The 10 best hotels in Arusha, Tanzania

The Researchers Rest was built in 1991 to house the various researchers when they would come in from the Bush. At the time the house was built in a quiet coffee farm, but over the years the city has grown around the property, which still maintains a beautiful garden with a handful of coffee trees. The five bedroom property has three in-suite rooms and two rooms that have shared facilities. The sitting room provides an extensive library and the walls are decorated with photographs taken by the many world renowned photographers and researchers that still stay at the Researchers Rest. But one can’t argue that the most memorable aspect of a stay is the incredible fresh dishes prepared by Eddie, who has 25 years of experience.

The African Tulip is Arusha's premier boutique hote, safari themed and provides first-class western luxury with outstanding facilities, personalized service and warm hospitality in a convenient location. The 'Zanzibar lounge & bar' is an ideal meeting place; The Baobab restaurant serves an excellent range of cuisine; 'The Serengeti' Pool & Bar is a fantastic place to relax. Additional facilities include a business centre, conference room & gift shops. It truly is Chic. Unique. and Authentically African!!

Set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, the Mount Meru Game Lodge is nestled between the Usa river and the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to water buffalo, birds and monkeys, including the elusive Colobus monkey. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), the lodge is an ideal starting point for your safari. The lodge & sanctuary date back to 1959 when Dr. Von Nagy bought the property as a family home. The main building dates back to the 1930's and was originally the farm manager's house. In the first half of the 1900's most of the area on the southern slopes of Mount Meru were coffee plantations. Dr. Von Nagy's was passionate about animals and he quickly turned his family home into an animal sanctuary and orphanage. He setup the Mount Meru Wildlife Reserve in order to protect the wildlife on Mount Meru, what is now part of Arusha National Park. He also helped the government to establish the Wildlife Collage and used his animal sanctuary and orphanage as a training facility for the students. His home and passion attracted visitors from far and wide, rooms were added to accommodate his visitors and the lodge was born. The lodge is one of the oldest lodges in northern Tanzania. Great effort has been made to keep the lodge as original as possible while at the same time offering some of the modern day comforts. The lodge has grown in popularity over the years and our visitors have included numerous presidents as well as members of European Royal families. When Dr. Von Nagy retired in the 1980’s, the animal orphanage stopped taking on orphaned animals. The Mount Meru Game lodge remains in family hands till today and the family look forward to offering you a memorable experience during your stay in Arusha.

Once an old coffee estate, Rivertrees is now a charming country inn nestled in abundant foliage with the Usa River flowing by. Set in the foothills of Mt Meru, conveniently close to Kilimanjaro International Airport and a short drive to Arusha, its location proffers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. Comprising the original Farm House, an elegant River House, luxurious River Cottages and several beautifully appointed Garden Rooms, it also serves delicious garden-fresh cuisine in its stunningly set restaurant. The swimming pool and spa are tailored for relaxation, and friendly personalised service ensures a memorable stay, whether for a one-night stopover or much longer.

Experience the essence of Arusha with Gran Meliá. An oasis within Arusha set out on 18 acres of beautiful landscaped coffee and tea plantations. Pure tranquility with spectacular views of Mount Meru. Gran Melia Arusha offers a unique experience combining the most exciting once-in-a-lifetime safari destination with state-of-the-art conference facilities.

Tulia Boutique Hotel is the perfect oasis for guests looking for a private and peaceful retreat.From its Africanised architecture to its cosy and aesthetically pleasing interior, Tulia Hotel is a ‘highly individualised property.

Make The Vijiji Center Lodge & Safari your safari headquarters. We offer traditional African-style meals and accommodations - and safari too - all at reasonable rates! We're a small, family-owned lodge located just minutes from Arusha and within easy reach of Kilimanjaro International Airport. We have 12 spacious guest rooms in built in a traditional "banda" style and we've just added 8 new contemporary-style rooms overlooking the pool, and new banda specially designed with families in mind. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower, a sitting area, in room coffee and tea and an outdoor patio. We have a full-service restaurant and dining room, a lounge, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a swimming pool, all on two fully-fenced, secure acres. There's free Wifi too. We also offer one day and multi-day safaris to the national parks, cultural tourism and outdoor activities in and around Arusha. Let our family welcome yours. Karibu sana!

You’re looking for a cosy and affordable accommodation in Arusha? You like a home-like atmosphere? Do you want to experience local life? Then welcome to Nyumbani Hostel! ‘Nyumbani’ in Swahili means ‘Home’, and that’s exactly what we are providing here in Arusha. During your stay in our hostel you can not only enjoy our delicious local/western-style breakfast buffet but also relax at our pool or enjoy a treatment in our spa. In the afternoon you can have a cold drink from our rooftop bar while enjoying the amazing sunset. If you’re up for some day trips around Arusha like visit of Maasai village, the Chemka hot springs or a coffee plantation let us know and we will organise everything for you! Looking for more sportive challenges?! We also organise mountain climbs (e.g. Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru). And if you like to discover the wildlife of Tanzania, we can organise a safari for you, according to your personal wishes and budget. The Nyumbani Hostel at a glance: • Affordable accommodation in 4-bed-dorm/ 6 bed dorms as well as private rooms • Breakfast included (Tanzanian & Western style) • free WiFi • free towel and bed sheets • hot shower, water filter, fridge, kitchen available • pool • spa • library • boardgames • rooftop bar • Discount on long term stays • 24/7 support • Help with the organization of safaris, mountain climbs & day trips & much more! • family-at-home-feeling inclusive!

Nestled in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge will captivate you with the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. Our unique African village styled accommodations offers you a peaceful sanctuary where you can unwind and connect with nature. Situated on 4.5 acres of lush gardens with views of Mount Meru, this African retreat places you in the center of that delicate balance where nature and casual living intersect.

Kiboko Lodge is part of the Watoto Foundation, founded by former retail director Noud and Truus van Hout from The Netherlands. The foundation works to educate street children in Tanzania since 2003. Watoto Foundation is a vocational training centre. Children who suffer from addiction to drugs, glue and alcohol are given the opportunity to build a new life. The Foundation offers them the chance for an education, which will equip them with the necessary skills to find a job. This is unique in a country where 70% of the population are unemployed. Staying at Kiboko Lodge is possible from $89 per person during high season and $75 per person in low season!