Overview

Arusha Planet Lodge is a family-operated eco-friendly safari lodge located in Moshono Village, Arusha, Tanzania. Established in 2010, Planet Lodges operates three properties across Northern Tanzania with a core mission of providing comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices while prioritizing guest satisfaction [1]. Known for: sustainable hospitality practices, strategic location for northern circuit safaris, and family-friendly service. Best for: budget-conscious safari travelers, families seeking comfortable pre- or post-safari accommodation, and visitors requiring proximity to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Accommodation & Rooms

Arusha Planet Lodge features multiple room categories designed for different traveler needs. The lodge offers standard traditional safari-style chalets that provide authentic safari aesthetics with modern comfort [1]. Deluxe cottages offer upgraded amenities and enhanced privacy for guests seeking premium accommodations within the mid-range price segment. Executive suites represent the lodge's top-tier offering, featuring expanded living spaces and exclusive facilities for discerning travelers.

All accommodation units incorporate eco-friendly design principles. Solar power systems reduce reliance on diesel generators, lowering operational carbon footprint and ensuring reliable electricity throughout the day and evening hours. Rainwater harvesting systems supplement municipal water supplies, demonstrating the lodge's commitment to resource conservation. Rooms feature essential safari amenities including mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms, and safe storage for valuables. The tropical garden setting surrounding the chalets provides natural ambiance and bird-watching opportunities from room verandas.

Dining & Cuisine

The lodge operates an on-site restaurant serving three daily meals designed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and international palates. Cuisine combines local Tanzanian specialties with international favorites, catering to both safari enthusiasts and families with varied tastes. The dining facility functions as a social hub where guests gather to share safari experiences and wildlife encounters. Meal service timing aligns with safari activity schedules, allowing early breakfasts before morning game drives and evening dinners after afternoon excursions.

Wildlife & Activities

Arusha Planet Lodge serves as a base for accessing Northern Tanzania's premier wildlife destinations. The strategic location enables organized activities throughout the region's game reserves and national parks. Typical activities include guided game drives in nearby protected areas, nature walks exploring local ecosystems, and cultural visits to surrounding communities. The lodge coordinates with professional guides experienced in wildlife identification and safari interpretation.

Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak at 4,566 meters, stands approximately 50 kilometers from the lodge, offering trekking opportunities for adventurous guests. Arusha National Park, located near the lodge, protects diverse habitats ranging from montane forests to savannah grasslands, hosting populations of giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and various bird species. The lodge can arrange guided visits to these protected areas through established partnerships with park authorities.

Location & How to Get There

Arusha Planet Lodge is situated in Moshono Village, Arusha Region, Northern Tanzania. The precise address is Plot 2271, Moshono Village, Arusha [1]. The location provides convenient access to major transportation hubs and safari destinations throughout the Northern Circuit.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania's primary international gateway for Northern Tanzania safari access, lies approximately 50-60 kilometers from the lodge, representing a 45-60 minute transfer by road vehicle. This proximity makes Arusha Planet Lodge an excellent choice for travelers arriving on international flights. The lodge arranges airport transfers through private vehicle service, with professional drivers providing orientation to the region during the journey.

From Arusha town center, the lodge sits on the outskirts, requiring 15-20 minutes of travel depending on traffic conditions. Domestic flights from Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport connect to Arusha via connecting flights, with total travel time typically 3-4 hours including layovers.

Best Time to Visit

Northern Tanzania experiences two primary tourist seasons aligned with wildlife migration patterns and weather conditions. The dry season from June through October offers optimal wildlife viewing, with animals concentrating around permanent water sources, making game drives highly productive. Daytime temperatures during this period range from 20-26°C (68-79°F), providing comfortable safari conditions without excessive heat.

The secondary dry season from January through February offers another excellent window for safari activities, with shorter vegetation and good wildlife visibility. This period coincides with the calving season when young animals increase predator-prey interactions, providing dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities.

The rainy season from March through May brings lush vegetation, making landscape photography spectacular and reducing tourist crowding. However, some secondary roads may become impassable, and wildlife disperses across wider areas. December represents a transition month with variable conditions and increased accommodation availability at promotional rates.

Conservation & Community

Arusha Planet Lodge demonstrates commitment to environmental stewardship through multiple sustainability initiatives. Solar power systems reduce diesel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global climate action objectives. Rainwater harvesting systems preserve freshwater resources in a region facing increasing water stress due to climate variability and population growth.

The lodge operates as a family business, with profits reinvested into Northern Tanzania's hospitality sector and local employment. Staff recruitment prioritizes local community members, generating income opportunities for Arusha residents and their families. The lodge's engagement with nearby communities through cultural visit programs creates economic incentives for cultural preservation and supports traditional knowledge transmission to younger generations.

Safari Assistant

Find Your Perfect Safari

Safari Assistant

Find Your Perfect Safari