Arusha Coffee Lodge

A short drive from the Arusha Airport, from where the bush charters depart, this leafy lodge is a nice place to spend a night at the beginning or end of a safari itinerary.

• The serene setting surrounded by the coffee plants of one of Tanzania’s oldest plantations
• The lovely on-property collection of shops, a great place to pick up locally made accessories and gifts

Located a 10-minute drive from the Arusha Airport in one of Tanzania’s oldest coffee plantations, the Arusha Coffee Lodge is a beloved pit-stop en route to or from safari. The freestanding, log cabin–style bungalows that house the 30 suites are scattered throughout this serene garden setting, surrounded by large trees, native bushes and coffee plants.

The generously sized, split-level suites come with a king-size bed draped in mosquito netting, a sitting area that looks into the garden, and a sizeable bathroom with rain showers. Nice touches include the homegrown coffee and South African wines in the mini bar and a log-burning fireplace, which is cozy during the winter months.

The main building, which looks like a homestead, with lots of dark wood and plush leather furniture, houses a restaurant and casual bar. There’s also a small pool on the property and two lovely gift shops, including Shanga, a socially conscious shop that employs people with disabilities. Look for handmade jewelry and home goods made from recycled materials.

Would that all layover hotels were as charming, authentic and well-run as the Arusha Coffee Lodge — even the welcome amenity, a perfectly brewed shot of iced coffee, is perfection.

International flights arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is an hour’s drive away from Arusha. However, the prop planes continuing into the bush depart from the Arusha Airport, which is only a 10-minute drive from this lodge.

Layover travelers who are looking for a less expensive option from Arusha’s Legendary Lodge en route to or from the bush.