HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, Tanzania
Situated between Kilimanjaro Airport and the town of Arusha, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge brings absolute peace and tranquility to an Arusha-centered stay. With its lush, picturesque surroundings, lodge vibes, and perfectly appointed rooms and suites, Ngare Sero is ideal for a few nights pre or post-safari or for a trip in and of itself.
DESTINATION: ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Arusha is a gateway to a variety of safari destinations and to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. For many travelers, a few days in Arusha is included at the beginning or the end of an itinerary for a broader trip to Tanzania. For others, little gems like Ngare Sero allow this area to be a destination in and of itself a focus on R&R and a grounding experience in nature. The vibe is zenned out and chilled, encouraging even the most wound-up travelers to decompress and take in the moment.
Ngare Sero has ten garden rooms, two main house suites, and a farm cottage with three bedrooms, making it perfect for a broad spectrum of travelers. For couples making their way through, the garden rooms are perfectly appointed, while the suites and cottage are ideal for families or small groups. The heart of the property is the gorgeous main house with its cozy fireplace setting, and the deck where you can enjoy afternoon tea and sundowners with the sounds of nature. We stayed at Ngare Sero at the start of our stay and at the end of our time in Tanzania, experiencing both the Summit Suite and the garden room. The Summit Suite, which is located upstairs in the main house, is comprised of two rooms, perfect for two couples or a family, plus a gorgeous sitting space overlooking the greenery below where you can wind down after a day of exploring. Guests using Ngare Sero as a home base for local adventuring can experience Arusha National Park, the Maasai Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and higher-end shops showcasing local artisans. For those wanting to enjoy on-property experiences, there are plenty of low-key activities available, like nature walks, bird watching, horseback riding, croquet, yoga, boating, and spa services.
When booking at Ngare Sero, you’ll have the option for breakfast only, a half board, or full board basis with your booking. While there are some restaurants and other hotels nearby, you’ll likely be dining on-site for the majority of your stay, and the half or full board option provides the most seamless experience. We opted for half-board given that we were out for lunches during a few of our days, but enjoyed dinners in nightly. Beer, wine, and spirits are not included in the rate but everything is reasonably priced making those sundowners and cozy late-night fireplace sips a wholly relaxing endeavor. Breakfast includes a range of buffet options plus made-to-order items. The dinner menu changes daily (everything we had was delicious) and includes a multi-course meal served either inside the main house or on the deck. Dietary restrictions are catered for, just be sure to tell them in advance!
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Number of Rooms: 10 garden view rooms, 2 main house suites + one three-bedroom cottage Cost Per Night: From $145 per person per night Must-Try Eats & Drinks: Enjoy your classic sundowner or afternoon tea with a view on the terrace. Hotel Highlights: Don’t miss a boat ride while you’re there – it’s beautiful, relaxing, and included in your stay (have a few dollars to tip your driver) Worth the Investment? Yes, a beautiful oasis on the outskirts of Arusha – give yourself at least a couple of nights to enjoy!
