Why choose a hostel in Arusha?
Arusha pulls travellers in as a base for some of East Africa's most celebrated wildlife areas, and the energy of the city itself is worth your time. The Arusha Declaration Museum tells the story of Tanzania's political history right in the city. The Cultural Heritage Centre offers local art, crafts, and a market worth an afternoon. Hostels in Arusha make good sense here, where budget matters and meeting fellow travellers adds real value to your trip.
Hostels suit solo adventurers, backpackers, and group travellers who want more than just a room. Shared dorms keep costs low, while private rooms give you space without the price of a hotel. Compared to hotels, hostels offer communal areas, local tips from staff, and a social atmosphere. Private rentals rarely match that on short stays. You get more connection and more value for your money.
How to find the best hostel deals in Arusha
Love how effortless it is to compare flights with us? The same clever search engine has a talent for hunting down deals on rooms and hostels too. Follow these tips to find the right stay at the right price.
Book in advance
The earlier you book, the better. You're more likely to discover a cheaper price on a hostel in Arusha and have more options.
…or bag a last-minute Arusha hostel deal.
Booking late can be a bit of a gamble, but it can work in your favor. Some stays drop their rates shortly before check-in to attract more bookings, especially during low season or on quieter days.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap hostels can be easier to find when you're flexible with your dates. Experiment with different months or seasons, or go during the week instead of weekends to keep costs down.
Where to base yourself in Arusha
The city centre is where many of the best hostels in Arusha are found, and it puts you close to the Clock Tower, local daladala routes, and the Central Market. Street food stalls and small restaurants keep eating cheap and easy. The Arusha National History Museum is a short walk away, giving you a low-cost way to fill a morning before or after a safari.
Sakina, a quieter neighbourhood to the north, suits travellers who want a calmer place to stay while still being easy to reach from the centre by taxi or bajaji. You'll find a handful of cafes and local eateries there, and the area has a relaxed feel that works well for rest days. Your choice comes down to whether you want the pace of the centre or something a little slower.
Best hostels in Arusha
Hostel ratings on Skyscanner come from genuine traveller reviews, covering everything from location and service to value and overall experience. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or want something a little more comfortable, these scores make it easy to compare options and find the right fit.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that checks every box, you can't go wrong with Savannah House. It gets great reviews for its cleanliness, service and value.
Serengeti Villa is worth keeping in mind too. It earns solid guest ratings for its cleanliness, rooms and sleep quality.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
Savannah House doesn't miss the little things. Guests rate this accommodation option among the best in the city for cleanliness. You'll find amenities like Wi-Fi and a laundry.
Well-kept rooms and tidy shared areas are also part of the package at Serengeti Villa. Along with solid ratings for cleanliness, it includes shuttle services and an airport shuttle.
Hostels with the best customer service
You'll be in good hands at Savannah House. This hostel in Arusha is highly rated for its customer service and comes with an airport shuttle and heating.
Enjivai Hostel also stands out for its customer service, with travellers praising the staff for going out of their way. Wi-Fi and tour services are a couple of the amenities here.
Centrally located hostels
Location is where Enjivai Hostel really earns its reputation, according to the travellers who've stayed there before. It has everything you need, including parking and an airport shuttle.
Or check in to Maasai Hostel Tanzania. This well-located stay offers Wi-Fi and a ticket office.
Hostels near the best attractions in Arusha
Where to stay near kilimanjaro trekking
Kilimanjaro trekking is the pursuit of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak. It's a multi-day climbing expedition with several established routes, each varying in length and difficulty. No technical climbing experience is required, which makes it accessible to fit hikers. Travellers searching for hostels near kilimanjaro trekking use Arusha as their base, since the mountain sits just a short drive away.
Consider Arusha Safari Hostel if you want a base near kilimanjaro trekking. This hostel in Arusha comes with thoughtful touches like a lounge, an outdoor swimming pool and more.
Hostels close to Hiking and Safari Tanzania
Kizumba House makes a convenient base for visiting Hiking and Safari Tanzania. You'll find bicycle rentals and a ticket office at this hostel in Arusha.
You'll also love staying at Arusha Backpackers Hotel - Hostel. It's close to this attraction and comes with amenities like shuttle services and a games room.
The Tanzanite Experience hostels
The area around hostels near The Tanzanite Experience sits in central Arusha, where you'll find local coffee shops, street food vendors, and small craft markets within easy reach. Boma Road and the streets nearby have a mix of independent traders and casual restaurants serving Tanzanian dishes. It's a practical, well-connected part of the city with enough daily life around it to feel genuinely local.
From parking to a 24-hour front desk and more, Serengeti Villa has plenty to offer. Book this hostel in Arusha and you're well set up for a visit to this attraction.
Staying close to this popular sight is just as convenient at Kizumba House. There are amenities like tour services and a barbecue here.
