Arusha may just be a stopover town on the way to or from a Serengeti safari — and mind you, the town does not have a large amount of redeeming features — but you’ll still want to stay in comfort and style. Situated about a 20-minute drive from downtown, nestled in the hills along the base of Mount Meru, Onsea House Country Inn is an oasis of tranquility and surprising luxury.

Shake off all the travel dust on the beautiful outdoor deck and pool area and drink in the commanding views over the valley below. The inn is divided into two locales, one being Onsea, which consists of two luxury suites with a shared lounge area. Neat as a pin and decorated with simple yet elegant safari-styled linens, you are set back below the main inn’s common areas, but with the added bonus of having you own private garden and swimming pool. The only negative would be that to reach Onsea you do have to walk up and down a rather large set of stairs.

Those who might have mobility issues would be better suited in the main inn area called Machweo. Laid out along terraced garden pathways leading up to the main restaurant, Machweo is the more modernized part of the inn with six en-suite rooms and three honeymoon suites, some with shared common areas and others standalone.

But the real treat in staying here — and really a very good reason to just stop over for a few hours if your time is spare — is the restaurant. Arusha is not a dining mecca in Tanzania, but Onsea has done some rather fine work on creating really delicious menu options. Firm lunchtime favorites include the tender burgers and fragrant curries. Those looking for something special must take advantage of the sunset dinner by candlelight with the chef’s tasting menu. It’s a rather unique way to soak in the waning daylight with spectacular views over Namasi Hills, accompanied by the soundtrack of village life winding down for the day.