Lake Duluti Serena Hotel

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.