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Lodge Overview Arusha Coffee Lodge is the finest lodge available in Arusha, the gateway city to the famous national parks of Tanzania. This is an absolutely wonderful place to begin and end your adventure in Tanzania. After the long flight from America, you will be rewarded by this cozy and serene lodge built around a working coffee plantation. Excellent food, comfortable furnishings and superb coffee will provide the rest and preparation needed before you embark the following day on your Africa Dream Safari. The reason we do not have this excellent lodge featured on most of our itineraries is that its location does not lend itself well to the late night KLM arrival from the U.S. via Amsterdam. The Arusha Coffee Lodge is located a solid 1-hour drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. There is a risk of traffic accidents late at night on the poorly lighted road from the airport into Arusha. This combined with the fact that it can be an inconvenience to make a long drive after an even longer flight leads us to usually recommend a lodge closer to the airport for safety and convenience factors. Accordingly, we typically recommend the wonderful KIA lodge, which is right next to Kilimanjaro International Airport. KIA Lodge offers equally superb accommodations though it is certainly not as charming or interesting as the Arusha Coffee Lodge. If you are arriving via Dar es Salaam instead of Kilimanjaro then the Arusha Coffee Lodge makes the perfect choice as it is right next to Arusha Airstrip.
Arusha Coffee Lodge is located on the outskirts of the charming city of Arusha and is about 60 minutes by car from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lodge is conveniently located about 5 minutes away from the Arusha airstrip, which is the main hub for all the intra Tanzania flights to and from the famous game parks. It is also relatively close in proximity to several good shopping areas.
Access Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport, as you are welcomed to Tanzania. It is about 60-minute drive from the airport to the Lodge. After a good night’s sleep and an excellent buffet breakfast, you will venture out to the great northern parks of Tanzania. On our signature fly in and drive back safaris, you will be transferred to the Arusha Air Strip (about 5 minutes) for your 8.45AM flight into the Serengeti on the morning following your arrival. On the last day of your safari, a day room is typically reserved so you may relax and enjoy a nice dinner before your departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The lodge consists of 23 luxury chalets which are creatively decorated. Each chalet is spaced throughout the lush coffee grove to ensure privacy and solitude. The beds are very comfortable and furnishings are top quality with lots of interesting coffee themed artifacts. There is even a little sitting room with couch and chairs off from the bedroom. The bathrooms are grand with nice fixtures including bath and shower. One of the nicest features is the private wooden deck attached to each chalet which overlooks the coffee plantation. As the majority of arrivals are at night, the deck offers a great morning spot to experience your first sights and sounds of Africa. You might spot the first wildlife of your safari as vervet monkeys can be seen as they clamber around. The main lodge structure and area is surprisingly large and interesting. There is a nice swimming pool and spa area behind the reception and restaurant. The gift shop is located in this main complex and houses some great gift ideas though it’s a bit pricey compared to the local shops. Maps and the very informative national park booklets can be purchased here. The lodge also has a wonderful bar and lounge area which offers a great atmosphere.
Arusha Coffee Lodge is home to the reputable Redds African Grill House. The food here is excellent and the menu diverse. Most of the ingredients are supplied by local farms. There is a variety of main stream choices as well as local and African dishes. The bar area can get quite lively at night and is a great place for a few after dinner drinks. Breakfast is simple yet good and consists of an assortment of cereals, breads, fruits and traditional egg dishes. Lunches are usually barbeque style while a variety of dishes are offered at dinner.
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