Olerai Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania

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Opened in early 2019, Olerai Lodge is a former family home that has been transformed into a boutique resort but kept its cozy, homey atmosphere. With 14 guest rooms, it’s an intimate escape nestled among an acacia grove against the backdrop of the Mount Meru, Olerai Lodge.

I stayed at Olerai Lodge on my first night in Tanzania before embarking on my five-day safari and this gorgeous property was a wonderful surprise! I was obsessed with how beautiful the surrounding land was, how comfortable and chic the room was, and how fantastic the service was! It was a beautiful introduction to Tanzanian hospitality and I could have easily enjoyed spending several days there, but I had animals to see!

How to Get to Olerai Lodge

Fly into Tanzania’s Arusha Airport (ARK) and Olerai Lodge is a 10-15 minute drive from the airport.

Rooms at Olerai Lodge

Olerai Lodge is an intimate boutique resort that has 8 guest rooms. The rooms are spacious and well spread out, meaning the resort never feels crowded. Mosquito-net-covered beds are comfortable, ensuring a good night of sleep before embarking on your safari journey. Rooms have large closets, ample storage, and a safe for your valuables. Drinking water and toiletries are provided, and the spacious rooms, which are decorated in a modern African style, have indoor (and in some cases, outdoor) sitting areas for relaxation.

Resort Amenities

The rectangular outdoor pool, while not large, is a refreshing oasis from the African heat. Spa services (massages, manicures, and pedicures) are available upon request and the resort has a small gift shop of Tanzanian-made items.

WiFi and turndown service are provided and laundry service is available on request for a small fee.

Fun Fact: “Olerai” comes from the word “acacia” in the local Maa language.

Dining at Olerai Lodge

The resort has one bar/restaurant in the main building and it serves African Contemporary cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available. At sunset, a popup bar is set up near the firepit so that guests can enjoy sundowners and share tales from their day.

While at the bar, be sure to try Twiga Blonde Ale, an Arusha-made beer named for the Swahili word for giraffe!

Price

Prices at Olerai Lodge start at around $150 per night and depending on where you book, breakfast may be included. Trust me when I say it’s well worth it!

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