The multistory Impala – one of Arusha’s older hotels – has long since been overtaken by newer arrivals in terms of glitz, ambiance and pizazz. Yet, it remains a tried-and-true choice, with a central location and an amenable mix of local and international travelers. It offers good value for money for those seeking a convenient overnight choice en route to or from their Kilimanjaro climb or wildlife safari.

Its 177 rooms are divided into an ‘old’ wing, which should be ignored, and a ‘new’ wing, which is the place to go. Various bedding arrangements are possible – rooms with two or three single beds, double-bedded rooms, and even a quad. Most rooms have mosquito nets, and all have large, screened windows. Those overlooking the pool and small gardens are the best. There is no air-conditioning, although no real need of it in cool Arusha.

On the ground floor – once away from the rather uninspiring but always bustling reception area – are a range of useful services, including a 24-hour Internet café (there’s also free Wi-Fi in the rooms and common areas), a foreign exchange service that offers cash advances on Visa and MasterCard, and a small curio shop. The hotel’s restaurants are here as well, one featuring Indian cuisine (and frequented by many in the local Indian population), and the other offering bland but filling continental and Chinese dishes plus an assortment of pizzas. A rather mediocre breakfast is served in a separate area at the mezzanine level.

For many, the Impala’s true worth shows itself at shower time – especially if you have just arrived from a safari, dust-covered and windblown – as the hotel boasts what are arguably the highest-pressure, hottest showers in this part of the country. (These are only available in “new wing” rooms.)
In my opinion, the Impala’s main annoyance is the large, covered air vents in the bathrooms that open onto the outside hallway, and through which a steady breeze blows, rattling the door. But the hotel’s other advantages more than compensate for this, and the hotel remains a solid choice for those looking to reliably economize on their Arusha town accommodation.