New Safari Hotel

New Safari Hotel (1967) Ltd is one of the oldest hotels in Arusha that sits right in the CBD, next to Arusha Palace Hotel and the Easy Travel offices in town. With its rich history dating back to 1935, stands as a testament to both colonial elegance and modern hospitality. Built initially for Gladys and Margot Rydon, two English sisters who were coffee estate owners in Tanganyika, the hotel has evolved through various hands, from nationalization to ownership by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. This transition not only preserved but also enhanced its legacy, making it a notable establishment in Arusha.

The hotel’s architecture carries an old-world charm with a touch of modernity, reflecting the era when it was a favoured haunt of celebrities and hunters alike. Today, it evokes memories of the 1960s, with its copper bar and walls decorated with signed photographs of legendary hunters and movie stars, creating an ambience of historical significance mixed with contemporary comforts.

Like many banks and major companies at the time, the Safari Hotel was nationalized in 1967 and given to the National Housing Corporation. After that, the hotel was sold to the Tanzanian Evangelical Lutheran Church, who changed the name to the New Safari Hotel (1967) Ltd. and eventually bought it in 2002.
The “Safari House,” a popular landmark addition to Arusha in the late 1930s, was “newer and fancier than the other Hotels in Arusha, lovely grounds, and the old-world charm of its rival.” But during the 1961 production of “Hatari,” it was expertly run by an Englishman named Ben Benbow, who knew every white hunter by name and was friendly with famous actors like Robert Taylor, John Wayne, and Harry Kruger. It featured a gorgeous copper bar and “framed and signed photographs of white hunters with their clients and trophies decorating the walls.”

The rooms at New Safari Hotel are designed to provide comfort with elegance:

• Triple Room: Priced at $150 per night, these rooms offer air conditioning, TV with cable, coffee/tea-making facilities, a minibar, and complimentary internet access. They are equipped to handle small groups or families seeking comfort.
• Suite: At $200 per night, these suites provide a more luxurious experience with all the amenities of the triple rooms, plus additional space and potentially enhanced views or decor, ensuring a premium stay.
• Double Room: The double rooms, at $110 per night, offer all the basic amenities for couples or solo travellers looking for convenience and comfort in the city centre.

Each room type includes modern conveniences like satellite TV, air conditioning, and a minibar, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. The private bathrooms are fitted with showers, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries, maintaining a level of luxury and attention to detail.

Location

Located in the historical heart of Arusha, the New Safari Hotel is perfectly positioned for both business and leisure travellers. Situated just 210 meters from the Arusha Clock Tower, it’s in close proximity to key landmarks, institutions, and transportation options. This central location ensures that guests are only steps away from the city’s administrative centres, cultural attractions like the Natural History Museum, and essential services like banks, airline offices, and the Arusha International Conference Centre.

Amenities

The New Safari Hotel offers a variety of amenities to cater to a diverse clientele:

• Restaurants:
  • Pizzeria Coffee Bar: A casual spot for coffee, tea, snacks, pizza, and barbecue, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
  • Malaika Restaurant: On the ground floor, this restaurant serves breakfast alongside a mix of African and Continental dishes, catering to a broad palate.
  • Tembo Restaurant: Located on the second floor, offering Asian cuisine, it provides a specialized dining option for those looking to explore different flavours.
• Conference Facilities: The hotel understands the needs of business travellers, offering flexible conference rooms that can accommodate from 10 to 300 people. The staff at New Safari Hotel works closely with event organizers to tailor each event to suit specific requirements, ensuring a personalized and effective experience.
• General Amenities: Besides dining and conference facilities, the hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, tour desk, gift shop, currency exchange, ticket service, and luggage storage. This comprehensive list of services underscores the hotel’s commitment to guest satisfaction, making it a convenient choice for all sorts of visitors.

Additional information