Local walks, limited trout fishing on the lake, views of Kilimanjaro
Guide Price: From: $200 To: $225
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is an old german colonial farmhouse in the foothills above Usa River (about 25 minutes from Kilimanjaro Aiport). It has a stunning location, beautifully kept gardens a dreamy lake with colobus cavorting at its edges and a great view of Mt Kilimanjaro.
This is so nearly the most idyllic country lodge where you could happily while away a few lazy days before or after a safari. Ngaresero has quite a bit of style and the rooms are comfortable, although rather utilitarian in an expensive sort of way.
The food varies from fabulous to OK. There is a lovely swimming pool, croquet lawn and from time to time there are yoga courses run from here. All being well there are opportunities to walk through the local villages in the foothills of Mount Meru, do short rides or fish for trout in the lake.
The main thing to be aware of is that things can be slightly unpredictable here. To some people this is part of the charm of staying here - it's the opposite of the "chain hotel" experience - and, if you're fairly laid back this is a good choice.
However, if you prefer a more tightly run ship there might be other places in or around Arusha that'll suit you better. Ngaresero is a good one night option if you're happy to enjoy the beautiful location and simply take things as they come.
From: 200 To: 225
Local walks, limited trout fishing on the lake, views of Kilimanjaro
price includes accommodation only and excludes drinks, laundry, activities and transfers.
On the road that runs between Moshi and Arusha, there are numerous small, but growing, ribbon developments; Maji ya Chai, Usa River, Tengeru to name but a few. Within 20 miles or so of Arusha, the land to the north of the road rises up steeply into the fertile, banana clad foothills of Mt Meru, while to the south, the land rapidly gives way to the dry and increasingly barren plains that form the edge of the Maasai Steppe. Secreted amongst these scattered villages lie quite a number of small hotels that we recommend as places to spend a night or so catching up after the joy of your international flight, and before you head off on safari. While we wouldn't go so far as saying that this area is somewhere to visit in its own right (having lived here for quite a number of years) it's very well placed for accessing both the two airports that service this part of the country (Kilimanjaro and Arusha) and the major parks in Northern Tanzania. At certain times of year, you'll also be treated to stunning, and often quite unexpected, views of both Mt Meru (15,000ft) and Mt Kilimanjaro (19,000ft). Read more?
Tanzania safaris rival a safari any other country in Africa in terms of sheer wilderness, formidable landscapes and volume of wildlife. At Natural High, we have travelled all over the country, worked in some of its best Tanzania safari camps and lodges and flown all over as bush pilots so we feel qualified to venture such opinions. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.