Gran Meliá Arusha
An international five-star hotel set on eighteen acres of coffee and tea plantation, with Mount Meru on the skyline. A dependable, larger-scale first or last night in Tanzania.
The Setting
Gran Meliá Arusha sits on eighteen acres of landscaped coffee and tea plantation less than two kilometres from central Arusha, with a river running through the grounds and Mount Meru visible from many of the hotel’s rooms. Where the other Arusha properties on this list lean boutique and intimate, Gran Meliá is the larger, more international option — over 170 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, a spa and a heated outdoor pool — suited to travellers who want a full-service five-star stay rather than a smaller lodge experience before or after a safari.
An on-site herb and vegetable garden supplies the kitchens, and guided walks through the surrounding coffee country are available for guests who want a closer look at the estate the hotel sits within.
Access
Arusha Airport is the closer of the two airports serving the hotel; Kilimanjaro International Airport is also within reach for onward international connections.
Planning a Stay
One night is generally sufficient, either on arrival to rest before heading into the bush, or before departure to unwind after a longer safari. Gran Meliá Arusha pairs naturally with any itinerary through the northern circuit — the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
As with every Oloi Shorua itinerary, pricing is confirmed during planning, not fixed in advance.
If you are considering a Tanzania safari that begins or ends in Arusha, we would be pleased to help design a journey tailored to your interests.