Where to Stay in Arusha
Arusha, Tanzania is often the first and/or last place people visit on their Serengeti safari. Many international flights land late in the evening and weary travelers are quickly ushered to their hotels in Arusha only to catch an early morning flight into the Serengeti. Some safaris give people to end their safari with several hours in Arusha, where they can visit local markets, get a day room and freshen up before their return flight home later that evening.
Arusha has evolved substantially over the last 10-15 years and it certainly merits more than just dayroom status. Whether you’re seeking pampering and tranquility or if you wish to be within walking distance to markets and restaurants, Arusha has you covered.
EAST OF ARUSHA:
Located about 10 minutes outside of Arusha, Onsea House offers gorgeous vistas in an intimate setting. Guests can opt to stay in one of five rooms at the house itself, or stay in the country inn, which has two double suites and a family suite overlooking the Meru valley. There is also a self-contained guest cottage where each room as its own balcony. It can accommodate up to six people. In addition to the fine dining options and tranquil vibes, guests can also enjoy the spa and wellness facilities of neighboring Machweo, which shares the same owners as Onsea House.
Kigongoni is only about a 20-minute drive from Arusha and offers some stellar views of Mt. Meru. The individual chalets are nicely spaced and bright and airy.
The views from the pool are what keep us going back—the vistas and proximity to Mt. Meru means people often mistaken it for Mt. Kilimanjaro. Best of all, Kigongoni won’t break the bank.
Although this lodge is just a few more minutes down the road from Kigongoni, it feels like it’s hours away. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel completely isolated from the surrounding environs.
To access the lodge, you’ll need to cross over a quaint bridge and then go up a flight of stairs to the main reception area. Ngare Sero offers yoga (private and group classes), mountain biking and even croquet.
Arumeru is the furthest out of town of our picks but it’s also the closest to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The chalets here are nicely spaced out and, while the rooms are simple, they are adequate in size and have nice, high ceilings.
The pool area is relaxing and the central dining room is a nice place to unwind and chat with fellow travellers.
NEAR THE CENTER OF ARUSHA:
If you’d rather have easy access to markets and local restaurants, both the African Tulip and Destination 3 Degrees City Lodge Arusha are great options.
African Tulip has modern, air conditioned rooms and a nice, albeit smallish, pool you can lounge by.
Its proximity to several good restaurants and markets means you don’t need to get back in a vehicle once you’ve arrived.
Destination 3 Degrees City Lodge Arusha
The name of this lodge may be large but the lodge itself is quite intimate. Comprised of 15 rooms, this lodge is clean, quiet and comfortable. Its restaurant serves some delicious, local fare and its central location means you can also walk to nearby restaurants and markets.
WEST OF ARUSHA:
Just a few minutes outside of the city center is the Arusha Coffee Lodge. The chalets are set in a coffee plantation and are nicely spaced out.
The rooms are decorated to a high standard and some offer outdoor tubs and showers. This lodge’s close proximity to Arusha Airport also make it an ideal choice for those with early morning flights.
More Arusha Trip Ideas
Planning your Arusha trip? Whether you’re looking for things to do in Arusha such as events and attractions, key traveller information to make your Arusha visit run smoothly or are planning where to stay in Arusha, you’ll find everything you need for your Arusha holiday on Our Website. Arusha City Travel guide has the information about latest events not to miss while you visit Arusha – there’s always something going on, so don’t miss out on the latest exhibitions, shows and more on your trip to Arusha.
Discover the best day trips from Arusha or try one of the best Arusha tours. If you’re here as a family, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Arusha with kids and find suitable accommodation such as Arusha holiday apartments. Whether you’re looking for the best weekend breaks in Arusha or planning a longer holiday in Tanzania, you can be sure you’ll find all the information you need.
Tanzania Travel Guide| Climb Kilimanjaro and Meru | Beach Holidays in Zanzibar | Mwanza Travel Guide |Dar-es-salaam Travel Guide |Dodoma Travel Guide | Tanga Travel Guide | Mbeya Travel Guide | Arusha Travel Guide | Tanzania Safari and Tours | Africa Safari Forums | African Safari Questions and answers | Expat Guide