Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge

Elewana's Arusha Coffee Lodge remains our choice for the perfect place as a jumping off point on safari in Tanzania. Our love of the lodge was confirmed once again this year during our stay in March 2024 before we headed off on a long safari in Tanzania and Kenya. We have stayed at the lodge many times, visiting every year since 2018. It is always the same: welcoming and comfortable, with friendly staff, outstanding cuisine and excellent service. We love the cabins and their rustic décor, with a crystal chandelier over the sitting area giving the interior a stylish twist. The cabins are spacious and the bathrooms are huge. Each cabin has a sitting area with fireplace, and the sleeping area is slightly raised (a couple of steps). The cabins each have a little verandah, offering a peaceful and private view of the forest. We love the setting in the coffee plantation, with tropical trees and coffee plants all around. After recent renovations and upgrading, the Lodge is even better, while its overall character and features remain the same. We love to sit outside in the garden for lunch. This has become a standard feature of our visits. Many safari companies use the Lodge as a luncheon place in the garden for large groups before they leave on safari, but the garden is large and big crowds at one or two long tables do not interfere with one’s enjoyment as a couple or a smaller group. Delicious breakfasts and sumptuous dinners also deserve mention. The bar is popular, but it is also spacious so one can find a quiet corner if this is desired. There is a pretty swimming pool surrounded by tropical vegetation. The Lodge is actually a part of a complex containing a coffee shop, boutique shops and craft displays, and it is possible to have a plantation tour. Details of all amenities associated with the Lodge are on the website. The Lodge has won awards for its reputation as the best place to stay when you start your safari, and in our experience the reputation and awards are deserved. We would never stay anywhere else when we come to—or leave—Arusha.

Ended our Tanzania Safari experience here with a relaxing buffet lunch. Lovely setting, tables were outside, each under it's own thatched umbrella like top. Our server, Denise, was very attentive and took great care of our table. Buffet was nicely presented and well staffed. Relaxing setting as we watched a local artist create a painting. Wish we'd of had more time to wander and explore the glass blowing studio.