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.

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, which makes it a famous base town 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 1h 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 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 made Arusha a very expensive city compared to any other city in Tanzania.

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

Arusha is well-advanced in terms of fintech, where many outlets accept cards for service or any other purchase you want to make.

When it comes to traveling in Tanzania, whether you’re visiting Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, no wonder you have come across 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 northern circuit safari destinations.

Whether you want to visit Tarangire or Manyara, if you are taking a safari vehicle, the best way to start is from Arusha.

That being said, let’s see now how this has affected the rate for accommodation and what is the best option 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 either choose to stay in a five-star or backpackers hostel on your trip. The choice is yours, you get what you paid for.

What are the types of accommodation available in Arusha for safari?

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 those travelers who prefer to stay in very cheap accommodation either for a long stay either for a cultural experience or for remote work.

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

There are some hostels and homestays like BnB which accommodate backpackers.

Prices vary from one place to the other with all-inclusive service at low rates. Prices range from $ 20 – $ 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.

Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

The accommodation offers a shared lounge and luggage storage for guests. At the hotel, each room comes with 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.

Price 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 lovely ambiance and a great homely feeling.

The hostel is in a safe location in the beautiful Njiro Area in Arusha.

White House of Tanzania is one of the coziest and most homely hostels in Arusha, which is 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 various 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 our TV corner with a big couch to relax in, a small desk to be used as a working space for guests, comfy bean bag chairs by our bookshelf to read in, and much more.

To the outside, there are hammocks in the shade of our big trees to relax in on the warm afternoons as well as tanning chairs, where you can relax and enjoy the sun.

The common area is where guests, volunteers, and travelers, will come together and enjoy their meals.  Wi-Fi is also available all the time.

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

What is the distance for the White  House of Tanzania hostel?

The location of the hostel is only a short drive of 10-15 minutes to 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 over the breathtaking Mount Meru, the fifth-highest mountain in Africa.

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

Main selling factor: It’s located in the best place, a few meters from the Nairobi-Arusha highway with a beautiful environment to make you feel relaxed during your stay in Arusha.

Learn more about Point Zone Resorts

Senator Hotel

Senator Hotel Arusha is approximately 3 minute’s 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 internet access is available to all guests, secure parking is available inside the hotel, and 27 comfortable rooms are equipped with an array of modern and cultural amenities to ensure our pleasant stay.

Restaurant

Simanjiro restaurant offers continental menus, whether you’re looking for Italian, French, Barger, Pizza, Seafood, Vegetarian foods, or a course of the finest Indian cuisine in Tanzania.

Laundry services

Laundry services are available for guests on request. If you are traveling with a few safari clothes then you can let the hotel do the cleaning 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 great 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 to $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 has beautiful jungle scenery around the guesthouse with great local cuisine.

Green Mountain Lodge

The Green Mountain Hotel is located at Kijenge, Arusha. The hotel is a popular choice for travelers due to the best services offered.

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 guest.

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, room service 24 hours, laundry, and dry cleaner.

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 23 rooms, it is the perfect oasis for guests looking for a private and peaceful retreat.

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

Tulia sits along 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 the Free WI-FI from public areas to rooms, gardens, and restaurants it will make your stay 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 between the natural vegetation associated with 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 – $ 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.

The goal is to provide our customers with comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Is the ideal hotel for families and couples alike.

Their room prices with breakfast included 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 large 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 bells and whistles 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 for people who want to be centrally based.

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.

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 the most influential cities in Tanzania.

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 televisions, a Wi-Fi connection, 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 great rooms, a poolside bar, a fitness center, a spa, an awesome restaurant, and all-area Wi-Fi access. It’s known for its great service.

Kibo Palace Hotel is the ideal place for travelers looking for a central location that provides the best quality and service for an affordable price of $150 to $200 for breakfast basis excluding hotel taxes.

See more about Kibo Palace Hotel 

The African Tulip

The African Tulip is an elegant and charming Luxury Boutique Hotel located along Serengeti Road right in the heart of Arusha.

It’s a super nice hotel, if budget is not a problem, then book a room here at $150 to $200 per night.

The African Tulip Hotel has been designed with safari travelers, business persons, families, honeymooners, elite, and leisure travelers in mind.

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 claims the fame of being the oldest hotel in Arusha.

It includes all the amenities that you would expect from a 5-star hotel anywhere around the world.

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 has fantastic service and brilliant 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.

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 important 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.

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.

• Price ranges from $ 430 to $ 1000 per night. You can book directly with us.

See more about Gran Melia Arusha 

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Is a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any East African safari.

Is hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest 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. But also if you need to visit parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater it’s quite 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 on where to stay and which hotels or lodges are best? We hope one of these best hotels in Arusha will live up to your expectations.

In case you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations, feel free to share them with us.

Our team is always attentive to provide quick responses for you. Talk to the Blessing Safaris Team for any inquiry or booking for your Tanzania safari.