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Experiences, Accommodation
Grand Africa Safaris > Blogs > Tails from the Field – Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge – Arusha, was visited by our Head of Product for Grand Africa Safaris – Lisa, who spent a few days in the fabulous gateway town of Arusha to the northern safari circuit of Tanzania. Lisa stayed overnight in the 5 star Legendary Lodge – Arusha. Upon her return, she was thrilled to share her feedback with the team of her memorable time spent at this luxury accommodation. Read more about her experience and what she enjoyed most here;
Located next to a working coffee plantation, not far from the domestic airport in Arusha. The lodge is approximately a 15 minute drive from the domestic airport. This is definitely a plus for client taking a light aircraft flight from Arusha’s domestic airport.
Legendary Lodge – Arusha, is down a long scenic road away from the town. The road has large old trees on each side. There is nothing surrounding Legendary Lodge, but peace and tranquility of the tropical gardens, rolling lawns and the acres of coffee fields. You feel like you have arrived in paradise.
Due to its location not far from the domestic airport and also not far from the town of Arusha, it is the perfect location to start or end any safari into Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti for any bucket list safari.
The main building is an old farmhouse that has been lovingly restored.
Your client can also join a sensory guided coffee tour at an additional cost at the nearby Burka Coffee Farm. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do this, but I definitely recommend pre-booking this with a Grand Africa Safaris travel expert.
There is an in-house spa that provides a variety of restorative beauty and massage treatments.
There is an in-house spa
In the main public areas you will find a lounge, a living area, bar and a safari boutique.
On the lawn there are also a number of games including croquet.
I really wanted to do a write up on Legendary Lodge – Arusha, to feature the gourmet food that is provided with the outstanding menu that is given at each meal. For lunch and dinner it is always a minimum of 3-courses. Each and every dietary requirement is easily catered for.
For lunch and dinner it is always a minimum of 3-courses.
Sitting on the covered patio outside the main dining room, on a warm summer evening, I kept thinking that there is nothing better than the twinkling of the lanterns in the gardens and on the patio while enjoying a wonderfully delicious meal. In fact we actually decided not to eat at a prior function, as we really wanted to have dinner at Legendary Lodge after hearing so much about the cuisine. The food is definitely up there with a top 5-star restaurant, and the service is unmatched. It wasn’t just a meal, it was a dining experience in a beautiful setting. One of the courses I enjoyed the most was the papaya and prawn salad.
A garden picnic lunch can also be arranged, which I think will be great for families with younger children, who can then enjoy running on the lawns during the meal to keep them entertained.
The lodge set up tables and chairs for us with gourmet snacks and fantastic cocktails on the lawn for sundowners, and we sat there for hours just soaking up the beautiful surroundings.
It wasn’t just a meal, it was a dining experience in a beautiful setting.
There are 2 family cottages called Meru and Kahawa. Meru is at the top closer to the main lodge and Kahawu is the other side at the bottom of the property closer to the Spa. Both of these cottages have 2 separate bedrooms and a central living area with a large fireplace.
As you enter the main gate which is called Namanga Gate, you will find the main public areas at the end of the road and then the 10 x one-bedroom cottages. The cottages can interconnect if required. These can also accommodate triples.
The cottages are huge, really I need to stress the sheer size of them. Each is between 1000 to 1200 sq ft. There is a separate lounge area with 2 full couches and a fireplace, a small dining area if you want to eat your meals in the cottage, a really large canopy king size bed with a mosquito net, romantically draped over it. and then a totally separate dressing area which leads to an even bigger bathroom. Then, as mentioned there is a covered veranda with heavy wooden outdoor furniture – the perfect spot to enjoy reading your book.
There is a covered verandah with heavy wooden outdoor furniture.
The dining area is great in the rooms in case your clients arrive later or their flight is really delayed, they can enjoy an al fresco meal in the privacy and relaxation of their own space.
2 of the cottages are also wheel-chair friendly and they provide golf cart transport to the cottages if required.
All rooms come with complimentary mini-bar for soft drinks.
Both of these cottages have 2 separate bedrooms and a central living area with a large fireplace
Lisa is a keen runner and in the late afternoon she did an enjoyable jog around the estate on one of the many running trails. There are also cycling trails for those who prefer, and while exploring the estate you can take in the stunning views of Mount Meru.
Your clients will enjoy walking around the vast lawns and can see many birds including cuckoo, doves, robin chats and also see the resident bush buck (or commonly known as the Dik Dik).
For down time, your client can relax around the large refreshing swimming pool in between dips. The pool area is surrounded by many large trees that give plenty of shade.
It is suitable for families, single travelers and couples. With its one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages the rooming configuration is suitable for all family members. For those who are concerned about having families close by, the 2 x 2 bedroom cottages are located at the end of the property with separate pathways.
In front of each family cottage, the main doors lead out to rolling green lawns which are great for children.
The accommodations are far enough away from each cottage, that you can also spend time relaxing with a good book on your verandah and not be interrupted by other guests. I really enjoyed sitting on my verandah and watching some monkeys playing in the trees.
Why do you like it? As we arrived, we sat in the main welcome area and while we enjoyed a refreshing welcome drink, our luggage was quietly whisked away to our cottage. This is where I have to mention the GM who welcomed us, already knew my dietary requirements. This really impressed me as this shows the level of service and attention to detail and how committed the staff are to get to know theri guests- even before they arrive. I feel the staff go above and beyond and I was truly impressed with the level of service.
Perhaps a heated swimming pool is all I can think of that would’ve enhanced a wonderful experience. But , to be honest, the pool is really large to heat and I was there in June and it was a balmy 23 degrees or 73 fahrenheit in winter so a heated pool is not really needed in Arusha.
What do you think could be improved? I would really recommend clients staying for two nights, as with one night you won’t get to experience the full tranquility of what this lodge has to offer. I do feel if clients stay only 1 night they will feel it is too short a duration.
What would you combine with this lodge? Following this I would start with 2 nights in Tarangire National Park, then onto Ngorongoro or Karatu then definitely follow that with a trip to the wildlife mecca of Serengeti National Park.
Do they accept kids? Yes, the 2 x separate family suites welcome children of all ages. Although when I was staying here there were no families.
Do the suites have plunge pools? No, there is a large swimming pool close to the main public areas.
Get in touch with one of our travel experts at Grand Africa Safaris today to include Legendary Lodge – Arusha, in your client’s stay for their premium itinerary.