With only four rooms and a maximum of 12 guests sharing the gorgeous garden and pool, this is the most exclusive option in town (typified by the fact that this is also the only place in town where you can celebrate your arrival with a bottle of Moet). Add intelligent and personalized service, and you're looking at my top pick in Arusha. A family-run enterprise, Onsea was opened in 2006 by Dirk Janssens 2 years after arriving from Belgium with his wife, Inneke. Gregarious and charming, Dirk is a great host, ably assisted by his cousin Axel; both are a mine of information about anything from recommended climbing operators to shopping tips (they also have wonderful objects for sale in the house). If you're watching your budget (or waistline), you could opt for the B&B rate with light meal, but you'd be missing out on a culinary extravaganza -- Axel is a Michelin-experienced chef and perfectionist who spends the better part of every day working on the evening's four-course dinner menu -- if anything, the only complaint (and only from some) is that the meals are a little overwhelming. If you like it light, indicate when booking. As far as room choices go, my slight preference is for one of the two rooms in the custom-built thatched villa above the pool, but the rooms in the original guesthouse are near the bar, dining room, and open-air Jacuzzi (with lovely views); wherever you end up, you are sure to be delighted. The property is a 7-minute drive from Arusha center and 30km (19 miles) from KIA.
Facilities:
Bar; Jacuzzi; pool; room service; free Wi-Fi (in lobby)
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
