Arusha
- TanzaniaArusha
Arusha stands in the foothills of Mount Meru at an altitude of about 1,500m. It's a bustling town where every other vehicle is heading on safari. There are two airports nearby: Kilimanjaro International Airport, 40km northeast of town, and Arusha Airport, on the town's western fringes. Although the town is not usually a destination in itself, some travellers need to overnight here to make transport connections work. Here are our suggestions for an overnight stay in Arusha:
Arusha Coffee Lodge
In the middle of a working coffee estate, Arusha Coffee Lodge is a 10-minute drive from Arusha Airport. The lodge has 18 spacious, split-level chalets with timber interiors. Each has french doors onto a raised deck, whilst inside is a wood-burning fire – great on cold evenings. The lodge's restaurant is popular with locals and expats, eating under parasols in the shady garden, or by the dining room's fire. (Read more about Arusha Coffee Lodge…)
Rivertrees Country Inn
Thirty minutes northeast of Arusha, close to Kilimanjaro Airport, the owner-run Rivertrees Country Inn is a rural haven, where lush gardens lend an air of calm and harmony. The pool is inviting, and the more energetic might go horse-riding. There are 10 en-suite rooms, furnished in 'country' style: gingham fabrics, rocking chairs, vases of fresh roses and solid timber four-poster beds. Beside the water's edge, two River Cottages are larger, each with a comfortable lounge area, a log fire, a private deck and indoor/outdoor showers. Rivertrees also has a new, two-bedroom, exclusive-use villa with its own private gardens. (Read more about Rivertrees Country Inn…)
Mount Meru Game Lodge & Sanctuary
Mount Meru Game Lodge & Sanctuary has accepted visitors since 1959 as a means to fund its animal rescue and rehabilitation scheme. There are 17 en-suite bedrooms in simple painted buildings and a few varnished log cabins. All are individual in style, featuring wroughtiron beds, white linen, natural mats and tasteful touches. Each room has its own small veranda, but meals and fireside nightcaps take place in the main house. (Read more about Mount Meru Game Lodge & Sanctuary…)
Onsea House
Onsea House is a lovely, low-key option for an overnight stop in Arusha. Your hosts are the Janssens-Onsea family, who welcome you into their home as guests. The lodge is divided into two buildings opposite one another – the main house sits above the road and houses two bedrooms, the restaurant, bar and lounge. Below the road, a further house contains two rooms and in the garden, the outdoor pool. Onsea House has a simple style, a friendly atmosphere and some of the best food in Arusha. (Read more about Onsea House…)
Arusha National Park
Just outside Arusha, the beautiful Arusha National Park is often overlooked by travellers rushing to the more famous sights of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. However, with a little time, Arusha National Park offers some lovely walking in the foothills of Mount Meru and canoeing on the Momela Lakes, plus gentle game drives. If you have the time it is well worth a day or two.
The park is only137km², but includes a diverse range of habitats from mountane rainforest, to open savannah, alkaline lakes and even a volcanic crater. On clear days you get great views of Mount Meru, which is Africa's fifth highest mountain and within the parks boundary. You can also see across to Kilimanjaro - which is 50km away.
Within the park there are three broad areas to be found: Ngurdoto Crater (surrounded by forrest), the Momela Lakes (alkaline) and Mount Meru (lush forrest and bare rock). These are all at varying altitudes and as a result have very different vegetation – it is all this that helps to make this such a diverse park to visit.
Despite it's small size, Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife. Within the park's three vegetation zones, many different kinds of animals can be found. Near the water, reedbuck and waterbuck can be spotted, while shy bushbuck and duiker keep to the forested parts of the park. Especially the Mount Meru system offers a vast diversity of larger mammal, such as leopard and hyena. Besides, almost 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Some of them are migratory and only present between October and April, others are permanent residents.
There are a range of activities to do in Arusha National Park. This includes walking safaris which are always accompanied by a ranger and last for a maximum of four hours, during which you would stop for a break at one of the park's lovely picnic sites. You can also explore the far reaches of the park by vehicle, taking in some of the lovely views and keeping an eye out for wildlife. Another great activity here and one not found in other safari parks in Tanzania, is a canoeing safaris which allows you to explore the Momela Lakes.
Hatari Lodge
Hatari Lodge is a quirky lodge located on the northern edge of Arusha National Park. It is named after the famous 1960s' blockbuster film, Hatari!, starring John Wayne, which was filmed in the surrounding area. It is run by its owners, Joerg & Marlies Gabriel, and makes a great base for exploring the park. Hatari has are nine bedrooms and the quality of the food and service is of a very high standard; we are very impressed with it