Banana Farm Eco Hostel

Welcome to Banana Farm Eco Hostel, a tranquil retreat nestled in the lush highlands of Arusha, in the Shangarai area, just off the Moshi – Arusha highway. Situated at an elevation of 1450 meters between the majestic Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, our eco-friendly hostel offers a unique combination of farm life, sustainability, and local culture. Proudly 100% locally owned and operated, Banana Farm Eco Hostel invites guests to experience the warmth of Tanzanian hospitality while staying in a serene natural environment.

At Banana Farm Eco Hostel, we offer a variety of accommodations that suit every traveler, from private rooms with stunning river views and patios to comfortable dormitories for budget-conscious backpackers. Each room comes with a private bathroom and hot showers, heated using our biogas system, which produces zero CO2 emissions. Our hostel generates 100% of its energy from renewable sources, with 80% of it being produced directly on the farm through a combination of solar and biogas systems.

Our farm is a living, breathing model of sustainable agriculture. We use organic farming techniques to grow a wide variety of produce, including 16 types of bananas, avocados, coffee, vegetables, herbs, and tropical fruits. The hostel is surrounded by 4.5 acres of farmland, where guests can walk among the crops, relax in hammocks, or dip their feet in the river that runs through the property. You’ll also meet our cows, goats, and chickens, all of which contribute to the farm’s sustainable ecosystem by providing milk, eggs, and natural fertilizer.

Dining at Banana Farm Eco Hostel is a fresh, organic experience. Most of the ingredients used in our meals come directly from our farm, ensuring that every dish is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by Veronica or request a homemade lunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy the flavours of the freshest local produce, cooked with love.

Guests are encouraged to participate in the daily life of the farm. You can take a tour of our biogas plant, learn how to milk cows, or join a traditional Tanzanian cooking class. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor activities, including cycling, walking tours, and river paths perfect for nature walks. With easy access to Arusha’s attractions—just 10 km from Old German Boma and 11 km from Uhuru Monument—Banana Farm Eco Hostel is the perfect base for exploring both the city and the countryside.

Consider going for day hikes near Arusha e.g

• Materuni Waterfalls from Arusha
• Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour
• Kikuletwa or Chemka Hot Springs Day Tour

Owned and managed by Godwin and his family, our hostel is more than just a place to stay. It’s a community where guests are treated like family. With a firepit, comfy hammocks, warm hospitality, and plenty of activities to enjoy, the Banana Farm Eco Hostel is ideal for backpackers, eco-conscious travellers, and anyone looking to unwind in nature. For backpackers that would love to hike, you can begin your treks from this hostel in Arusha or alternatively opt for some amazing Mount Meru hikes like:-

• 4 Days Mount Meru Trek
• 3 Days Mount Meru climb; Price for hiking Mt Meru in Arusha

Accommodation Experience:

• Nature-Centric Stay: Banana Farm Eco Hostel offers an authentic, eco-friendly retreat set in the lush surroundings of a banana plantation, with the soothing sounds of a river nearby. It’s designed for those seeking tranquillity and a touch with nature, providing simple yet comfortable eco cabins and rooms.
• Culinary Delights: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast featuring farm-fresh products like eggs, milk, homemade jams, pancakes, sweet potatoes, samosas, and fruits, accompanied by coffee or tea from the farm. Meals are available on a bed & breakfast, half board, or full board basis.
• Room Options: Accommodations include single, double, triple, quad, and family rooms, catering to various group sizes and preferences.

Activities & Exploration:

• Local Engagement: Guests can immerse themselves in Tanzanian traditions through village walks, volunteer activities, or simply by enjoying the daily life on the farm.
• Adventure: The farm serves as a base for numerous activities including nature walks, hiking to nearby waterfalls, cycling, and organizing day trips to famous Tanzanian landmarks like the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park.

• 13 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Trek & Safari
• 12 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Trek & Safari
• 5 Days Tanzania Safari
• 6 days Tanzania Safari
• 7 days Tanzania Safari
• 10 Days Best of Tanzania Safari
• 6 Day Wildebeest Calving season & Migration Safari in Ndutu & Serengeti
• 7-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari in the Western & Central Serengeti
• 8 Days Ndutu & Wildebeest Calving Season Safari
• 16 Days Wildebeest migration safari, Kilimanjaro trek and Zanzibar

Location:

Banana Farm Eco Hostel is located in the Shangarai area just outside the town of Arusha.

• Proximity to Arusha: Just a 20-minute bus ride from Arusha city centre, access is convenient via local transport (daladala) heading towards Tengeru/USA River. You can alight at Peace Point or Barabara Mpya, followed by a short motorcycle ride or a 1.5km scenic walk to the farm. Clear instructions guide visitors to a left turn at Kaka Shop, leading straight to the hostel’s gate.
• Transport Services: For convenience, Banana Farm offers pick-up services from the town, Kilimanjaro Airport, and Arusha Airport at reasonable rates.

Eco-Friendly Philosophy:

• Sustainable Living: The hostel embodies eco-friendliness, not just in its location nestled within nature but also through its operations, encouraging guests to live harmoniously with the environment.

Ideal For: Travelers looking to disconnect from the hustle of city life and reconnect with nature will find Banana Farm Eco Hostel the perfect spot. It’s an excellent choice for families, solo adventurers, or groups wanting to experience the serene beauty of Tanzania while having adventures right at their doorstep. Whether you’re here for relaxation or exploration, Banana Farm offers a unique blend of comfort, local culture, and ecological mindfulness.

Additional information