A Night at Arusha's Unique 'Clock Tower' Tent.

Cost of Staying in the 'Clock Tower' Tent in Arusha

Arusha, March 5, 2025

As the world prepares to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, the newly constructed luxury tent at the iconic ‘Clock Tower’ in Arusha has become an unexpected attraction for both locals and tourists. Have you ever wondered how much it costs to spend a night there?

This spacious tent, complete with a large bed, a private bathroom, two verandas, and a waterproof design that protects against rainfall, was completed on March 4, 2025, after just three days of construction.

Barnabas Richard, from Itika Camps, the company that owns the tent, explained that the pricing fluctuates based on the tourism season.

“Our company is currently providing accommodation services and organizing safari tours in Serengeti National Park. For foreign tourists, we charge USD 315 (approximately TZS 822,150) per night during the peak tourism season, and USD 217 (about TZS 566,370) during the low season. This rate is per person for one night,” said Richard.

Regarding the unique construction of the tent, Enock Kaniki, one of the builders from House of Canvas, mentioned that the tent’s exceptional design has made it a popular feature in the city.

“We build a variety of tents, but this one took us three days to complete. It’s large and well-ventilated, ensuring a comfortable experience without excessive heat. The top is covered with PVC and other materials that prevent water from entering, even in heavy rains,” Kaniki explained.

Richard further added that the decision to place the tent in the Clock Tower area was strategic, as it is a popular gathering spot. The aim is to introduce a wider audience to the idea of staying in a luxury tent, especially those who have never experienced it in a national park setting.

“We wanted to give Tanzanians, many of whom have never stayed in a tent in the wild, a glimpse of what it’s like. This initiative will help boost tourism awareness and encourage locals to engage with the tourism industry,” said Richard.

Since the tent’s installation, it has garnered considerable attention, with many people taking photos and videos. Richard shared that the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous inquiries coming in via phone and email.

Tourism Surge and Opportunities

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Immigration, tourist arrivals in Tanzania have seen a steady increase over the past four years.

"In 2021, Tanzania welcomed 922,692 tourists. By 2022, the number grew to 1,454,920. In 2023, the number rose to 1,806,359, and in 2024, it further increased to 2,141,895. This means that from 2021 to 2024, the number of tourists visiting Tanzania grew by a total of 1,219,203," the immigration data, published on the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website, reveals.

Kaniki, reflecting on the rising demand for tourist facilities, particularly tents like theirs, mentioned, “As the number of tourists grows, so does the need for high-quality tents in national parks. This, in turn, has led to an increase in our workload.”

“On average, we produce up to 12 tents every three days, based on the demands of the locations,” Kaniki added.

Magdalena Lucas, a businesswoman selling tourist products at the Clock Tower, stated that the presence of the tent has helped draw more visitors to the area, benefiting local businesses.

“Since the morning, there has been a constant flow of people around the Clock Tower, and many stop to take pictures. It’s also helping promote our products to the visitors who are admiring the tent,” said Lucas.

Arusha’s Regional Commissioner, Paul Makonda, emphasized the province’s focus on promoting tourism, viewing it as an opportunity for locals to generate income.

“We are dedicated to promoting tourism, and local people are seizing every opportunity it offers to earn a living. In addition to showcasing tourist attractions, we are strengthening our efforts in conference tourism,” said Makonda.