194 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Arusha.
"My Aug 2022 trip"
The trip was put together over a series of calls and discussions, met all our criteria and was a great success.
We had one slight hitch with charges for a walking and night safari which Lyndsey sorted immediately, the wonders of e mail.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maybe make it clear that you will be guided through the many flight changes by Coastal, it was a bit daunting but they made it easy" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari
"Spectacular river crossings and great game"
The lodges were of very high standards, and the trip was comfortable, well-run and hugely enjoyable.
A special word must be reserved for the friendliness of the Tanzanian people - gentle, helpful, kind, considerate and well-mannered, extremely eager to do their best for you. It’s wonderful for veteran travellers like us to see how far the country has developed in so many ways since we were last here, and in particular to see how the Tanzanians themselves now occupy all the senior positions in camp management, guiding, and flying, doing so with their customary charm, efficiency and commitment to customer service." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
"My Aug 2022 trip"
"My Jul 2022 trip"
Bottom line: excellent guide, David, who made each game drive special.
Asilia lodges absolutely top notch, especially because of the staff and the overall atmosphere.
The trip was unforgettable, probably the best I have ever done." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
"My Jul 2022 trip"
The younger generation was overwhelmed and continue to talk about it.
We did especially appreciate the thoughtfulness and consideration given to the birthday girls and the surprise lunch in the bush is still being talked about.
Lyndsey could not have been more helpful from the first enquiry in March 2021 to our return and we will definitely recommend her and Expert Africa to any of our friends who might wish to make a similar safari.
Asilia's camps remain top of the pile and since we last used them 7 years ago have only got better. It is not possible to single out any one person as everyone who looked after us gave us wonderful service." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"We could not hope for a better honeymoon"
We almost teared up as we left some of the places. We can't thank Olivia and Jessica enough for helping us create such unforgettable memories.
We could not hope for a better honeymoon.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We really liked the wildlife survey but it could have been more comprehensive." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"Amazing Trip!"
Jessica was super helpful in making suggestions for our first safari and we appreciate her rebooking the trip twice due to covid.
I will definitely be recommending Expert Africa to any interested friends and cannot wait to plan another trip with them!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"Our March 2022 expedition "
Thanks, Maruska.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: The Covid situation made international travel difficult, but the wonderful experiences at the places we visited were worth it." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"My Oct 2021 trip"
Wonderful experience for a first time safari and Expert Africa made the planning much easier.
Coordinating delays from the original plan due to the pandemic and then rearranging plans for a different time of year and with 2 of us flying in at different times was handled well." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2021 trip"
Truly a trip of a lifetime and I don’t think we could have had a better experience. All the properties we stayed at were great and all the staff at all the properties were just so kind, friendly and attentive. Personally I preferred the experience and the guides at the Nomad properties (Kuro and Lamai) just a touch more than at the Asilia property (Highlands), but all were great. I thought Nomad did a little bit better job of seeming more “connected” to the area. Lamai in particular just blew me away - the design, the location, the staff were all impeccable. I can’t wait to go back!
It was also pretty special to be there while the parks and properties were at low capacity - twice we were the only guests at the properties, and having our own vehicle and guide for the entirety of the trip was amazing. I’m already planning to go back with my husband in 2023, but I know it won’t be quite the same.
Things to know:
- definitely bring Dramamine or something for motion sickness - those small planes can be rough and we were with several people who had issues.
- You lose a whole day getting to the crater - the drive from the airstrip to the lodge area is 3 hours, the road is AWFUL (though apparently they’re fixing it), and due to the hours you can’t do a late afternoon/ evening drive at the parks.
- I’m not a photographer and know nothing about cameras but I rented a camera for the trip (Sony RX10) and it was some of the best money I spent." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meWhere to stay in Arusha
Our suggestions for places to stay in Arusha
Rivertrees Country Inn
Set within lush grounds, the peaceful and relaxing Rivertrees lies between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport: ideal at the beginning or end of a safari.
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge is a neat, comfortable lodge, right on the highway, close to Arusha Airport. It is a convenient stop for a night.
Onsea House
Onsea House is a small, family-run guesthouse on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are quite simple, but service and food here are good.
Katambuga House
Katambuga House is a smart hotel on the western side of Arusha, an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro Airport and 10 minutes from Arusha Airport.
Airport Planet Lodge
Airport Planet Lodge is a new hotel located close to Kilimanjaro Airport, making it ideal for a short stay before or after your international flight.
Machweo
Machweo is a nine-room lodge on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are large and stylish, and the service and food here are very good.
Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge is a simple, country-club-style lodge situated close to the buildings and runway of Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Hatari Lodge
Hatari Lodge is designed around a bright, fun 1960s retro theme and is a relatively high-quality base to explore Arusha National Park.
Mount Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge, near Arusha, is a good spot to stay en route to northern Tanzania's most famous safari areas.
Hamerkop House
Located halfway between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, Hamerkop House is a small, peaceful stop either at the beginning or end of a safari.
Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge is boutique luxury lodge, perfect for an indulgent overnight stay at the start or end of your safari.
Arusha Serena Hotel
The Serena Arusha Hotel is a comfortable hotel close to Lake Duluti. It makes a good stopover before or after a safari in northern Tanzania.
Twiga Lodge
Twiga is a Tudor-style lodge with welcoming owners, country-style gardens and a viewing platform looking onto Arusha National Park.
Siringit
Siringit Kilimanjaro Golf Safari Retreat is a six-bedroom villa offering a luxury stay in complete privacy on a championship golf course.
