Hatari Lodge (Inside Arusha National Park) — Hotel in Arusha

We returned to Hatari Lodge this year because of our pleasant stay there in 2021. It is closer to Kilimanjaro Airport than lodges in Arusha, so it is a convenient place for kicking off or ending a visit to Arusha National Park and places further afield in the region. This lodge offers you peace and quiet, being relatively small and intimate, You can indulge in the luscious meals, watch game in the marsh area below the lodge (enjoy sundowners on a small deck), or go on some excursions to Ngurdoto Crater, "Little Serengeti", the slopes of Mount Meru ( fascinating for their different vegetation zones) or to Little Momella Lake and Big Momella Lake fed by springs from Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru is often clear, in plain view; on clear mornings you can also see Kilimanjaro. You do not have to leave the lodge grounds to see many browsing giraffes; naughty blue monkeys, vervet monkeys and colobus monkeys; mousebirds and other species; antelopes and buffalo. A leopard with a limp frequents the area around the lodge: watch out for her. The lodge specializes in organic and natural foods; the meals are sumptuous. You might be surprised by the offering of baobab juice, hibiscus juice in place of the usual soda drinks. The bar offers a good selection of local beers and South African wines.||Try this out-of-the-ordinary retreat, enjoy the friendly and dedicated...

🌿 Hatari Lodge – A Truly Magical Escape at the Foot of Mount Meru 🌿

Our stay at Hatari Lodge was absolutely unforgettable — one of the true highlights of our time in Tanzania! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a deep sense of connection to the surrounding nature. The lodge itself is nestled right on the edge of Arusha National Park, offering breathtaking views of Mount Meru and access to wildlife quite literally outside your door.

The accommodations were unique, beautifully styled with vintage safari charm, and incredibly comfortable. Every detail — from the cozy fireplace to the eco-conscious touches — made the space feel special and serene.

What truly sets Hatari Lodge apart is the staff. The team went above and beyond to make our stay smooth and memorable. Meals were fresh, flavorful, and often enjoyed with giraffes or warthogs grazing nearby!

We especially loved our morning visit to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, which Hatari helped arrange, and the afternoon game drive in Arusha National Park where we spotted zebras, buffalo, flamingos, and so much more.

If you're looking for a peaceful, soul-filling stay surrounded by nature and great people, Hatari Lodge is it. We’re so grateful for the experience and would return in a...

In years past Hatari was a favorite of mine but it recently changed ownership and new management. It’s no longer the friendly helpful customer service lodge it once was and has gone drastically the wrong direction. It’s sad, the location is an awesome starting point for an African adventure but it’s been ruined. One can only hope management recognizes its errors and changes back to what it once was but I fear that doesn’t seem to be likely. This last visit was my 6th African adventure but will be the last that includes this previously wonderful lodge. 😢 ||The rules are now demanding and structured more like a military college. Not at all friendly and accommodating. Many of the meals offered few (if any) options, several didn’t even include any kind of protein like (meat, poultry or fish). If you weren’t one of the first to breakfast then you were outta luck. The key items were gone and never replenished. ||High $$$$ rates, poor food, lousy customer service and a long walks to everything. Not a lot of incentive to return. Goodbye old friend our time together has come to and end. I...