looks like we will need to spend a night in arusha. any opinions on the impala hotel? i've read mixed reviews. my trip partner being indian, we were happy that there's an indian restaurant there. anyone ever tried it? i've read it's pretty good. any idea what a complete meal (main course/naan/drinks/dessert, etc) should cost? thanks so much!

There is a large Indian community throughout East Africa, thus plenty of Indian restaurants. Impala has various cuisines on offer, but as we didn't partake of this cuisine when there, can't comment on the food. Prices though seemed to be very reasonable.

I have not eaten in the Indian restaurant, but we did have lunch in the Impala's Continental Dining Room (this past August) before catching the Impala shuttle to Nairobi. It wasn't a bad meal, but it certainly wasn't memorable. Presumably, the two restaurants are serviced by different kitchens and chefs, so our experience likely won't help you with your decision. Lunch for two (vegetable soup, garden salad and two waters) cost us Tsh29,500 (~US$22 before tip).

As for the hotel, we didn't wander any further than the lobby and the restaurant, but the staff was very friendly and the washrooms were clean. My overall impression was that the Impala looked a little on the far side of prime. Robin

thanks so much! wow---seems expensive for soup and salad!

Yup, and not even particularly memorable soup and salad. I would be inclined to follow Sandi's suggestion and find a local East Indian restaurant. Robin

Sorry, I should have added .... and for pity's sake avoid the shuttle! Robin

lol! we're definitely flying!

I ate at the Indian restaurant in the Impala but this was about 6 years ago. I thought the food was good; however I'm not from India so perhaps my standards are loosey-goosey. It was also the first real meal I had after 40+ hours of traveling so I really enjoyed it! Don't recall the price but nothing outlandish. I thought the hotel was serviceable and we got a really good rate.

I haven't eaten at the Impala, but we did have a wonderful Indian buffet at the Arusha Hotel 4 years ago. It was all Indian, no western food that I saw at all (maybe it was in a different spot though) and it was incredible - the naan bread was really good & very fresh, they made it right there. I can't remember what I had for a main dish, probably some kind of chicken knowing me, maybe a tandoori or possibly butter chicken, but whatever it was, I remember enjoying it!

I'm not sure about the cost as we were with Micato at the time and it was on their dime.

Hi,

we ate Indian at the Impala and the food was very good and very reasonably priced - I'd recommend it. Here is what I wrote in my trip report -

"<i>The Impala Hotel is OK for an overnight stay. My room was large with a lounge area, fridge and good hot water supply although DA and DU had a small room and DF had a poor hot water supply so the standard of the accommodation varies considerably. There was a reasonably priced gift shop and good Internet access. Dinner tonight was a delicious Indian meal after which we retired as DA and DU had an early start (3 am wake-up) for the onward flight to DAR and South Africa. The Impala serve masala chai at breakfast – yummy! </i>"

I'd highly recommend Rivertrees which is outside Arusha and has comfortable accommodation, very good food and the rural setting is very pleasant. The grounds attract many birds and I saw Sykes (?) monkeys next door.

Happy planning,

Pol

thanks everyone! guess we'll give it a try!