Olerai Lodge - Mateves, Kisongo, Arusha — Hotel in Arusha

Olerai lodge was one of the best hotels we stayed in during our holiday in Tanzania. The road there is quite rough ('free African massage') but what's waiting for you makes it worth it. A tranquil and green environment, nice staff and beautiful rooms. We had the privilege to stay for 3 nights during which Olerai really became a home away from home. From the variety of relaxed sitting areas to the swimming pool and the daily sundowner. Olerai is the perfect hideaway. A special thanks to Peter, who was waiting for us with a big smile every day and made us feel welcome during the first days of our holiday. After our long flight he made us feel relaxed and was able to serve us a late night dinner. He also showed us around the Maasai workshop backstage, teeming with vervet monkeys. Also to Hosanna, with her friendly and calm approach. She also organized a very special send-off for us on the evening before we left which was amazing. Alex while fresh in the business already was great, professional and enthusiastic in helping my goal to try all the Tanzanian beers they had... :-) Glory really made the most amazing meals every night, including fantastic desserts!! What a welcome in the world of Tanzania cuisine.... And lastly, Fredrick helped us out in a practical way, with arranging transport and us getting used to Tanzanian Shilling. We couldn't have wished for a better start of our holiday thanks to Olerai and the amazing team. Thank you and hopefully until next time....

Olerai Lodge was one of the best places we stayed during our East Africa trip—our only regret was staying just one night.

The rooms were spacious, well-lit, and beautifully decorated. Everything was clean and comfortable, with a cozy balcony that made for a lovely spot to relax—though we did have to share it briefly with some curious resident monkeys! We even spotted a dik-dik right outside.

The food was outstanding. Chef Munir and Zachary truly outdid themselves at every meal. The service was equally impressive—warm, attentive, and personal. Peter at the restaurant ensured we had everything we needed, while Anne looked after our bags and gave us a warm, informative welcome.

What truly set Olerai Lodge apart was their integrity. Our son accidentally left his wallet behind, containing over USD 700 and several cards. The staff immediately contacted our tour agent, who got in touch with us. When we returned, the wallet was exactly as it had been left—untouched. Their honesty and kindness deeply moved us.

We wholeheartedly recommend this boutique hotel. The hospitality is exceptional, the setting serene, and the service flawless. They get everything right. PS - The road to this gem is riddled with potholes and can be quite rough, but once you arrive at Olerai Lodge, it’s absolutely worth...

Our stay at Olerai Lodge with Mativas Africa was truly wonderful and peaceful. From the moment we arrived, our host Mariam made us feel completely at home. We began with a lovely tour of the property, where we learned about the mischievous local monkeys 🐒—a fun and memorable touch!||In the evening, we enjoyed drinks by the bonfire with other guests before adjourning to an amazing dinner that exceeded expectations. The accommodations were exceptional—spacious rooms with a double shower, a large bathroom, and a comfortable king-sized bed. The staff took great care of us, even carrying our bags to and from the rooms.||One detail I especially appreciated was the tipping process, which was handled at checkout—simple, fair, and stress-free.||If you’re planning a safari in the area, you would be remiss not to stay here. Olerai Lodge perfectly balances comfort, nature, and...