Overview

Arusha Safari Lodge is a boutique safari lodge positioned as a pre- or post-safari retreat in Arusha, Tanzania's primary safari hub. Located on volcanic hills 4 km from the town center, the lodge occupies the restored grounds of a historic polo club, offering a distinctive blend of colonial charm and modern comfort. Known for: intimate accommodations with mountain views, on-site dining using fresh garden produce, and a serene setting ideal for acclimatization before northern circuit safaris. Best for: couples seeking a quieter alternative to town-center hotels, families with children requiring a relaxed pace before game drives, and travelers with connecting flights needing comfortable overnight accommodation.

Accommodation & Rooms

The lodge offers 25 rooms distributed across 7 spacious guest cottages and 2 rooms in the main building. All cottages are privately positioned within the gardens with individual views of the swimming pool and landscaped grounds. Room features include large en-suite bathrooms with showers, with 5 rooms additionally featuring bathtubs, and mosquito nets for malaria prevention. Zanzibar-style beds—traditional wooden frames with flowing fabric—provide authentic East African aesthetics. Two family rooms and two interconnecting rooms accommodate groups or extended families. Day rooms are available for guests with flexible arrival/departure times who wish to enjoy the pool and gardens without committing to overnight stays.

Dining & Cuisine

The lodge operates an excellent on-site restaurant utilizing fresh vegetables harvested from the property's own gardens, supplemented with sourced ingredients from local Arusha markets. Breakfast service is available on the pool-facing veranda, offering views of the gardens. Daily meal service includes breakfast, lunch, and a fixed 4-course dinner menu that rotates seasonally. The 'Out of Africa' style summer house gazebo serves as a dedicated space for afternoon tea service and evening sundowners, allowing guests to experience colonial-era hospitality traditions while overlooking the gardens and distant mountain views. A bar provides beverages and evening service.

Wildlife & Activities

While positioned as a pre-safari lodge rather than a wildlife viewing destination, Arusha Safari Lodge offers opportunities for casual wildlife observation within the property grounds. Guests may encounter monkeys in the gardens and surrounding vegetation. The lodge serves as an ideal base for organizing safari activities to nearby Tanzania attractions, including day trips to Mount Meru (located 15 km away), Arusha National Park (approximately 30 km), and the northern circuit parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire). The peaceful garden setting allows for bird watching and nature observation without formal guided activities.

Location & How to Get There

Arusha Safari Lodge is situated 4 kilometers outside Arusha town on volcanic hills, positioning it conveniently between the town center and Kilimanjaro International Airport (approximately 50 km away, roughly 1 hour by road). The lodge is accessible via standard road transfers from Arusha town, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (approximately 350 km, 5-6 hours drive), or Kilimanjaro International Airport (approximately 50 km, 1 hour drive). The volcanic hill location provides natural elevation and views while remaining within easy access of town amenities and safari departure points. Transfers can be arranged through the lodge at time of booking.

Best Time to Visit

Arusha is accessible year-round, though optimal conditions align with Tanzania's safari seasons. The dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing in northern circuit parks and most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. The short rains (November to December) bring lush vegetation and bird watching opportunities. The long rains (March to May) see reduced tourist numbers and lower accommodation rates, though some roads may become challenging. December to February offers warm weather and festive holiday availability. As a pre-safari base, the lodge functions effectively regardless of season, though guests planning onward safari travel should coordinate visits with their intended destination's peak seasons.

Conservation & Community

The lodge operates as part of the Moivaro collection of Tanzania accommodations, suggesting integration within a larger sustainability framework. The property's use of fresh garden produce reduces supply chain emissions and supports local agricultural practices. The lodge's positioning on reclaimed polo club grounds represents adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure rather than new land conversion. Specific conservation certifications, community partnership details, or wildlife protection initiatives are not detailed in available sources, though the intimate scale and garden-focused operations suggest a lower environmental footprint compared to larger facilities.

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