Legendary Lodge | Best Tanzania Safari Lodges

The place

After a long flight we land in Arusha, the vibrant, bustling African city that’s known as the safari capital of Tanzania. It’s a relief to be transported to the quiet grounds of a coffee plantation just outside of town, where the lodge is nestled near the foot of Mount Meru. On arrival, this lovely lodge feels like a sanctuary, a retreat from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. Its 12 cottages are set in lush, tropical gardens around the main house, which has a distinctly colonial feel. We can smell the fragrant coffee leaves as we feel ourselves relaxing in the tranquil ambiance of this place, with its manicured lawns and croquet set at the ready, the views of Mount Meru and the highly attentive staff.

After a long flight we land in Arusha, the vibrant, bustling African city that’s known as the safari capital of Tanzania. It’s a relief to be transported to the quiet grounds of a coffee plantation just outside of town, where the lodge is nestled near the foot of Mount Meru.

On arrival, this lovely lodge feels like a sanctuary, a retreat from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. Its 12 cottages are set in lush, tropical gardens around the main house, which has a distinctly colonial feel. We can smell the fragrant coffee leaves as we feel ourselves relaxing in the tranquil ambiance of this place, with its manicured lawns and croquet set at the ready, the views of Mount Meru and the highly attentive staff.

The room

Our garden cottage quickly starts feeling like home as we unpack, hanging our clothes in the dressing area and admiring the simple African decor of dark woods and pastel rugs. My spouse, perhaps slightly less methodical than me, is sitting on a leather sofa facing an open fireplace (and a satellite TV no less), browsing the coffee-table books scattered around the lounge. Every now and then, I’m told an interesting fact about the history of the lodge and farm, which has been making coffee since 2005. I’m less interested in history than I am in our upcoming safari, but with two days to explore Arusha, I’m keen to do a coffee tour. I freshen up in the bathroom, fully enjoying the rainfall shower, which is paired with a large bath, twin sinks and Africology amenities. I come out to find my partner snoozing on the four-poster, king-sized bed, which clearly must be as comfortable as advertised! Walking out to our private verandah, I take in the mesmerising views of Mount Meru before heading to the original colonial farmhouse to explore. It has several lounge rooms featuring African artefacts, with parquet floors and fireplaces dotted with comfy sofas and armchairs. I walk through the dining room to the large, wrap-around verandah where meals are served, ordering a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and gazing out over the extensive lawns. Though I can’t wait to go on safari, the serenity of this place makes me feel like I could stay here forever.

Our garden cottage quickly starts feeling like home as we unpack, hanging our clothes in the dressing area and admiring the simple African decor of dark woods and pastel rugs. My spouse, perhaps slightly less methodical than me, is sitting on a leather sofa facing an open fireplace (and a satellite TV no less), browsing the coffee-table books scattered around the lounge.

Every now and then, I’m told an interesting fact about the history of the lodge and farm, which has been making coffee since 2005. I’m less interested in history than I am in our upcoming safari, but with two days to explore Arusha, I’m keen to do a coffee tour.

I freshen up in the bathroom, fully enjoying the rainfall shower, which is paired with a large bath, twin sinks and Africology amenities. I come out to find my partner snoozing on the four-poster, king-sized bed, which clearly must be as comfortable as advertised! Walking out to our private verandah, I take in the mesmerising views of Mount Meru before heading to the original colonial farmhouse to explore.

It has several lounge rooms featuring African artefacts, with parquet floors and fireplaces dotted with comfy sofas and armchairs. I walk through the dining room to the large, wrap-around verandah where meals are served, ordering a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and gazing out over the extensive lawns. Though I can’t wait to go on safari, the serenity of this place makes me feel like I could stay here forever.

What sets it apart

One of our highlights at Legendary Lodge was a tour of the coffee plantation, where we were guided through the process of making coffee, from beans to cup! The coffee is absolutely superb, particularly when combined with a pistachio-and-chocolate biscotti! I couldn’t resist buying some to take home as an aromatic souvenir. The food is also delicious – served al fresco on the lawns, on the terrace or in the dining area (or even delivered to your cottage), with flexible meal times. Legendary Lodge is the perfect place to relax – there’s even rejuvenating spa treatments in the therapy room (or in your cottage) using eco-friendly Pevonia Botanica products.

One of our highlights at Legendary Lodge was a tour of the coffee plantation, where we were guided through the process of making coffee, from beans to cup! The coffee is absolutely superb, particularly when combined with a pistachio-and-chocolate biscotti! I couldn’t resist buying some to take home as an aromatic souvenir.

The food is also delicious – served al fresco on the lawns, on the terrace or in the dining area (or even delivered to your cottage), with flexible meal times. Legendary Lodge is the perfect place to relax – there’s even rejuvenating spa treatments in the therapy room (or in your cottage) using eco-friendly Pevonia Botanica products.

At a glance

Spacious boutique hotel on a working coffee farm just outside of Arusha. It has 12 guest cottages (10 garden cottages and two family cottages) and a spa, nearby swimming pool and gym.
Private helipad, private dining, private vehicles available (additional cost), and flexible schedules.
Game drives to nearby national parks (additional cost), coffee tours (additional cost), plantation walks (additional cost), picnic lunches (additional cost), shopping excursions (additional cost), spa treatments (additional cost) and tennis, swimming and gym at nearby members’ club.
Children of all ages are welcome with babysitting available. There are two family suites and the garden cottages can accommodate a single bed or cot. Children’s safaris can also be provided.

Spacious boutique hotel on a working coffee farm just outside of Arusha. It has 12 guest cottages (10 garden cottages and two family cottages) and a spa, nearby swimming pool and gym.
Private helipad, private dining, private vehicles available (additional cost), and flexible schedules.
Game drives to nearby national parks (additional cost), coffee tours (additional cost), plantation walks (additional cost), picnic lunches (additional cost), shopping excursions (additional cost), spa treatments (additional cost) and tennis, swimming and gym at nearby members’ club.
Children of all ages are welcome with babysitting available. There are two family suites and the garden cottages can accommodate a single bed or cot. Children’s safaris can also be provided.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.