Arusha Safari Lodge

We were welcomed warmly, and the staff were so helpful and friendly. The grounds are beautiful and well kept, the rooms are clean and nice, and the bed was comfortable. The mattress is on the firm side, which I like. We also enjoyed the food and the wine. The lodge now takes in orphaned animals and cares for them until they're about two, when they have to be returned to the wild because they can't stay in captivity. We saw a giraffe, zebras and what I think were eland, and got to hand-feed the zebra and eland. It's isolated without a car or other transport, since nothing is within walking distance. That suited us well for a quiet couple of days to recover from jet lag after a long flight before our safari. The shower pressure was very low, though, which made bathing difficult. Bottled water costs $2 for a 1-liter bottle, while the same water at the grocery store is about $0.50. Tap water isn't drinkable, so I think they should provide complimentary bottled water with meals. Bring your own if you can.

The friendly staff made my four-night stay worthwhile. The lodge has a peaceful, natural country feel outside town, and I was glad to see wildlife on the grounds. I got to feed the giraffes, elands and zebras.

A great lodge for an overnight in Arusha, either before or after going on safari.

The people here are really, really nice and do all they can to help you have a lovely stay. Thanks to chef Jon for the delicious food. The lodge itself is very nice, and the rooms are comfortable, though nothing exceptional.