The Bush Telegraph to Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
17 September 2024
INTRODUCTION AND Location
One of our staff members Lisa, recently stayed at a comfortable lodge in Arusha – Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge. This is her first hand feedback.
Situated on a large working coffee plantation on the western edge of Arusha in Tanzania. It is about 5 minutes drive from the Arusha domestic airport (ARK) and 1.5 hours from the international airport in Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport). Although being so close to the domestic airport, you do not hear any planes at all. It is the perfect gateway to the country’s famous northern safari circuit which includes Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Karatu, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Arrival & check-in
Upon arriving at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, I was warmly welcomed to this peaceful retreat and offered a refreshing welcome drink. As my inbound transfer was earlier than usual check in times, my allocated suite wasn’t available – the lodge is really popular. However I enjoyed a delicious lunch in the serene open-air garden at the lodge’s café, while I waited. I ordered a healthy signature freshly prepared salad, accompanied by fresh breads and locally sourced produce.
If you feel like a tasty treat from scrumptious pastries to delicious pies, this can be found in the café – definitely spoil yourself! I do think you should stop by here before it closes, to take an after dinner dessert to your room. I didn’t do that, but there is more reason to return.
Accommodation
I was shown to the plantation suite, which is most certainly designed with comfort and style in mind. The concierge effortlessly provided me with an orientation of the suite including highlighting the refreshing beverages in the mini-bar.
There is a large four-poster bed draped with romantic netting, a lounge area with a comfortable sofa and TV with selected satellite channels, a private verandah with an outdoor fireplace and a bathroom with a rain shower and deep soaking bathtub.
Most of the suites overlook the working coffee plantation and all are very privately spaced and link to the main public areas with a pathway. At night the pathways come alight with soft lighting.
I would always recommend that our team requests rooms that are on the right hand side by the coffee plantation, as this area is quieter and also for the scenery.
Dining
Breakfast is a treat in the Plantation House. The continental cold section is buffet style and then there is a hot selection from an extensive menu. I can highly recommend the freshly squeezed pineapple juice – the best i have ever tasted! I mentioned this to my fellow travellers and they all tried the juice and loved it. I sat inside the main breakfast area but there is substantial seating outside under shady trees for lunch and also for the hot summer months it is great to sit outside while having a good start to the day during breakfast. Definitely order the freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee, a speciality of the lodge.
There is also a separate bar with indoor and outdoor seating. I had 2 meals here for a late lunch / early dinner during my stay and both meals were hearty, tasty and very reasonably priced. On both occasions, the waiter was friendly and efficient. They also provide room service, should you want to dine in.
Facilities
The day of check in I joined a coffee tour at Arusha Coffee Lodge. This is an immersive experience that is a must do and our travel experts will add to the stay. Upon check in, the receptionist will ask what time you would like the tour, so the timing is flexible and suited to your schedule. The coffee tour at Arusha Coffee Lodge lasts approximately one hour and begins with a guided walk through the coffee plantation. During the walk, you’ll learn about the coffee plant’s life cycle, how the beans are cultivated, and the sustainable farming methods used.
The tour culminates in a tasting session, where you can savour freshly brewed coffee and appreciate the distinctive flavours of Tanzanian coffee.
This immersive experience provides a perfect blend of education and enjoyment for coffee enthusiasts. I really enjoyed the tour and it was most informative. There is also a boutique gift shop where you can purchase some roasted coffee beans and other local Tanzanian products.
The following day I was shown around the property and there is an adequate spa and a large refreshing swimming pool with many sun loungers.
You definitely need to stop by Shanga which was started in 2007 and is on the grounds of Arusha Coffee Lodge. There is glass-blowing, weaving, sewing, painting, metal work and Maasai beadwork. The Shanga shop sells beautiful hand-crafted items from necklaces to earrings. You will also help the local community which employs 60 persons here.
My thoughts on the property
You do not feel like you are staying in a large hotel or resort, with the suites being spaced out for privacy and many seating areas, it is perfect for unwinding after a flight and before you start a safari. From the cosy fire pit to the relaxing lounge area – there are many places to rejuvenate. I really enjoyed experiencing the unique coffee tour and learning about the coffee production process. Strolling around the Shanga workshop and shop was incredibly inspiring with the beautiful hand-made items. One of the members of our group brought the most wonderful pair of earrings.
Thank you to Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge for the amazing stay and we are happy that our agents’ guests are accommodated in such serene surroundings.
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