Gran Melia Arusha
Gran Melia Arusha — Luxury Hotel & Travel Guide In 2025/2026
When planning a safari in Tanzania, most travelers begin their journey in the city of Arusha. Known as the safari capital of Northern Tanzania, Arusha is the gateway to iconic destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. For many visitors, this vibrant city is a short stopover before heading into the wilderness, but where you stay during this time can set the tone for your entire trip. If you’re looking for luxury, comfort, and a world-class experience, Gran Melia Arusha is one of the best options available.
This five-star hotel is more than just a place to rest your head. Set on 18 acres of lush coffee and tea plantations, the property offers spectacular views of Mount Meru, modern architecture with international flair, and some of the finest dining options in the region. Whether you’re arriving after a long international flight, completing the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, or preparing for an unforgettable safari adventure, Gran Melia Arusha provides the perfect setting to relax and recharge in style.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Gran Melia Arusha enjoys a prime location right in the heart of Arusha city, yet surrounded by greenery that creates a sense of calm and exclusivity. The property is strategically positioned for easy access to both Arusha Airport, which is just 9 kilometers away, and Kilimanjaro International Airport, located about 45 kilometers from the hotel. This makes it highly convenient for international travelers who want to minimize travel time upon arrival.
One of the biggest highlights of Gran Melia’s location is its backdrop—Mount Meru, a dormant volcano that rises majestically above the landscape. Whether you’re relaxing in your room, swimming by the pool, or dining at the rooftop restaurant, you are constantly treated to panoramic views of this stunning mountain. The property also offers easy access to the vibrant attractions of Arusha city, from local markets and cultural centers to bustling restaurants and nightlife. For those who want to explore the wilderness right away, Arusha National Park is only a short drive from the hotel.
Gran Melia Arusha Photo gallery
These are real photos from our clients on their Tanzania safaris. They show the wildlife, landscapes, and special moments you can experience on your own safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
At Tanzania Safari Experience, we believe Gran Melia Arusha is one of the finest luxury hotels in Northern Tanzania. It is particularly well-suited to travelers who want the comfort of a five-star international hotel after long flights or before embarking on a safari adventure. The hotel’s combination of spacious rooms, excellent dining, and world-class facilities makes it a top choice for many of our guests.
That said, for travelers looking for a more intimate and authentic Tanzanian experience, we also recommend considering boutique-style coffee lodges in the area. These properties often provide a deeper cultural connection and a more traditional ambiance. However, if your priority is luxury, convenience, and pampering, Gran Melia Arusha is the best choice.
👉 Plan your safari with Tanzania Safari Experience, and let us tailor a trip that begins with a restful night at Gran Melia before taking you into the wild landscapes of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and beyond.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Gran Melia Arusha Highlights
- 18 acres of coffee & tea plantations
- Stunning Mount Meru views
- Rooftop dining & multiple restaurants
- Spa, wellness & 24-hour gym
- Outdoor pool with sun deck
- Family-friendly rooms & services
- Close to Arusha & Kilimanjaro airports
At a glance
- Tanzania
- Safari Accommodation
Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
Accommodation at Gran Melia Arusha
When it comes to accommodation, Gran Melia Arusha sets a new standard for luxury in Northern Tanzania. The hotel offers a wide selection of rooms and suites, ensuring that every type of traveler—from solo adventurers to honeymooners and families—can find the perfect space to suit their needs.
Each room has been thoughtfully designed with a balance of modern elegance and touches of Tanzanian culture. The décor draws inspiration from local tribal patterns and the rich hues of the coffee plantations surrounding the property. Guests can choose between city-view rooms, offering glimpses of bustling Arusha, or mountain-view rooms, where Mount Meru becomes part of your morning and evening ritual.
Inside, the rooms are equipped with everything you would expect from a world-class hotel. Private balconies provide an inviting space to enjoy fresh air and scenery. 65-inch TVs, Wi-Fi access, and entertainment systems keep you connected, while spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, bathtubs, and luxury toiletries add an extra layer of comfort. Additional features such as minibars, safety deposit boxes, and tea/coffee-making stations make each stay more convenient. Families can opt for interconnecting rooms, while couples may prefer the indulgence of a suite, with added living space and upgraded amenities.
Dining Experiences
Dining at Gran Melia Arusha is a journey across continents, offering guests a wide range of flavors to enjoy during their stay. The hotel has multiple restaurants, each with a unique culinary theme and ambiance.
The Saba Saba Restaurant celebrates both Tanzanian and international cuisine, allowing guests to enjoy familiar flavors alongside local specialties. For those craving the rich spices of Indian cuisine, the Yellow Chilli Restaurant offers an exciting menu with innovative twists on traditional recipes. One of the highlights of the property is the rooftop restaurant, which combines Peruvian and Spanish fusion dishes with breathtaking views of Mount Meru—a dining experience that is both luxurious and memorable.
For lighter options, the Market Place Café is the perfect spot for coffee, fresh juice, or a quick snack. Business travelers often find it a convenient place to catch up on work while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. By the pool, guests can indulge in refreshing cocktails and light bites from the Pool Bar, making it easy to spend an entire day soaking up the sun without ever leaving the property.
With Chef Alankale Mayaven leading the culinary team, dining at Gran Melia is not just about food—it is an exploration of global flavors with a strong foundation in quality and creativity.
Activities Around Gran Melia Arusha
While many visitors spend just one or two nights in Arusha before departing for safari, those who extend their stay will find plenty to do in and around the city.
A city tour is one of the best ways to start, with highlights including the iconic clock tower, the National Natural History Museum, and the bustling Maasai Market, where visitors can shop for souvenirs and handicrafts. For more curated cultural experiences, the Cultural Heritage Centre offers both an art gallery and a wide selection of crafts.
Nature lovers will enjoy a day trip to Arusha National Park, which, while smaller than Tanzania’s more famous reserves, offers beautiful scenery, birdwatching, and even canoeing opportunities on Lake Duluti. Another fascinating excursion is a coffee plantation tour, where visitors can learn about the process of coffee production and taste freshly brewed beans.
Food enthusiasts will appreciate sampling local cuisine in the city, where dishes such as nyama ndizi (meat and banana stew), ugali, and grilled barbecue are popular. For those who enjoy nightlife, the Sekei district in the northwest part of Arusha offers lively bars and music.
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Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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Plan your Gran Melia Arusha today
Looking for more?
We can design a safari for you from scratch, or you can choose from our tailor-made safari proposals below. You’ll receive a free Tanzania safari proposal with no obligation, featuring trips created for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Gran Melia Arusha is located in central Arusha, Tanzania, just 9 km from Arusha Airport and 45 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Its position offers both city convenience and stunning views of Mount Meru.
Gran Melia Arusha stands out for its luxury facilities, including a rooftop restaurant, spa, large swimming pool, and 18 acres of coffee and tea plantations. Guests enjoy international 5-star comfort while staying close to Tanzania’s safari parks.
Yes. The hotel offers interconnecting rooms, family suites, child-friendly dining menus, and babysitting services, making it a great choice for families traveling together.
Gran Melia Arusha has three main restaurants: Saba Saba (Tanzanian and international cuisine), Yellow Chilli (Indian specialties), and the Rooftop Restaurant (Peruvian-Spanish fusion). There’s also a Market Café and Pool Bar for lighter meals and drinks.
Guests can explore Arusha city, visit the Maasai Market, tour coffee plantations, take a day trip to Arusha National Park, or enjoy local nightlife. The hotel’s concierge can arrange all excursions.
Yes. The hotel features a luxury spa, 24-hour gym, outdoor swimming pool, and a running track. Treatments inspired by African traditions are available for relaxation after flights or safaris.
Absolutely. The hotel offers conference halls, VIP services, business facilities, and a central location, making it an excellent choice for meetings and corporate events.
Yes, with Tanzania Safari Experience you can easily include Gran Melia Arusha in your safari itinerary. Many travelers choose to stay here before or after exploring Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire.