Northern Tanzania - Tanzania - page 322

grounds and communal poolside restaurant-lounge with couches, board games and fresh-
squeezed juices more than compensate. It's in a quiet residential area off Nyerere Rd.
Spices & Herbs GUESTHOUSE $
( 0754-313162; [e-mail]; Simeon Rd; s/d & tw US$35/45;
) The 19 rooms behind this popular Ethiopian restaurant are simple but warm, with woven
grass mats and wooden wardrobes adding character not often found at this price level. An
excellent budget choice; it's the best value spot in eastern Arusha.
Ujamaa Hostel HOSTEL $
( 0753-960570. 0763-830608; www.ujamaahostel.com ; Fire Rd; dm incl breakfast, din-
ner & laundry US$17, d without bathroom US$38; ) Focussing on volunteers, but open
to all, Ujamma is the most communal spot to lay your head in Arusha. Besides the clean
dorms with shelves, lockable draws and hot-water baths, there's a TV lounge, book ex-
change, plenty of travel advice and a quiet backyard. They can hook you up with a vari-
ety of volunteer opportunities (minimum two-week commitment) in Arusha including an
orphanage and a special needs school.
Centre House Hostel GUESTHOUSE $
( 0754-089928; Kanisa Rd; dm/d Tsh15,000/ 35,000; ) On the grounds of a Cath-
olic High School, this no-frills place also has a communal atmosphere due to the large num-
ber of long-term volunteers who stay here. Dorm rooms have two or four beds while the
self-contained rooms have cable TV. Both have hot water. Meals are available by request.
The peaceful (when school is out) grounds have more birdsong than car horns. The gate
shuts at 11pm unless you've made previous arrangements.
Le Jacaranda GUESTHOUSE $$$
( 027-254 4624; www.chez.com/jacaranda ; s/d/tr US$50/55/75; ) This French-
owned place set off Nyerere Rd has a variety of spacious rooms whose frumpiness is
mostly hidden by the African themed art. There's a lush garden with mini golf and a res-
taurant (Tsh8000 to Tsh18,000) serving a variety of cuisines: but not French.
Arusha Naaz Hotel HOTEL $$
( 027-257 2087; www.arushanaaz.net ; Sokoine Rd; s/d/tr US$45/60/75; ) Naaz is
short on atmosphere, but otherwise good value, with comfortable 1st-floor rooms in a con-
venient location by the Clock Tower. Rooms are not all the same, so check out a few first;