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This mid-sized, short-stay lodge is set on the banks of the Usa River, just east of Arusha town. On a clear day, travellers staying at this large property can see distant Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro from the inn and its lovely, colour-filled gardens. Accommodation is in cottages of varying sizes, their interiors furnished simply but stylishly. There's plenty to do at Rivertrees and lots to explore in the area, although you have to book early so as not to miss out.
From $110 person/night
The relaxed garden setting is absolutely beautiful. Make the most of all the open space and amble across the grassy lawns amongst the guinea fowl, enjoy a birding tour, or even go slightly further afield and hike through the foothills of nearby Mt Meru.
If you're looking for added privacy (or an extra special start to a trip) book one of the River Cottages. Cosseted by the forest and perched right on the riverbank, they are simply beautiful.
Rivertrees is only a 35-minute drive from Kilimanjaro airport making it an excellent stopover base - but why not spend two nights here and enjoy everything the lodge has to offer?
Originally a B&B, Rivertrees farmhouse now houses four rooms and the communal areas – the lounge in the original, now refurbished, building and the dining and bar space in a separate, thatched and open-sided structure. The lodge is decorated with well-cared-for family antiques alongside stylish and comfortable chairs and sofas. The food is excellent (the pizzas are hightly rated). And there's a pool to wallow in to escape the African heat.
There are 38 spacious rooms, two small but spacious cottages and the River House for small groups (ideally two couples). All are kept to reasonable standards with twin or four-poster beds, white linen and hanging mosquito nets. An en-suite bathroom, writing table and cosy chairs ensure your comfort. As the price increases, so does the level of luxury – the River House comes with a wraparound veranda for private dining, and satellite TV.
At Rivertrees there is a wide variety of activities, although most come at an extra cost. Take a leisurely canoe paddle on Lake Duluti or explore the surroundings on a mountain bike. Investigate the inner workings of a coffee plantation for an insider view of this industry in Africa. If you're keen on learning about local culture, visit the local village to meet and chat with the residents. End the day with a pampering treatment at the lodge's spa.
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Encounter a variety of wildlife situated on this safari-town's doorstep—Arusha National Park—with over 400 species of bird, buffalo, warthog, giraffe, dik dik and the star of the show: the black and white colobus monkeys.This is a unique slice of wilderness with montane forest, grasslands, marshes and cliff-faced crater.
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