Elewana Coffee Lodge, Arusha

Elewana Coffee Lodge offers a charming retreat set on the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania. The lodge sits within one of the country’s oldest and largest coffee estates, and coffee themes run through every part of the guest experience. You will find a warm, homely atmosphere throughout the property. Open log fires, garden views, and the daily rhythm of the plantation give the lodge a relaxed, personal feel. Because Arusha sits close to several major parks, the lodge also makes an ideal base at the start or end of a northern Tanzania safari. Location Elewana Coffee Lodge sits on the western edge of Arusha, just five minutes from Arusha Airport. Mount Meru rises in the background, and the surrounding coffee fields stretch out in every direction. The lodge also puts you close to several of Tanzania’s best known parks. Arusha National Park sits a short drive away, and Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire are all within easy reach. So the lodge works well both as a first stop before safari and as a relaxing final night before you fly home. Accommodation Elewana Coffee Lodge offers 30 rooms and suites scattered among the coffee trees. Plantation Rooms give you a cosy, comfortable stay. Each room includes an in room log fire, an en suite bathroom with both a shower and a bath, and a private veranda that looks out over the coffee gardens. Plantation Suites offer more space and a few extra touches. You will find a rainfall shower, a generous bathtub, and a private outdoor terrace with its own log fire. Inside, a large flat screen television and coffee inspired décor complete the retreat like feel. Dining Dining at Elewana Coffee Lodge blends fresh local ingredients with international techniques. The main restaurant serves a full menu inside the historic Plantation House, while an intimate bistro offers a more relaxed spot for a casual meal. You can also enjoy a garden buffet or a meal on the terrace, surrounded by coffee bushes and birdsong. In addition, a coffee tasting session lets you sample blends grown right on the estate, so you can trace your cup from bush to table. Things to Do Elewana Coffee Lodge keeps you busy even before you head out on safari. A guided coffee tour walks you through the full process, from harvesting and drying through to roasting and tasting. You can also take a two hour bike ride through nearby farming villages, or follow the one kilometre running track around the lodge grounds. For something different, a canoeing safari on Momella Lake lets you spot buffalo, giraffe, and hippo from the water. Afterward, the onsite spa offers massages and treatments, so you can unwind before or after your park days. Because the lodge sits so close to Arusha National Park, a day trip there fits easily into any stay.