where to spend a night near JRO airport?

Old Feb 28th, 2012, 09:01 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
where to spend a night near JRO airport?

Suggestions, please, on where to spend the night near JRO airport?

Turns out that flight costs are quite a bit cheaper if departing Tanzania a day later than planned. Would like something nice, clean, comfortable with good food that is less than a few hundred US dollars.

Much appreciated!
live_aloha is offline  
Old Feb 29th, 2012, 06:27 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The KIA Lodge is about 500 yards from the airport. I have only stayed there once about 6 years ago. It was nothing special but was comfortable and the food was ok. Not sure on pricing though.

Bill
Bill949 is offline  
Old Feb 29th, 2012, 08:35 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The KIA Lodge is the only lodging right by JRO. Otherwise, you'll have to stay in Arusha, about 40 kms away. They can "shuttle" you to the JRO terminal. It's owned by the same folks as Moivaro Lodge.
ShayTay is offline  
Old Feb 29th, 2012, 08:39 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Arusha has large choice of hotels, I recommend the African Tulip. Also things to see in Arusha to spend the day. But will need to allow an hour to get back to JRO (which has nothing to offer except runways).

regards - tom
cary999 is offline  
Old Feb 29th, 2012, 01:00 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There are a lot of places that fit your stated criteria. Can you give us more? Like where else are you staying while in Tanzania? This will impact your expectations for that last night. Want/need a pool? Would you like to walk around town or just chill quietly somewhere? Two people?
Brian_in_MN is offline  
Old Feb 29th, 2012, 10:58 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Appreciate your responses!

Other than the benefit of staying close to the airport, sounds like not much to do or see if staying at the KIA lodge.

Is there much to do or see in Arusha? This overnight stay would be at the end of a 9 day safari (Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, Tarangire). Don't need a pool. Cultural experiences and/or last minute souvenir shopping might be good.

How does one get from the airport to Arusha? And on the average, how costly is it to get there and back?
live_aloha is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2012, 08:07 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wish you had told us your accommodations during your 9 days because that would inform the recommendation for this one night. I'm going to wait until I hear where you are staying other nights before recommending something in Arusha.

Generally, you are correct that there is not a lot to do at KIA Lodge. Decent place, nothing wrong with it, but what are you seeking?

Arusha is a 'small' city. It has what most cities have: restaurants, a couple things to see (a basic museum, a local crafts market for shopping, general looking around, local food market, etc.) Plenty of options for last minute souvenir shopping. In terms of cultural things, Arusha town itself is probably not the best for this (though you get to experience 'city culture') and for that your best bet will be to get a cultural experience somewhere outside of Arusha. Many pre-set options exist but you might do well to start with the Cultural Tourism Program though their website is proclaiming that it was last updated in 2006! But a cultural trip outside of Arusha will take the better part of a day so set that aside. And if you are going to spend a full day toodling around Arusha you will almost definitely want a 'day room' so that you can shower before you head to the airport. It can get quite hot during the day in Arusha and you might want to feel fresh before you get on a long flight.

From Arusha, you should be able to get a taxi to the Kilimanjaro airport (Note it's not called Arusha airport, that's a different airport.) for about $50-70 depending on the quality of the vehicle and your negotiating skills.

Often, your hotel might help you arrange something or even offer it themselves.

Oh, wait, you said from the Airport to Arusha. Do you mean from the Arusha (ARK) airport to Arusha? There should be taxis when you arrive. I haven't taken one of these but it's gotta run about $15-30, give or take depending on your actual destination and your negotiating skills. Then when you want depart the country you need to go to JRO which locally is called KIA (Kilimanjaro International Airport) pronounced kee - a.
Brian_in_MN is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2012, 09:17 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Live_Aloha, on which airline are your departing? KLM? Ethiopian? The KLM flight is a late evening flight, so if you stayed at KIA Lodge, you'd have a lot of downtime there (over 24 hours.) If that's the case, then I'd suggest you stay in Arusha the night you arrive back from your safari. Set up your arrangments with your safari outfitter. You could do your shopping/cultural activies the afternoon you arrive back in Arusha. Spend the night somewhere in Arusha (Arusha Hotel, Olasiti Lodge, Moivaro Lodge, etc.) The next day, spend the day in Arusha National Park, then have your safari guide transport you to JRO at the end of the day. Arusha NP is an "undiscovered gem" of a park between Mt. Kili and Mt. Meru, often with good views of both. The park also has black and white Colobus monkeys, which you most likely won't see on your safari. If accompanied by a park ranger, you can also do a nice walk back to a waterfall.
ShayTay is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2012, 09:27 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
One of favourite places in Tanzania is in Arusha - the Arusha Coffee Lodge - lovely rooms, impeccable service and excellent food. They used to offer a shuttle service to JRO, but I am not certain if they still do.

http://elewanacollection.com/arusha-...ge-at-a-glance

If you have time, visit the Masai market is Arusha - great selection and good prices. CR
canadian_robin is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2012, 10:58 PM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Lots of helpful information which is much appreciated!

Brian_in_MN: I can't recall the names of the places we are staying off the top of my head--I'll report back in a day or 2 when my hectic work week has ended and I can review my itinerary! I believe our last stop is Tarangire and from there the plan was to have a day room at KIA lodge before the flight out. Actually, this portion of the trip is for my son and his partner---it's my gift to them---from this part of our journey I get to travel onwards to Rwanda for the gorilla experience!

Now I'm beginning to wonder if I should've just paid the extra $$ for the airline tickets instead of having them stay over the night. Too late, just purchased the tickets which were ~$350 less for each of them with the day later departure. So, I guess it makes sense after all to be able to spend an extra day in Africa. It would be nice though if I could at least break even.....

ShayTay: I'll need to check with Bill (The Wild Source) when he gets back from his travels to see what he can come up with. We are traveling on KLM, so yes, you are correct about lots of downtime. Arusha NP does sound like a nice option, especially if not too expensive (this trip is costing me a small fortune already!) I saw the waterfall you mentioned in the guide book--that and the Colobus monkey experience would be a nice way for them to end the trip.

canadian_robin: Arusha Coffee Lodge looks quite appealing--thanks! I've sent them an email inquiry. I still remember reading about your self-drive adventure when I was getting ready to plan my last trip to Kenya and wishing I was as adventurous as you! What a great story you shared....when and where is your next adventure?
live_aloha is offline  
Old Mar 2nd, 2012, 12:52 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We are not long back (Oct 2011) from a self-drive in Namibia/Botswana/Zambia - I will be posting a report and photos shortly. Next adventure is a self-drive in Kenya/Tanzania in July - and we will be staying at the Arusha Coffee Lodge again. CR
canadian_robin is offline  
Old Mar 2nd, 2012, 08:56 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Live_Aloha, if you're working with Bill, I'm sure he or Shannon can set up your arrangements. Arusha NP shouldn't be all that expensive, but can't say for sure what that would cost. If your last stop is Tarangire (Boundary Hill Lodge?), then I'm sure you're doing a road transfer back to Arusha. If you're looking for a different sort of cultural and shopping experience, consider going to Shanga, a group that gives the disabled a way to support themselves (www.shanga.org). Have lunch there and do some shopping upon your arrival into Arusha from Tarangire (unless they are planning to do a game drive that day in Tarangire.) Stay in Arusha overnight. Then, you could set up the Arusha NP visit the next day before heading to JRO. It's off the road that leads to JRO. For a quick shopping experience, you'll be going by the Cultural Centre on the way into Arusha. There are lots of shops there.
ShayTay is offline  
Old Mar 2nd, 2012, 10:03 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Brian - surprised to see you here; seems you just occasionally visit, but glad to have you

live_aloha - as Sharon, no doubt Bill will be able to handle a change - hotel, transfers and any activities.

From Tarangire, the first property on entering Arusha Town is The Arusha Coffee Lodge, absolutely lovely... but doesn't come cheap. I would suggest, instead of KIA Lodge, you stay in Arusha Town... many options at more competitive pricing, rather than the road between Arusha Town and JRO. At least if in Arusha, as Brian mentions - you can walk about, eat, shop, etc. (on your own or Bill can arrange a driver to get you about... some areas can be at distance from others) or just relax and refresh before flying out next evening.

Hotel expense will not only be for the overnight on arrival Arusha from Tarangire, but then a 'dayroom' rate on the day of departure.

What to do with your time?
- Arusha NP is nice, but here too, whether half- or full-day the price is pretty much the same, and again... not inexpensive. And if you wish to walk or canoe here... again more $$. Besides by end this holiday, you might be 'safari'd out' Visitors more often commence their holiday with a stop here, as an 'intro' to safari.

- Instead, you can certainly consider one of the village visits as N'gresi or Terengu where you only need 3/hrs max... again $$. Or Shanga.

Just ask Bill for prices and then decide how much any of these will add to your overall cost.

Hurts me to say, but in the end these extras might very well eat up whatever savings on those airline tickets. But, it is what it is and now just move forward.

KLM flight departure is 7:40pm (and you do know that this flight first heads off to DAR to drop-off/pick-up paxs before onto AMSterdam), meaning you have to be at airport minimum 2-2.5/hrs prior, and figuring 1/hr transfer - you'll be leaving Arusha between 4-4:30pm.

Let us know your progress and decisions.
sandi is offline  
Old Mar 2nd, 2012, 12:58 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Actually, Sandi, I believe that the KLM flight departs JRO at 9:40pm, not 7:40pm (that's about when it arrives.) Also, if they stay overnight in Arusha, then go to Arusha NP the next day, no dayroom is needed. Just head to JRO from the park. They could always leave early enough to have dinner at KIA Lodge or go back to Arusha, but that's backtracking. While these options will probably wipe out their savings on the flight costs, they do get an additional day in Africa, which is always a plus in my book!
ShayTay is offline  
Old Mar 3rd, 2012, 04:16 PM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the info! As you can tell, I'm pretty clueless about Tanzania---this will be my first trip there---so I really appreciate all of your responses.

canadian_robin: got the quote back from Arusha Coffee Lodge--it's a bit more than I wanted to spend, but it does look like a place I'd like to stay.
They do have a shuttle service, but they didn't mention the cost. Hmm, that's not usually a good sign from a cost perspective.
Great to hear you're posting another one of your adventures, I'll be looking forward to it!

ShayTay and sandi: Last stop is Boundary Hill Lodge/Tarangire. Appreciate the info about things to do in Arusha. My son and his partner are thinking they probably would skip the NP.

We'll check in with Bill about places to stay in Arusha--thanks for the suggestions.

On the way back from Tarangire they'll have to take me to KIA airport for my flight to Rwanda. How far is the airport to Arusha and how long does it take to drive it?

Brian_in_MN: In Tanzania, we will be staying at Arusha Hotel (maybe negotiate a 2nd night deal for that last night of the trip?), Olakira Camp, Serengeti Wilderness Camp, Sopa lodge (Ngorogoro), and Boundary Hill Lodge.
live_aloha is offline  
Old Mar 3rd, 2012, 06:49 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From Tarangire, you'll be approaching Arusha from the south. You'll drive across the city, then head east out of the city to JRO. It's about 40km from Arusha, but it's not a fast drive... lots of pedistrians, animals, and even speed bumps.
ShayTay is offline  
Old Mar 3rd, 2012, 07:53 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What was the quote, if you do not mind me asking? Yes, failure to quote a price for the shuttle is not a good sign. Link to the Botswana/Zambia trip will be up soon. CR
canadian_robin is offline  
Old Mar 4th, 2012, 07:12 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ShayTay - You caught me Arrival JRO is 7:40, departure is 9:40pm onto DAR, departing DAR about 11:30pm the then onto AMSterdam.

Still for the 9:40 departure, they have to be at JRO by 7:40 latest, for checkin plus the 1/hr to get from Arusha to JRO.

If staying at Arusha Hotel on arrival, they're great choice for stay the last day. Have your guide drop the guys in Arusha, then take you to JRO for your onward to KGL/Rwanda.
sandi is offline  
Old Mar 4th, 2012, 10:29 AM
  #19  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
canadian_robin: They quoted me $500. per night. Just re-read their email and they did have pricing for the shuttle service (don't know how I missed it on the 1st read!) It was $110. per vehicle/per way/"from international airport".

ShayTay and sandi: appreciate the detailed info on the commute from Arusha to the airport. Sounds like lots of things to see and people watching along the way....

The Arusha Hotel looks like a decent place to stay, but the guys would be fine with something more low key.

Does anyone know of or have experience with Christina House B&B? Looks good on TripAdvisor. Or any other places to stay for under a few hundred dollars? Prefer something with more personality? Like something other than a big hotel?
live_aloha is offline  
Old Mar 4th, 2012, 11:24 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Only hotel I've stayed at in Arusha was the African Tulip at I think $160 night including breakfast. Very nice new "boutique" hotel owned by Roy Safaris, great staff, nice lobby/lounge, good restaurant. They can of course arrange shuttle to JRO, but they also have their own mini-bus to JRO which they run for guests. (I don't recall anything of interest driving to/from JRO except for the speed bumps that bring a vehicle to a stop!!!).

regards - tom
cary999 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -