In the foothills of Mount Meru
Standing at the gateway to the famous Tanzanian ‘Northern Safari Circuit'
Location: Set among lush coffee plantations on the forested foothills of Mount Meru, Arusha Serena Hotel stands serenely on the shores of Lake Duluti, just 20km (about a 30-minute drive) from Arusha and some 60km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. This relaxing lakeside setting, framed by colourful bougainvillea and manicured lawns, offers a peaceful start of finish to your safari in Tanzania's Northern Circuit.
Rooms: The hotel features 42 elegant stone-built cottage-style rooms, each designed to evoke colonial coffee farm charm. Clustered around a flower-filled "village square", the rooms blend lead-light windows, French doors, marble bathroom and rich textiles. With 21 doubles and 21 twin rooms - including options for interconnecting layouts and partial or lake views - every room has Wi-Fi, satellite TV, tea/coffee station, bottle water, and a private balcony.
Amenities: Communal life is gracious and relaxed: guests can enjoy a cosy lounge and library, elegant dining room with log-fire warmth, a lakeside garden bar, artisan boutique and well-equipped business centre. The hotel provides complimentary laundry, strong Wi-Fi in public areas, and 24-hour power. Meals drawn on locally sourced produce and may be enjoyed on garden terraces or at lakeside BBQs under the stars.
Activities: Experiences here are rich and varied: guided nature and bird walks around Lake Duluti, mountain biking through coffee plantations, canoeing on the lake, and occasional Swahili or cooking lessons. Optional excursions include day trips to Mount Meru, Arusha National Park and crater lakes, or sundowners on the lakeshore. Back at the lodge you can unwind in the library, enjoy board games, or request massages and wellness treatments.
Sustainability: While the hotel does not feature formal certification, it embraces careful sourcing and community integration. Ingredients are locally grown, plastic reduced in favour of reusable materials, and architecture employs natural stone and plantation-grown wood. The property supports local economic initiatives through sourcing, staff training and cultural programmes, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable tourism in the Arusha region.
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When to visit 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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