Where to stay is always one of those difficult decision when traveling. Should you opt for meager conditions and save money or should you spend a little bit extra and get a few added amenities, like a mosquito net? Many travelers have been lead to believe that ALL developing countries are cheap and that you can easily get amazing gorgeous five star hotels at ultra low prices. While this is true for some countries, it's not for East Africa. You get what you pay for! If you want to spend five dollars per night, you can probably find a place, but you might have other things to worry about such as beg bugs, security, and loud music rocking into the middle of the night, while prostitutes wander by your room. In general, rooms prices depend on Tanzania (Am I a few miles from Mt. Kilimanjaro or really far out in the bush?), time of year (better prices in the off season), and your ability to not walk into the first hostel near the bus station.

While prices in East Africa do vary in Tanzania, you can usually find a good, safe, clean room on the tourist circuit for about $20. This would be a very basic, secure, room with a bed, with maybe a toilet and a mosquito net - nothing fancy. It would probably be like a 3 star hotel in the states. If you want a five star hotel with western amenities, such as a pool, restaurant, then you can pay anywhere from $75 to $250 per night. There are better rooms that are cheaper, and even worse rooms that are more expensive. It's really important to take your time and shop around

Arusha
Looking for a room in Arusha can be a traveler's nightmare. It's like shopping for a carpet in Turkey - everyone wants to show you their carpet store and no one will leave you alone until you make a purchase. There are plenty of safe, affordable rooms through Arusha, but navigating the city can be a nightmare. About 20 hostel/hotel salesman will greet you the second you step off the bus and they won't leave your side until you either get in a taxi or walk into another hotel. If you're arriving by bus, which most independent travelers do, use your guide book, pick a hostel in advance and prepare to navigate the hustlers, safari salesman and Tanzanite dealers. If you want to save some time and stress, go straight from the bus into a taxi. These will be the guys holding their hands up and waiving at you. Once you get in a taxi, tell them the hostel and let them take care of navigating you through the city.

Moshi
Moshi is a lot more laid back in Arusha and, in general, only a few people will bug you in the streets. You can still use a taxi to get you to your hostel, however, the city is really easy to navigate. The city is divided into two mains rooms that run parallel to each other. Wander down one of these roads and you should find a good place to stay.

Dar es Salaam
Because of its size, Dar es Salaam is one of those places that travelers can never seem to figure out. Right after leaving the airport most travelers head straight into the crazy downtown to begin their experience in Africa. While this is definitely a way to get a visual overload, it's not always the best way to begin your travels. Dar es Salaam is situated right on the Indian Ocean and therefore you would imagine there to be some great, quiet, beach front property. There is, you just need to know how to get there!

Another problem with Dar is the availability and affordability of rooms. There are usually very expensive five star options and super low-end dilapidated hostels. While things are changing, expect to either pay too much or too little. If you don't mind sleeping 15 minutes outside the city (which I would recommend), check out the area known as Sinza. It's starting to have some great middle of the road hotels for all types of travelers. Plus it's a lively area, full of bars, dance clubs, and food.

Zanzibar
Since tourists flock to Zanzibar, there are a wide range of options all over the island. If you're not in Stone Town, then travelers usually head into two general areas - the north and the east. The north, near the beaches of Nungwi, is where backpackers and younger people flock. This is the place where people party, drink and dance to Bob Marley until the sun comes up. This is, however, starting to change, with a number of big hotels currently in development. The beaches near Nungwi and not tide dependent and therefore make much better swimming and snorkeling throughout the day.

Costs are starting to rise, because more and more people and headed to the north. You can generally get a room for about $15 to $20 per day. It's best to shop around and explore the variety of different options.

The East Coast is where the older crowds tend to go. It has nice long beaches, some better restaurants and doesn't have the party crowd of the north. It's the kind of place to relax, read a good book, and let the your soar SORE feet rest, while writing in your diary your ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro.