If you’re looking for the best hostels in Arusha, look no further.
Tanzania is a country of a multitude of adventures, many of which can be accessed via the city of Arusha. Although this is definitely not the most beautiful town in Tanzania, it is at the epicenter of safari trips and hikes to Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Most travelers opt to stay in Arusha for at least a few nights, treating the city as their base camp to explore Tanzania’s wild side. Location won’t be a heavy criterion for Arusha Hostels, as it doesn’t really matter as long as they are safe.
Our favorite hostels in Arusha are:
- Wakawaka Hostel - best for Couples
- Lost in Africa Arusha - best for Friend Groups
- Arusha Safari Hostel - best for Solo Travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Wakawaka Hostel
2. Lost in Africa Arusha
3. Arusha Safari Hostel
But you will need to pick an appropriate place that meets your needs and expectations!
This guide has just that, with the best hostels in Arusha for you, whether you are traveling solo, backpacking, or with a group of friends or family.
If you’re also planning on visiting Zanzibar, you’re in luck; we have a guide on the best hostels in Zanzibar as well.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Arusha
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Arusha cost $8 – $22 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $31 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Health: While the healthcare in Tanzania is relatively good, health insurance is a must here, especially if you visit remote places or go on lengthy safaris.
Consider getting a plan that also covers air evacuation, as the place you’re visiting might not have adequate medical facilities.
Safety: We also recommend using common sense. While most people in Tanzania you encounter will be awesome, you don’t need to carry valuables or large sums of cash with you – this can make you an easy target.
Cost: before engaging in any excursions or activities, make sure to discuss and fix prices in advance.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Arusha are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Arusha.
- Wakawaka Hostel – best for Couples
- Lost in Africa Arusha – best for Friend Groups
- Arusha Safari Hostel – best for Solo Travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Arusha. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Wakawaka Hostel
2. Lost in Africa Arusha
3. Arusha Safari Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Arusha Safari Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Wakawaka Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Arusha Safari Hostel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Wakawaka Hostel |
| 👯For Groups: | Lost in Africa Arusha |
1. Wakawaka Hostel
Wakawaka Hostel is our top Arusha hostel pick for couples traveling on a budget or backpackers.
On-site, you’ll find:
- A garden
- A shared lounge (with a billiard table)
- A shared kitchen (there is a small fee to pay if you intend to use cooking gas)
- A terrace
- A bar and restaurant (with vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options)
- 24/7 reception
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This hostel has a fantastic ambiance that is also very familiar and intimate. The staff is also awesome and will help you with anything you ask.
The bar next to their lounge serves some of the cheapest drinks we encountered in the city.
Location: Arusha Hostel, a short walk away from downtown. This is the best-located hostel on our guide, with nearby restaurants, lounges, bars, café spots, and local markets.
The best choice in Arusha for
- Couples
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Lost in Africa Arusha
Lost in Africa Arusha is our top pick if you’re traveling with a group of friends and you want to stay at a hostel.
This Arusha hostel has the following facilities:
- A garden (with BBQ grill)
- A shared lounge
- A terrace.
- Karaoke
- 24/7 reception
- FREE breakfast buffet (with vegetarian options)
- A restaurant and bar
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
We really like the fact that all their rooms come with beautiful mountain views.
The overall hostel design is very clean and bright, and the staff is incredibly accommodating, which makes for a great friendly atmosphere.
Their bar is great for mingling with fellow travelers, especially during happy hour.
This hostel is owned by a safari touring company so that the staff can recommend and organize many different tours with great guides throughout all of Tanzania.
One issue you might encounter is the noise you’ll likely hear during the day, as the hostel faces an elementary school.
Location: okay location, 10 minutes by car from the city center, and there’s also a supermarket nearby.
A great choice for
- Friend groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Arusha Safari Hostel
Arusha Safari Hostel is our top pick for Arusha hostels for solo travelers.
Here, you’ll find:
- An outdoor swimming pool
- A shared lounge
- A terrace (with BBQ)
- 24/7 reception
- A shared kitchen
- FREE breakfast
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This hostel organizes a lot of different activities that travelers can partake in, from safaris to day trips, mountain climbing, and volunteering opportunities.
The vibe here is super friendly and warm, promoted by helpful and very nice staff (they will make sure you feel included).
You can expect spontaneous campfire nights, BBQ afternoons, delicious food, and cheap beer – in moderation!
Location: Arusha hostel, not too far or close to the city center. There are two bars in the area, which is overall quiet.
This is one of the best hostels in Arusha for
- Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Arusha for Solo Travelers?
Our top pick for solo travelers hostels in Arusha is Arusha Safari Hostel. This is because we think their facilities are great and provide plenty of intimate and social places to mingle and befriend fellow travelers.
Their location is also good for exploring the city, and their 24/7 reception will come in handy if you come across any issues during your trip and you’re alone.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Arusha?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Arusha.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Arusha
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Arusha best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Arusha for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Arusha?
The best hostels in Arusha are:
- Wakawaka Hostel – best for Couples
- Lost in Africa Arusha – best for Friend Groups
- Arusha Safari Hostel – best for Solo Travelers
What is the best hostel in Arusha for solo travelers?
The best hostel in Arusha for solo travelers is:
How much is a hostel in Arusha per night?
A hostel in Arusha costs $8 - $22 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $31 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
What is the best hostel in Arusha?
We think that the best hostel in Arusha is:
Wakawaka Hostel
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Arusha. If you’re hopping around, we also have a guide on the best hostels in Zanzibar.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations in Africa:
- best hostels in Johannesburg, South Africa
- best hostels in Cape Town, South Africa
- best hostels in Marrakech, Morocco
- best hostels in Essaouira, Morocco
- best hostels in Casablanca, Morocco
- best hostels in Nairobi, Kenya
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
