Description: I stayed at Karama Lodge twice, once after a pretty horrendous night in Dar es Salaam, and once following seven days on Kilimanjaro; both times I nearly burst into tears of joy upon arriving. Granted, any room with a bed and a mosquito net would have elicited a similar reaction at those points (the journal I kept just exclaims, "hot water!"), but I ended up being so charmed by the lodge’s services that I would be just as excited to see Karama any day.
Minutes from downtown Arusha and atop a gated drive, Karama’s 22 huts are perched amid lush green hills reminiscent of New Zealand’s landscape. The manager, a laid-back former New York drama teacher and restaurant-biz veteran, has created a welcoming compound centered on a wonderful bar/lounge/restaurant cabin. The main office is worth spending time in, too, as they offer Internet access and delicious juice.
Each timber hut is unique, but all offer great beds with down comforters and mosquito nets, rugged-modern bathrooms behind a curtain, and porches. Some cabin doors are closed with a zipper, and some are more substantial. They’re beautiful in a no-frills way, but everything you need—like that hot water—is available for you.
I had breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Karama's restaurant at different points on the trip, usually accompanied by a rich South African merlot and a visit from the resident feline. One particularly delicious dinner was pan-fried tilapia and rice; another was chicken with mushrooms. Breakfast was always substantial and tasty, though sometimes it was served buffet-style and sometimes it was off a menu.
I adored Karama’s combination of a friendly environment, respect for its surroundings, and modern amenities, and, at about US$45 per night (for a single with breakfast), it’s an absolute steal. I would recommend that anyone visit the Arusha area and stay there—you'll be completely relaxed and looking forward to your next sundowner in no time. For more information, check out the website at www.karama-lodge.com/.
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