Arusha - a quick recovery from the depredations of the Bush

Game viewing in the big reserves is fantastic but sometimes the facilities can be a little crude. A shave in freezing cold water trickling out of basic plumbing isn’t always the most appealing of prospects. So at the end of my safari I had six days of beard attached to my face. Notwithstanding curious butch pride at growing such a tickly mane – it had to come off. That was my main priority at the Arusha Crown. To their credit they didn’t bat an eyelid at me who resembled the "Wild Man of Wongo" when I walked up to their front desk. Probably an everyday occurrence at the Arusha Crown.

It is an excellent hotel. It’s not situated in the outskirts but smack in the living working centre. This absence of other hotels around it gives it an African feel. It does stand out from the buildings around it being a bright pink pastel colour. Excellent bellboys take your luggage up to four floors of rooms. It costs about $70 a night for a single and be warned the credit card machine takes a few hours to warm up but does work eventually.

Security is excellent with electronic locks. Each of the rooms has large picture windows and is spacious. As well as double bed, clean bathroom, room service, table and writing desk. My room was on the fourth floor and had panoramic views of the sports stadium far below. I was able to watch them kick around a football while getting ready in the morning.

It is in the heart of town and is subsequently surrounded by African restaurants. If you are not brave enough to try Ugali or yam fritters then the in-house restaurant is actually award winning and one of the best in Tanzania. For about 1300 Tanzanian Schillings you can have international dishes such as Rogan josh, grilled kudu meat, Shanghai chicken and Spaghetti Bolognese. These are actually cooked very well and businessmen from miles around come to impress clients. 

There are also the usual weary safari tourists grateful not to eat their food to the sound of lions roaring.If you want a safe secure hotel with a good restaurant then the Arusha Crown should definitely be on your list.