The 10 best Lodges in Arusha, Tanzania

May 8, 2023 Darleen Reid

If you’ve ever dreamed of an African adventure, consider Arusha. This Tanzanian city is a wonderful base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers and safari enthusiasts, thanks to its location in the Great Rift Valley. Book a guided tour to trek through some of the world’s most beautiful and bountiful landscapes, such as Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara.
Restaurants in Arusha

1. The Researchers Rest

A104 Kiryani Road, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 77 reviews

The Researchers Rest

The Researchers Rest was built in 1991 to house the various researchers when they would come in from the Bush. At the time the house was built in a quiet coffee farm, but over the years the city has grown around the property, which still maintains a beautiful garden with a handful of coffee trees. The five bedroom property has three in-suite rooms and two rooms that have shared facilities. The sitting room provides an extensive library and the walls are decorated with photographs taken by the many world renowned photographers and researchers that still stay at the Researchers Rest. But one can’t argue that the most memorable aspect of a stay is the incredible fresh dishes prepared by Eddie, who has 25 years of experience.

It really is coming home

Reviewed By JuliaHubbel

My first stay at Researcher's was in 2013 when I climbed Kilimanjaro.Since then I have come back many times, and each time it gets better. That's because the steady staff, familiar faces and rich history of the place blend with dense foliage, which creates a bird-filled, wonderful oasis in bustling Arusha. At the end of a bumpy, rocky road, you turn into this guest house made from a gracious home built by two English women. Their love is throughout the brick and mortar. Eddie, the chef and manager, is a superb cook, and deserves a five star rating for his quality food and caring manner. Joseph, Helen and the rest of the staff (including ancient George, the Rhodesian Ridgeback) all make coming back here regularly one of the great pleasures of coming to Tanzania.

2. Arusha Villa Karamu Coffee Estate

Kilala, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 128 reviews

Arusha Villa Karamu Coffee Estate

Arusha Villa offers a relaxing and beautiful environment in the centre of a coffee plantation. The rooms are spacious, and guests can sit around the terraces and walk the gardens. The view over the green and lush valley is stunning. This is also the view from the swimming pool and often you will see the monkeys play around in the nearby trees. Breakfast is included and served in the restaurant. We also offer lunch and dinner, and a lunchbox when you go on safari after your stay with us. Our garden view rooms offer a quiet and relaxing atmosphere in the midst of the coffee plants. You will be surprised by the number of birds that you can find here.

A manor style hospitality that truly delivers

Reviewed By Storyteller778075

Beautiful scenery in a manor style grounds. Welcoming staff, delicious food, spacious rooms with wooden beam ceilings, large windows, and concrete floors to keep cool will have you wanting more time here. Blue Monkeys greet you each day.

3. Kiboko Lodge

Ngurdoto Village, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 341 reviews

Kiboko Lodge

Kiboko Lodge is part of the Watoto Foundation, founded by former retail director Noud and Truus van Hout from The Netherlands. The foundation works to educate street children in Tanzania since 2003. Watoto Foundation is a vocational training centre. Children who suffer from addiction to drugs, glue and alcohol are given the opportunity to build a new life. The Foundation offers them the chance for an education, which will equip them with the necessary skills to find a job. This is unique in a country where 70% of the population are unemployed. Staying at Kiboko Lodge is possible from $89 per person during high season and $75 per person in low season!

Woderful stay

Reviewed By 942donaldp

A lovely lodge with almost perfectly designed chalets, a warm welcome, excellent food, and a log fire to welcome you in the evenings. Staff were very helpful, and an early morning breakfast was no problem. Unforgettable stay!

4. Arusha Coffee Lodge

Old Dodoma Road, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1137 reviews

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here on the outskirts of this town, hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any East African safari.

Relaxing visit

Reviewed By victoriasR3861BP

Came to the lodge for lunch only as a stop off before heading to Kilimanjaro airport. It was a lovely peaceful environment, perfect to relax. The service was kind and considerate and food plentiful and delicious.

5. Arusha Serena Hotel Resort & Spa

Tengeru Rd, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
41%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 570 reviews

Arusha Serena Hotel Resort & Spa

Set at the heart of a traditional coffee estate in the majestic environs of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the exquisitely appointed Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa ( formerly Lake Duluti Serena Hotel) offers heady views over verdant tropical forests, cool mountain walks, a wonderful array of wildlife, roaring fires and superlative cuisine.

Very comfortable, with a beautiful main lodge structure

Reviewed By Greg P

Very comfortable, and the service is excellent. This property is located near central Arusha, but is within a safe compound. The gardens give it the feel of a tropical resort. Accommodations are quaint Casitas which are nice and roomy. The staff is attentive. Food is ok, but not excellent. Be aware that the entrance road runs through a street market; it's fun to see but can take a few extra minutes to drive through it all.

6. Lake Duluti Lodge

Tengeru, Arusha 0025 Tanzania
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 256 reviews

Lake Duluti Lodge

Lake Duluti Lodge is a fine countryside retreat that perfectly combined an authentic African rural setting with outstanding amenities and service. The lodge is made up of spacious contemporary African styled romantic chalets ideally positioned for maximum privacy inside an active coffee farm on the outskirts of Arusha. Guests can enjoy delicious, hearty meals prepared with fresh produce from the lodge's vegetable garden. Sunbeds dotted around the inviting infinity pool are perfect for a lazy afternoon. The Lakeshore Sundowner Lounge located at the edge of the shimmering lake is an idyllic spot for guests to savour refreshing drinks and light lunches. There is a lot to Experience with Lake Duluti Lodge for those guests in need of relaxationcan head to the massage and Spa room for a bout of pampering or rather go for tours to coffee plantations, vegetable farms and cultural villages, hiking, bird watching, canoeing, nature walks and day trips to Mt Kilimanjaro and many more to embrace

Excellent hotel

Reviewed By Brittney723

The property is stunning! You're right in the city but the lodge feels like a different place; so peaceful and blended with nature. Saidi was especially kind and welcoming, and the entire staff was very hard working and attentive. I would highly recommend and gladly return!

7. The Researchers Rest

A104 Kiryani Road, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 77 reviews

The Researchers Rest

The Researchers Rest was built in 1991 to house the various researchers when they would come in from the Bush. At the time the house was built in a quiet coffee farm, but over the years the city has grown around the property, which still maintains a beautiful garden with a handful of coffee trees. The five bedroom property has three in-suite rooms and two rooms that have shared facilities. The sitting room provides an extensive library and the walls are decorated with photographs taken by the many world renowned photographers and researchers that still stay at the Researchers Rest. But one can’t argue that the most memorable aspect of a stay is the incredible fresh dishes prepared by Eddie, who has 25 years of experience.

It really is coming home

Reviewed By JuliaHubbel

My first stay at Researcher's was in 2013 when I climbed Kilimanjaro.Since then I have come back many times, and each time it gets better. That's because the steady staff, familiar faces and rich history of the place blend with dense foliage, which creates a bird-filled, wonderful oasis in bustling Arusha. At the end of a bumpy, rocky road, you turn into this guest house made from a gracious home built by two English women. Their love is throughout the brick and mortar. Eddie, the chef and manager, is a superb cook, and deserves a five star rating for his quality food and caring manner. Joseph, Helen and the rest of the staff (including ancient George, the Rhodesian Ridgeback) all make coming back here regularly one of the great pleasures of coming to Tanzania.

8. Karama Lodge & Spa

Suye Hill (Old Moshi Road, Arusha 1573 Tanzania
Excellent
26%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 382 reviews

Karama Lodge & Spa

“Eco-friendly, artistic, chic, relaxing….”Nestling in Suye Hill National Park, just 10 minutes from the center of Arusha, Karama Lodge & Spa is the ideal home base for Tanzania safaris or for a restful night’s sleep before climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Accommodation is consisted of 25 stilted cabins made of local materials in total harmony with the surrounding forest.

A wonderful hotel at the heart of an amazing holiday

Reviewed By Sally K

Karama Lodge is a wonderful place to stay and an excellent base for visiting some of the spectacular sights in the region - especially the amazing Ngorongoro crater. The hotel is full of character. The cabins are comfortable and set in beautiful grounds complete with an array of flowers, birds and monkeys and with lovely views over the village. The staff are very kind and hospitable. The food is good - the menu of African dishes is changed daily. The hotel is well plugged into local Safari and touring options, including Amani Cultural Tours, a community based enterprise that provides an income for the local community. Karama provides an authentic feel of Africa - might be especially good for people on a first visit to the continent. There's free WIFI and a nice pool area. After a few days there we felt like part of the family.

9. Arumeru River Lodge

Usa River, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 341 reviews

Arumeru River Lodge

Arumeru River Lodge is a great starting point for your Safari. Only 30 minutes from the airport and the city of Arusha it is tucked away behind an old coffee plantation - far away from the everday hazzles.In dreamlike tropical gardens our 29 rooms & suites offer a touch of African Elegance. Visit Arusha National Park or explore the nearby rainforest on one of our exciting half-day excursions that we organize here on the Lodge on short notice. Or, just relax at our large solar heated pool watching the Dikdik antelopes playing in the garden. Get spoiled by our Zansibarioan Chefs with African and international dishes in our Migration's Restaurant and enjoy a drink at the open fire place in our lounge.Our entire team will try their very best to give you a very warm and personal welcome to Tanzania.Karibu!Maren & Torsten(Ownwers & Managers)

Great base for a night or two.

Reviewed By Colinwood

Stayed at Arumeru Lodge for a night as a first stop on a circuit around northern Tanzania. It’s around a half hour drive from Kilimanjaro airport, for the price it’s what I expected. The room is nice but quite basic compared with other lodges, but I really loved the pool area which was well looked after (great to splosh in after a long flight) and gardens. Lots of small wildlife and the restaurant/bar area was nice too. Friendly staff and I did a guided rainforest walk from there which was interesting (never seen an avocado growing before!). Food was good, tried a red banana crumble which was delicious. The lodge is not ‘wow’ but as a first or last night it’s super convenient, clean and comfy. I’d definitely stay again.

10. Meru View Lodge

Momella Road Usa River, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Meru View Lodge

Set in Usa River, Meru View Lodge features accommodation with an outdoor pool. The complex is modeled on traditional and modern homesteads. Each room has private entrance and private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Some features a terrace and or patio. There are BBQ facilities and free WiFi access is available throughout. Guests at the lodge can enjoy a continental, Full English/Irish or American breakfast. Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of European, African and international dishes and also offers Gluten-free and Vegetarian options. You will get the best of fresh fruits and vegetables at the lodge's and neighboring farms. The Kilimanjaro Airport is 35 km, Moshi about 93 km and Arusha Airport 36 km away. Airport transfers can be arranged upon advance request for a fee. Free private parking is available on site. The lodge offers a variety of guided walks and tours in the surrounding area. A car rental service is also available.

Wonderful lodge, steps from Arusha National Park

Reviewed By Timo20

We stayed two nights at Meru View Lodge. The rooms are bungalows set in a beautiful and peaceful garden just outside of the main gate into Arusha National Park. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the inn, garden (and pool), and rooms were well kept and very pleasant. Breakfast and dinner were delicious, and the lunch boxes they prepared had a generous assortment of foods and fruit. The staff were also very accommodating to our late arrival (after flying into Kilimanjaro airport).

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.