More Than Just a Stay – A Journey of Dreams, Determination, and Family
From One Room in Arusha to a Growing Travel Community Across East Africa
The White House Hostel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a journey of passion, resilience, and community. Founded in 2012 by a local Tanzanian with a dream, our hostels have grown from a single family home in Arusha to some of the most sought-after stays across East Africa, including Zanzibar, Karatu, and the Usambara Mountains. This page is a tribute to our story—the struggles, the milestones, and the guests who became family along the way. Dive into our journey and discover what makes The White House Hostel truly unique.
Our Process
The White House Hostel isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a story, a movement, and a home built from pure passion. Unlike what many may assume, this wasn’t an investment backed by wealth from abroad. It was founded in 2012 by Jackson, a local Tanzanian, who turned his family home in a small Arusha village into a welcoming space for travelers. With no outside funding, just hard work, and the support of early guests, The White House Hostel grew from humble beginnings into a name recognized across East Africa.
Today, our journey has expanded far beyond that first house. From Arusha to Zanzibar’s prime beach location in Paje, Karatu near Ngorongoro Crater, and the Usambara Mountains in Tanga, our hostels have become top-rated stays for students, solo travelers, families, and groups. With new locations opening soon in Kenya and Uganda, our mission remains the same—to create an affordable, welcoming space where travelers can connect, share stories, and feel at home.
Many other hostels have followed our lead, but the energy and spirit of The White House remain original, unfiltered, and real. Through community-driven hospitality, we pioneered bonfire nights, BBQs, fun drinking games, group safari tours, and travel maps where guests mark where they’re from. This is not just another hostel—it’s an experience, a movement, and a family.
We’ve even had the honor of hosting members from The White House in America, proving that no matter where you come from, The White House Hostel is a place where everyone belongs.
It’s a long story—one best told over a cold beer by the bonfire, chilling by the pool, or swinging at the bar. And if you ever find yourself at one of our locations with our founder around, don’t miss the chance to hear the whole journey firsthand.
This page is a tribute to our roots. Through old photos and personal memories, we invite you to see our journey, understand our challenges, and celebrate the incredible community that has shaped what we are today.
From Humble Beginnings to a New Era of Comfort
As you've seen, these old treasures hold the memories of where we started—proof of the passion, challenges, and milestones that shaped The White House Hostel. But our journey didn’t stop there. Today, we’ve evolved into a luxury hostel brand while staying true to our roots of community, adventure, and affordability.
Now, step into our new revolution—where every stay is designed for comfort, connection, and unforgettable experiences. Our hostels have grown, becoming more stylish, modern, and equipped with top-tier amenities, ensuring all our guests, from solo travelers to groups and families, enjoy the best of travel and hospitality.
Below, we’ve selected a few photos of our new locations, but there’s so much more to explore! For a full glimpse into our world, follow us on Instagram: White House of Tanzania.
