

Like other countries, Arusha is included to accommodate this type of visitor.

There are hostels and homestays, such as Airbnb, that accommodate backpackers.

Prices vary by location, with all-inclusive service available at low rates. Prices range from $20 to $35, maximum.

Here is the list of backpackers’ lodges, hostels, and BnB in Arusha:

Karibu Heritage Hostels

Located in Arusha, Karibu Heritage House provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar.

Facilities at this property include a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi throughout.

The accommodation offers a shared lounge and luggage storage. Each room at the hotel includes a private bathroom.

Guests at Karibu Heritage House can enjoy a continental breakfast.

The accommodation offers a sun terrace. The Uhuru monument is 4.4 km from Karibu Heritage House, while Arusha Central Market is 5 km away.

Prices range from $20 to $40

White House of Tanzania Hostel

The White House Arusha hostel is one of the leading award-winning hostels in Arusha, with a welcoming ambiance and a homelike feel.

The hostel is located in a safe area of the beautiful Njiro Area in Arusha.

The White House of Tanzania is one of the coziest and most welcoming hostels in Arusha, a great place to meet new friends and other travelers.

What are the services offered at the White House of Tanzania?

Their hostel consists of various room types differing from double rooms, rooms with separate beds in multiple sizes, and family rooms of 2, 3, or 4 people, as well as shared dorm rooms of 7 people – all with private en-suite bathrooms.

They offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, where guests can relax and share experiences.

In the living room, we have a TV corner with a large couch for relaxing, a small desk for guest work, comfy bean bag chairs by our bookshelf for reading, and more.

On the outside, there are hammocks in the shade of our big trees for warm afternoons, as well as tanning chairs where you can enjoy the sun.

The common area is where guests, volunteers, and travelers will gather to enjoy meals.  Wi-Fi is also available at all times.

• Prices range from $13 to $30 per person.

What is the distance from the White House to the Tanzania Hostel?

The hostel is a short 10-15 minute drive from the center of Arusha.

Budget hotel & lodges in Arusha

Point Zone Resorts

Point Zone Resort, a distinctive Arusha hotel, is ideally located in the city center.

They provide an unbeatable out-of-town price and are just a stone’s throw away from Arusha’s bustling attractions.

You will have easy access to the Maasai Market, International Conference Centre, and Tanzanite Museum.

The hotel is the perfect place to stay before or after a wildlife safari.

Its ideal location offers views of the breathtaking Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain.

• They offer standard and deluxe rooms. Their prices range from $50 – $80

Main selling point: It’s in a prime location, just a few meters from the Nairobi-Arusha highway, with a beautiful environment that helps you relax during your stay in Arusha.

Learn more about Point Zone Resorts

Senator Hotel

Senator Hotel Arusha is approximately a 3-minute drive from the Arusha bus terminal station, 30 minutes (45km ) from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and 10 minutes from the Domestic airport (Arusha Airport)

Services available

Free Wi-Fi is available to all guests, secure parking is available inside the hotel, and 27 comfortable rooms are equipped with a range of modern and cultural amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.

Restaurant

Simanjiro restaurant offers a continental menu, with options ranging from Italian, French, and Barger to Pizza, Seafood, vegetarian dishes, and the finest Indian cuisine in Tanzania.

Laundry services

Laundry services are available for guests on request. If you are traveling with a few safari outfits, you can let the hotel handle the laundry for you.

They offer standard and deluxe rooms. Their prices range from $60 – $80

Christina House

Total peace, harmony, and authenticity can be found at Christina House.

A short drive outside of Arusha, the guest house offers 10 lovely rooms and excellent service for an unbeatable price.

If you can secure a booking, then book immediately.

Costs: Room prices with breakfast included range from $45 for a single, $65 for a double, and $100 for a triple. Note: Hotel tax is not included in the room price.

Ideal for: The discerning traveler looking for an authentically quaint African experience at a bargain!

Main selling factor: It’s small and quiet. It features beautiful jungle scenery around the guesthouse and excellent local cuisine.

Green Mountain Lodge

The Green Mountain Hotel is located at Kijenge, Arusha. The hotel is a popular choice for travelers due to its excellent service.

With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

The facilities and services provided by Green Mountain Hotel ensure a pleasant stay for guests.

This hotel offers numerous on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guests.

Green Mountain Hotel is an ideal place to stay for travelers seeking charm, comfort, and convenience in Arusha.

Offer an executive suite room, a standard room, an executive room, a deluxe twin room, and a deluxe triple room.

The hotel facilities include a gift shop, restaurant, car parking, conference hall, 24-hour room service, laundry, and dry cleaning.

Learn more about Green Mountain Lodge.

Mid- Range hotels and lodges  in Arusha

Tulia Hotel

It is approximately a 40-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

Tulia Hotel offers 23 rooms; it is the perfect oasis for guests seeking a private, peaceful retreat.

Tulia is the Swahili word for relaxation. It is located in Sakina, the most spectacular area.

Tulia is located on White Rose Road (165 meters from the main road) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Tulia Hotel has a range of facilities to make your stay in Arusha City even more pleasant.

With free Wi-Fi available in public areas, rooms, gardens, and restaurants, your stay will be memorable and relaxing.

• Their price ranges from $85- $130 per night.  You can book directly with us.

Learn more about Tulia Hotel

Forest Hili Hotel

Forest Hill Carnival Hotel offers a place to relax and make new lasting memories.

Forest Hill Hotel is built within the natural vegetation of its riverine open woodland setting.

Forest Hill Hotel is located in Kisongo, just 1.5 km from Arusha Airport

If you’re looking for the best place to stay outside of the city, then this hotel could be the best choice, whether you’re solo or traveling with families.

You can book this hotel  with us

• Prices range from $80 to $200 per room.

Learn more about Forest Hill Hotel

Planet Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge will captivate you with the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape.

Their unique African village-style accommodations offer you a peaceful sanctuary where you can unwind and connect with nature.

Our goal is to provide our customers with comfortable accommodations at affordable prices. It is the ideal hotel for families and couples alike.

Their room rates, including breakfast, range from $80 for a single to $120 for a double. Note: Hotel tax is not included in the room price.

Main selling factor: The swimming pool and extensive gardens are a treat. The service is excellent, and the lodges are very comfortable.

Learn more about Planet Lodge 

Palace Hotel Arusha

It’s located centrally in Arusha. The Palace Hotel offers Western standard quality at a very affordable price.

You can expect all the amenities that come with a good 4-star hotel.

The rooms are very modern, and the amenities are varied (spa, fitness center, good restaurant, Wi-Fi in the rooms).

Palace Hotel Arusha is Ideal for travelers accustomed to Western comforts or those who want to be centrally located.

Palace Hotel room prices with breakfast included range from $135 for a standard room to $160 for a superior room, and $200 for a deluxe room.

Learn more about Palace Hotel Arusha. 

Luxury lodges and hotels  in Arusha

Want to be treated like a king and queen during your stay? Well, look no further than these luxury hotel options in Arusha.

Maasai Land Safari Lodge

The Maasai Land Safari Lodge is located in Arusha, one of Tanzania’s most influential cities.

Strategically located at a base overlooking a remarkable view of Mount Meru.

Thus representing one of Tanzania’s best views right at your doorstep.

Just 45 minutes away from Kilimanjaro International Airport and a convenient 3 hours away from Kenya’s Nairobi City.

Masai Land Safari Lodge is an undisputed gateway to the Northern Tanzania Safari circuit.

All accommodations are equipped with air conditioning, spacious bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, and a minibar.

• Room prices range from $ 90 to $ 720

Learn more about  Maasai Land Safari Lodge 

Kibo Palace Hotel

This is a fantastic hotel, located in the center of Arusha. It includes a great room, a poolside bar, a fitness center, a spa, an excellent restaurant, and all-area Wi-Fi access. It’s known for its superb service.

Kibo Palace Hotel is the ideal place for travelers seeking a central location with high quality and service at an affordable price of $150 to $200 per person for breakfast, based on an exclusive basis, excluding hotel taxes.

See more about Kibo Palace Hotel 

The African Tulip

The African Tulip is an elegant, charming Luxury Boutique Hotel located on Serengeti Road, in the heart of Arusha.

It’s a lovely hotel. If budget isn’t a concern, book a room here for $150 to $200 per night.

The African Tulip Hotel has been designed for safari travelers, business travelers, families, honeymooners, the elite, and leisure travelers.

See more about the African Tulip 

Deluxe Hotels and Lodges  in Arusha

Four Points by Sheraton  ( The Arusha Hotel )

Founded in 1894, Four Points by Sheraton is the oldest hotel in Arusha.

It includes all the amenities you would expect from a 5-star hotel worldwide.

Their room rates range from $180 to $350 without hotel tax. This hotel is ideal for luxury travelers and families.

It has an old-school colonial feel. It offers excellent service and outstanding amenities. You can’t knock this hotel, but it comes at a price.

Mount Meru Hotel

Mount Meru Hotel is Arusha’s famous hotel, and Africa’s largest and most exciting conference destination.

An oasis of tranquility on Tanzania’s gateway to major tour tourist destinations

Mount Meru Hotel lets you discover the place where the heavens meet the earth.

It is where the rhythm of nature pounds to the beat of an African drum, and where life is all about a revival of the senses.

Everything you would expect from a top hotel. Prices range from $150 to $200 a night. You can book directly with us.

See more about the Mount Meru  Hotel 

Gran Melia Hotel Arusha

It is at the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

Gran Meliá Arusha is in the center of this critical diplomatic and travel hub. Its ideal location makes it the perfect base for discovering the untamed natural beauty of Tanzania on a safari.

Experience luxury like never before with modern, fresh, and comfortable rooms.

Gran Melia is an oasis within Arusha, set out on 18 acres of beautifully landscaped coffee and tea plantations.

It is pure tranquility with spectacular views of Mount Meru.

Gran Meliá Arusha offers a unique experience combining the most exciting once-in-a-lifetime safari destination with state-of-the-art conference facilities.

• Prices range from $430 to $1000 per night. You can book directly with us.

See more about Gran Melia Arusha 

Arusha Coffee Lodge

It is an ideal haven for relaxation, whether before or after any East African safari.

It is hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s most extensive coffee plantations, and you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge.

The plantation Suites are spacious, modern yet homely retreats among the coffee trees.

The lodge is ideal for luxury travelers and families. Additionally, if you need to visit parks such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, it’s pretty easy.

You can book directly with us.

See more about Coffee Lodge

Legendary Lodge

Located on a working coffee plantation set in the foothills of Mount Meru, on the outskirts of the vibrant town of Arusha.

Legendary Lodge is your gateway to the celebrated Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania.

Lodge grounds have 10 private cottages and two generously spaced family cottages.

Retreat to the seclusion of your cottage, with oversized beds and romantic billowing mosquito nets, and enjoy all the comforts you would come to expect from Arusha’s finest lodge.

• Their prices range from $450 to $1600 per room.

Conclusion

Arusha will remain the best place for all visitors to Tanzania. The weather and the landscapes are always stunning.

As we conclude our selection of where to stay and which hotels or lodges are best, we will review our recommendations.

We hope one of these hotels in Arusha will meet your expectations.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations, please share them with us.

Our team is always attentive and provides quick responses.

Contact the Blessing Safaris Team with any inquiries or bookings for your Tanzania safari.

Are you ready to start planning?

You can proceed with booking by filling out the form below. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable!