Arusha City · Safari Lodge
Africa Safari Arusha
A practical and quiet first or last night before the northern circuit, eight kilometres outside central Arusha with Mount Meru behind the property.
About
Africa Safari Arusha sits on the edge of Sakina, eight kilometres outside central Arusha, on a ridge where the gardens look back toward Mount Meru. The drive in passes through the Ngateu Hills, dropping the noise of the city for a working garden and the sound of doves. Seventeen rooms across three categories are arranged around a swimming pool and an open sided restaurant; the property is small enough that the team learns your name on arrival.
The northern circuit parks all lie within a few hours drive: Arusha National Park is fifty four kilometres away for an afternoon walk among giraffe and zebra, and Tarangire and Lake Manyara are both within a comfortable two hour transfer. As a base, the lodge is set up for the rhythm of safari travel rather than for wildlife on site; expect bird calls in the garden, not big game.
Three room categories: a Standard category in the main building with King beds and ensuite showers; a Luxury category in two storey rondavels with a little more space and a seating area; and a single open plan Standard Family Room sleeping up to six near the pool. The restaurant cooks with produce from the lodge's own vegetable garden, with full board served daily. WiFi runs in the bar and restaurant areas; rooms have charging points, mosquito nets, and safety deposit boxes.
Best for the night before or after a northern circuit safari. Families, couples with a city stopover, and solo travellers all fit the property. The team are practised at handling late arrivals from overnight flights and can prepare breakfast boxes for early morning departures. Travellers Choice 2024 and 2025 awards reflect a property that does a small set of things consistently well.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is fifty four kilometres away and a ninety minute drive; Arusha Airport for charter flights to the parks is fifteen kilometres and a half hour drive. Most guests use the lodge for one night either side of their safari.
Signature experiences
Garden breakfast with Mount Meru view
Take an unhurried breakfast under the trees as the mountain emerges from the morning haze. Local fruits, eggs to order, and fresh coffee from the property's own beans.
Pool afternoon between flights
Sun loungers around the swimming pool make a quiet anchor on the day you fly in or out. Towels and shade are provided by the team.
Tree bar evening
The open sided tree bar opens before dinner with juices, coffees, and a small bites menu. Sit by the fireplace once the temperature drops.
Amenities
- Full Board Dining
- Swimming Pool With Sun Loungers
- Restaurant And Tree Bar
- Free WiFi In Communal Areas
- Lush Gardens
- Mount Meru Views
- Generator Back Up
- 24 Hour Security
- Safari Jeep With Pop Up Roof Available
- Coffee And Tea Making In Every Room
- Mosquito Nets And Safety Deposit Boxes
- Charging Points For Devices
Best for
- Pre Safari Overnight
- Post Safari Unwind
- Late Arrival From International Flights
- Early Departure With Breakfast Boxes
- Family Overnight
- Solo Traveller
- Quiet Stopover
Wildlife you might see
- Resident Garden Birds And Weavers
- Mount Meru Views On Clear Mornings
- Day Excursions To Arusha National Park (54km / 1.5hr Drive) For Giraffe, Zebra, And Warthog Walks
Best time to visit
May
Location & access
Arusha City
Fly-in: Not commonly used as a fly in base. Guests typically transfer by road from JRO. For onward fly in safari routings, Arusha Airport (ARK) sits 15 km from the property and a 30 minute drive; light aircraft to the northern circuit airstrips depart from ARK.
Drive: Approximately 1.5 hours total. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Sakina is 54 km on the A23, mostly paved highway with mild traffic on the approach to Arusha. The team can pre arrange a private transfer or guests can use the airport taxi rank.
Room types
Standard Room
8 units. 24 sqm with a King size bed or twin configuration. Ensuite shower, mosquito net, safety deposit box, coffee and tea making facilities, charging points, large windows for natural light. Sleeps up to 2.
Luxury Room
8 units in two storey rondavels. 31 sqm with a King size bed plus single bed. Ensuite shower, seating area, dressing table, mosquito net, safety deposit box. Sleeps up to 3.
Standard Family Room
1 unit, 70 sqm, located near the swimming pool. Open plan layout with a King size bed and two bunk beds. Ensuite shower, inside seating area. Sleeps up to 6.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (breakfast, Lunch, And Dinner Served Daily)
- Free WiFi In Restaurant, Bar, And Communal Areas
- Use Of Swimming Pool And Gardens
- Coffee And Tea Making Facilities In Every Room
- Mosquito Nets And Safety Deposit Box
- 24 Hour Security And Generator Back Up
Not included
- TDL And Arusha City Levy ($2.50 Per Person Per Night, Billed Transparently On Quote)
- Tips And Gratuities
- Airport Transfers
- Safari Activities And Excursions
- Drinks Beyond Meal Service
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many rooms does Africa Safari Arusha have?
Seventeen rooms total: 8 Standard, 8 Luxury, and 1 Standard Family Room. The property is intentionally small so that the team learns guests by name during their stay.
When is the lodge open?
Year round. Africa Safari Arusha is a city edge lodge, not a seasonal safari camp, so there are no closure months.
How do guests reach the lodge from Kilimanjaro International Airport?
Approximately 1.5 hours by road via the A23 highway, 54 km total. Private transfers can be pre arranged by Savannah and Sands, or guests can use the airport taxi rank.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes. The Standard Family Room sleeps up to six, with a King size bed plus two bunk beds near the swimming pool. Children 2 to 11.99 share with adults at a reduced flat rate; children under 2 are free.
What is included in the rate?
Rates are quoted on a Full Board basis: breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily in the open sided restaurant. WiFi in the bar and restaurant, use of the swimming pool and gardens, and 24 hour security are all included. Tips, drinks beyond meal service, and the TDL plus Arusha City Levy of $2.50 per person per night are excluded.
Is the lodge good for short stays?
Yes. Most guests stay one night either before or after a northern circuit safari. The team handles late arrivals from overnight flights and can prepare breakfast boxes for early morning departures.
What's nearby
- Arusha National Park1.5hr drive. Walking safari country with giraffe, zebra, warthog, and waterbuck. The Momela Lakes draw flocks of flamingos.
- Tarangire National Park2hr drive. Famous for its elephant herds and ancient baobabs. A natural first park on a northern circuit safari.
- Lake Manyara National Park2hr drive. Tree climbing lions, hippo pools, and the soda lake itself. Often paired with Tarangire as a two day add on.
- Materuni Waterfalls1.5hr drive toward Moshi. An 80m waterfall hike on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, with a coffee tour included at the Chagga village.
Keep reading
Related to your trip.
Directory
More lodges and partners.
Browse the full directory of lodges we work with directly.
Pricing
How Tanzania safari pricing works.
Park fees, lodge tiers, transport, and what's included in every quote.
Seasons
When to visit each park.
Month-by-month calendar with parks and migration positions.
Common questions
Tanzania safari FAQ.
Planning, transport, park fees, and the Great Migration — answered.