5-star hotel converted into college hostel, takes in 1000 students

A 5-star commercial accommodation facility in Arusha, Tanzania has been converted into a hostel after running out of business due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) confirmed that Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, which is classified as a 5-star facility, will offer accommodation to 1,000 of its students.

The principal of IAA, Prof. Eliamani Sedoyeka, said each student seeking accommodation at the facility will pay a yearly fee of Tsh400,000 (Ksh19,000).

Prof. Sedoyeka said the institution entered into the arrangement after signing a contract with Landmark Limited, the company managing Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge.

“We are in talks with Landmark to see whether we can convert the hotel conference halls into classrooms,” said Sedoyenka.

“We hope to be allowed to add beds, which can accommodate an extra 2,000 learners,” added the principal.

The accommodation facility was largely depending on foreign tourists, whose numbers reduced significantly after coronavirus broke out in late 2019.