Arusha Coffee Lodge
Settle into the aromatic embrace of a working plantation. Arusha Coffee Lodge is a serene sanctuary where colonial-style luxury meets world-class coffee. The perfect start to your safari, just minutes from the gateway to the Serengeti.
Details
Aroma! Serenity! Heritage! Arusha Coffee Lodge is far more than a logistical transition; it is a destination in its own right. Hidden within the verdant outskirts of the city, this sanctuary is built around one of Tanzania’s oldest working coffee plantations. For travelers arriving after a long international flight, the lodge offers a peaceful, old-world retreat that rewards the journey with the scent of roasting beans and the shade of evergreen coffee bushes.
The lodge serves as a sophisticated bridge to the wild. While it provides the essential rest needed before embarking on a Serengeti expedition, its atmosphere—defined by brick-laden walkways, flickering fireplaces, and sun-drenched gardens—captures the timeless spirit of East African plantation life. Here, luxury is quiet and immersive, providing a refined “home base” at the foothills of Mount Meru.
The Gateway to the Wilds
Strategically positioned for the modern explorer, Arusha Coffee Lodge boasts a premier location just five minutes from the Arusha Airport. This proximity offers a distinct tactical advantage: guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the plantation gardens before a short hop to the airport for their morning flight into the heart of the Serengeti.
Despite its convenience, the lodge feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. It sits in the shadow of Mount Meru, surrounded by the emerald rows of coffee plants that have defined this region for generations. It is the ultimate starting point for a Tanzanian adventure, offering a seamless blend of accessibility and mountain-air tranquility.
Plantation Living
The accommodations consist of 30 beautifully furnished Plantation Houses, each designed to evoke the elegance of a bygone era. These individual retreats are tucked away among the coffee trees, ensuring total privacy and a connection to the landscape.
The Guest Experience:
- Split-Level Luxury: Each house features a spacious, split-level lounge area with a cozy fireplace—perfect for the cooler Arusha evenings.
- Private Decks: Wide verandas look out over the berry-laden coffee bushes, providing a serene spot to enjoy a morning brew.
- Refined Details: The interiors boast high-vaulted ceilings, polished wood floors, and canopy beds, along with en-suite bathrooms featuring Victorian-style bathtubs and walk-in showers.
- Modern Comforts: Every room is equipped with a mini-bar, 24-hour electricity, and the quiet luxury of high-end linens, ensuring guests are perfectly rested for the safari ahead.
From Bean to Cup
Dining at the lodge is a celebration of both international flavors and local heritage. The Garden Buffet and The Bistro offer a variety of culinary experiences, from wood-fired pizzas to sophisticated multi-course dinners.
The Bean-to-Cup Experience Coffee is, of course, the star of the show. Guests are invited to join the “Bean-to-Cup” tour, an interactive journey through the plantation that reveals the meticulous process of growing, harvesting, and roasting the world-famous Arabica beans. The tour concludes with a professional tasting session, ensuring guests leave with a deep appreciation for Tanzania’s “black gold.” The evening ritual usually involves a sundowner at the lodge bar, where the social atmosphere of a working estate comes to life.
The Heart of Shanga
Located directly on the lodge grounds is Shanga, a heartwarming and vital social enterprise. The name Shanga comes from the Swahili word for “bead,” and the project is dedicated to supporting and empowering community members with disabilities.
Socially Conscious Art Visitors can take a free workshop tour to witness a bustling hive of creativity. Shanga artisans use recycled glass, paper, and metal to create stunning works of art, including hand-blown glassware and intricate beadwork.
- The Workshop: A vibrant space where guests can watch glass-blowing, weaving, and sewing in action.
- The Boutique: A trendy shop where these unique, sustainably made pieces can be purchased, directly supporting the Shanga Foundation.
Accessibility: The workshop and shop are open seven days a week, offering a meaningful way for guests to connect with the local community before heading into the
- Tactical Advantage: Only 5 minutes from Arusha Airport for seamless Serengeti connections.
- Coffee Heritage: Located on a working Arabica plantation with interactive “Bean-to-Cup” tours.
- Shanga Foundation: On-site social enterprise supporting artisans with disabilities through recycled art.
- Cozy Ambiance: Split-level suites with in-room fireplaces and private plantation decks.
- Garden Dining: Multiple dining venues set among lush, manicured gardens and coffee groves.
- Boutique Shopping: Access to “Trader’s Walk,” featuring high-quality local crafts and the Shanga boutique.
- Mt. Meru Views: Stunning vistas of Tanzania’s second-highest peak.
- Inclusive Connectivity: 24-hour power and Wi-Fi available throughout the lodge.
Nearby Attractions
Seasonal Highlights
| Month | Season | Weather | Wildlife Sightings | Rec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Green Season | 60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Feb | Green Season | 60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Mar | Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Apr | Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| May | Northward Migration | 56 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Jun | Beginning of Dry Season | 56 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Jul | Dry Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Aug | Dry Season | 55 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Sep | Dry Season | 55 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Oct | Dry Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Nov | Southward Migration | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
| Dec | Beginning of Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Cultural Tours, Swimming, Spa, Golf, Charitable Visits, Sightseeing | Yes |
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