Legendary Lodge

Legendary Lodge is by far and away our favourite place to stay in Arusha (and definitely in the Tanzania top 5!). Over the years we have returned here with our own families time and again.

Space, rejuvenation and tranquility is the name of the game here, it really is a gem and if at all possible, we recommend two nights. This works well either at the beginning or end of a trip – at the beginning, you can recover from your flight, prepare for your safari, and get tuned in to the Tanzanian way of life, and at the end, have a massage to smooth away the safari bumps, enjoy a last few cups of excellent Tanzanian coffee and take time to savour your safari highlights from either the comfort of your enormous cottage, or the elegant veranda with a G&T in hand.

Simply wandering around the tropical gardens is a wonderful way to make the most of this lovely property, the lawns are deep and lush, and surrounded by coffee plantations (which can be toured if you wish). There is a swimming pool to let off steam in, a cycling and running trail for those feeling the need to get moving, and if the opposite applies to you, leave the children with a willing babysitter and sneak off to the spa – the therapists here are highly trained, and excellent.

Tea is served on the lawn in front of the main house, we like to take a plate of cake on the walk and admire the many flowers, birds, bees and butterflies to be seen. Little ones will enjoy listing all they see, and once abed the adults can enjoy a long, leisurely candlelit dinner on the wide veranda in the main house. This is some of the best cuisine we have come across in Tanzania, so take your time to savour it all.