Tropical gardens and a Kilimanjaro View
The perfect start or finish to your northern Tanzania safari holiday, with birds, BBQs and cold beers.
Location: Arumeru River Lodge is built on the site of a former coffee farm, just 35 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport, making it an ideal starting or finishing point for Northern Tanzania safari adventures to Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, and Manyara. Set within lush tropical gardens, the lodge offers a serene escape with views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Rooms: The lodge features 21 stylish garden rooms nestled in 12 acres of vibrant gardens, where guests can spot Dik Dik antelopes roaming freely. The rooms blend rustic charm with comfort, while the 6 junior suites offer additional space with two private verandahs and Zanzibar-themed interiors. For families or groups, Meru Cottage provides a private retreat spread across two floors, featuring two en-suite bedrooms.
Amenities: Arumeru River Lodge boasts a shimmering pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The lodge’s unique African-inspired architecture includes a cozy lounge with an open fireplace and a Safari Bar crafted from dhow wood. Guests can enjoy local and international cuisine at the restaurant, which features fresh produce and dishes inspired by Zanzibar, alongside a weekly BBQ night.
Activities: The lodge offers various half-day guided excursions, including rainforest walks, nature hikes, visits to Arusha, and even golf. Adventurers climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can store their luggage at the lodge and return to a refreshing shower, a cold beer, and a massage.
Sustainability: Arumeru River Lodge is committed to sustainable tourism, focusing on eco-friendly practices such as sourcing local ingredients, supporting community initiatives, and maintaining its extensive gardens to promote biodiversity. The lodge's design and operations aim to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.
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When to go to Tanzania
Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.
- During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
February
The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.
- Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
March
March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.
- Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
April
April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
May
During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
June
June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.
- Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
July
July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.
- The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
August
August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.
- The migration still remains in the north.
September
Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.
- The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
October
Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.
- The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
November
November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.
- Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
December
Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.
- Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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