Writing about the best hostels in Arusha Tanzania was not easy. Most hostels and hotels in Arusha are pretty poor in terms of standard and this is why I didn’t want to write about them! Arusha is not the prettiest town either and often just a stopover point for safaris or volunteers. That said, you are going there anyway and just want to know where to find a decent hostel in Tanzania, right?
In this post, I would like to outline my picks for the best hostels in Arusha Tanzania:
The Best Hostels in Arusha Tanzania
Here’s the short answer in case you don’t have time to read on:
Overall Best Hostel in Arusha Tanzania – White House of Tanzania
Best Cheap Hostel in Arusha – Banana Farm Eco Hostel
Best Hostel in Arusha Town – Arusha Backpackers Hotel
Best Hostel for Couples in Arusha – Mambo Hostel
Best Hostel for Homestay in Arusha – Wakawaka Hostel
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What to Consider for the Best Hostels in Arusha Tanzania
Here are some things to consider when choosing the best hostel in Arusha Tanzania:
- Location – Arusha is a super busy town and quite industrial. Most tourists don’t want to see the industrial side of town and tend to stick with the main street and area around the clock tower.
- Cost – The best hostels in Arusha Tanzania are reasonably priced between $15 and $25.
- Activities – If it has free breakfast, great. Don’t worry about laundry or Wi-Fi. Laundry is available on the main street and you should get your own sim card when arriving in Arusha.
- Check Out – Avoid anywhere with a check out time earlier than 10am.
- Cleanliness –Â Hostels in Arusha Tanzania are looked after a little more than elsewhere in Africa.
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Best Cheap Hostel in Arusha Tanzania
Banana Farm Eco Hostel
Located approximately 6km from town, the Banana Farm Eco Hostel may be a little away from town but nevertheless, this is excellent value. The gardens have a lot of space and with the above in mind, it’s still easy to get into town.
Continental breakfast is included and you can rent bicycles nearby to get around. If I was staying for a couple of days and wanted to avoid the noise, this is the cheap hostel in Arusha that I would choose for my stay.
Best Hostel for Couples in Arusha
Mambo Arusha Hostel
As already mentioned, Mambo has so much to offer backpackers. However, the beds are oversized which makes it better for couples when they hang out in the room. Also, for privacy, the private rooms are beautifully designed and perfect for couples.
Needless to say, all of the same reasons above still apply and this for me, is the best hostel for couples in Arusha.
Best Hostel in Arusha Town Centre
Arusha Backpackers Hostel Hotel
Believe it or not, there are no other options in Arusha town centre. Sure, you will find cheap hotels in Arusha but no hostels. For this reason, I have stayed at the Arusha Backpackers Hotel on a few occasions. What I like about this place is that you can have your own little room – it may be a tiny box with no frills but still, it’s your own space. What I would not like, is if this was my first time to Arusha and I ended up here. Wi-Fi is not reliable, food is not the best either but as far as cheap hostels in Arusha go – this is the only obvious option!
Best Hostel for Homestay in Arusha
Wakawaka Hostel
Wakawaka was very nearly my pick for the best hostel in Arusha Tanzania. You will find excellent Wi-Fi here along with an extremely welcoming owner. Further, the location is just about right and they know how to accommodate volunteers in particular. You will find the hostel comfortable an I would happily stay here if my first option for not available.
Best Hostel in Arusha for Solo Travelers
White House of Tanzania
Few Arusha hostels receive the same glowing feedback as this accommodation. Located just one mile from the clock tower in Arusha, the hostel is perfectly situated. Also, you will find a lot of common areas and a great vibe which seems to encourage backpackers to mingle. The host is also super popular and in general, this is an excellent and clean hostel that suits solo travelers.
