• Bedrooms: 20 Beds
• Bathrooms: 20 Bath
• Square:36 m²
• Floors:1
• Property Type:Hotel/Lodge

Welcome to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, one of the oldest family-owned and managed lodges in East Africa. Set in lush gardens amid 50 acres of forest and crystal-clear lakes on the slopes of Mount Meru, the lodge has been adapted from a German colonial farmhouse built at the beginning of the last century. It offers 10 Garden Rooms, 2 Main House Suites, 1 Kilimanjaro Summit Suite and a Farm Cottage with 3 bedrooms. Ngare Sero has been providing personal services for its residents since 1974. The Lodge is located only 30 minutes away from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha town centre, and it is a perfect base while on safari in Northern Tanzania.

Rooms

Kilimanjaro Summit Suite

A recent addition to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is the Summit Suite, created within the roof space of the 1905 farmhouse. The heavy olive wood structure of the original thatched roof has been adapted to contain this double suite of 160 square meters with a spacious living room and two self-contained bedrooms, all with fitted carpet. Seating at the East dormer window has spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the forest reserve and the lake. The living and dining area is furnished with antiques and an oriental carpet. Each suite has a king-size bed, an Ottoman bed, and a dressing alcove. The bathrooms have a bath-with-a-view and a walk-in shower.

Main House Suites

Suites are located on the first floor of the Main House. Each room is equipped with a king-size double bed, a separate lounge area with two large ottoman sofas that can be turned into single beds. A spacious bathroom has a separate toilet, a shower and a bathtub. These rooms share a generous veranda with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Garden Rooms

Our 10 Garden rooms are nestled in the tranquil gardens with the beautiful views of bougainvillea and jacaranda from private verandas. 8 rooms offer king-size Zanzibar beds, and 2 others are furnished with twin beds. Interiors are individually decorated with ethnic fabrics and handmade furniture like study tables and the ottoman sofas that, on request,t can be used as a third single bed. Each room has an en-suite toilet, a bathtub tub and a dressing room.

Cottages

Pool Cottage

The Pool Cottage is a private oasis, perfect for those seeking comfort, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. Featuring two spacious bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, this charming retreat offers everything you need for a relaxing stay. Step outside to the secluded sitting area, nestled among swaying palm trees and lush greenery. Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning coffee, unwinding with a book, or sharing a sunset drink, this peaceful outdoor space provides an idyllic setting to soak in the sounds of nature and the gentle mountain breeze. With its blend of privacy and comfort, the Pool Cottage is an ideal hideaway for families, couples, or friends looking for a serene escape in the heart of Ngare Sero’s breathtaking landscape.

Colobus Cottage

The Colobus Cottage is a charming sanctuary, offering a blend of space, comfort, and natural beauty. Featuring three twin bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, this inviting cottage provides the perfect setting for families, friends, or small groups looking for a peaceful escape. In 2024, the cottage was thoughtfully extended, enhancing its connection to the lush surroundings. Now enveloped by a vibrant garden filled with citrus trees, guests can enjoy the refreshing scent of blossoms and the soothing greenery that defines Ngare Sero’s landscape. The beautiful outdoor sitting area invites you to relax in the dappled shade, listen to the sounds of nature, and unwind in total tranquillity. A dedicated garden path meanders through the estate, encouraging leisurely strolls and a deeper appreciation for the serene environment. Whether you're savoring a quiet morning, gathering for an evening under the stars, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Colobus Cottage offers an idyllic retreat where comfort and nature harmonize effortlessly.

Big Farm Cottage

Built in the 1950s as a farm manager’s home, the Farm Cottage is now a spacious private villa just a minute’s walk from the Main House. Nestled behind the Garden Rooms, it offers stunning views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro from its veranda and balcony. The cottage features a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living and dining area, and two bedrooms, comfortably sleeping four guests. Additional beds can be arranged in the living room for larger families. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, while the second bathroom includes a bathtub for added comfort. A perfect retreat for families or couples, the Farm Cottage combines history, privacy, and breathtaking scenery for a memorable stay.

Small Farm Cottage - cozy and private

The Small Farm Cottage features a bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, and a cozy living room with an adjacent kitchenette. The bedroom can be arranged as a twin or double, while the sofa in the living room can serve as an extra bed. A tented patio opens onto a lush private garden, offering a peaceful nature retreat.

Activities

You can relax in the lodge grounds amid the peace and serenity we wish to offer or partake in a myriad of activities to enhance your stay.

Forest Walks

Explore the fifty acres of forest, lake and beautiful gardens, which will reveal an array of indigenous and exotic flora and fauna. Cold water springs rising in the forest feed a crystal-clear lake home to many kinds of frogs, freshwater crabs and fish, including barbel, sword-tails and trout. Troops of Sykes monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys are to be seen in the forest. This rich habitat attracts a great diversity of bird species. If you are a herpetologist, you will enjoy the species diversity along the lake shore.

Boating

Enjoy a tranquil cruise on our private lake in our home-built punt, which can seat up to 8 people. Take a bottle of wine to enjoy on the water. 

Bird Watching

Of over 500 species of birds that occur in the Arusha area, over 200 can be observed around Ngare Sero forest, lake and beautiful gardens. Our bird list includes 16 species of herons, fish eagles, hornbills and many others. We also offer to show ornithologists other great locations for bird watching in the diverse habitats on the slopes of Mount Meru.

Swimming

Swim or relax in the 30-metre pool amid the colorful gardens of ginger, bougainvillea, heliconia and jacaranda trees, with a splendid view of Mount Meru. Please ask for a towel at the reception.

Horse Riding

Learn riding with one of our five horses on the lodge grounds or go around the village trails on the green hilly slopes of Mount Meru. 30$ for up to 1 hour on lodge grounds ;50$ for up to 2 hours on the village trails.

Yoga

Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced practitioner of a specific style, yoga allows you to stretch beyond perceived limitations to enrich your entire life. A tranquil atmosphere of Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is ideal for those seeking to rebalance mind, body and spirit. After a long safari or the Kilimanjaro climb, take private or group yoga classes by the lake under the forest canopy, surrounded by the sounds of nature. $60 for 1 hour of private yoga class; $30 per person for 1 hour of group yoga class (for 2 or more people).

Garden Spa

After long hours spent in the car or plane, enjoy a relaxing or Thai massage in our new Spa tent by the pool amid lush gardens and forest. Massages are given by appointment only, and a reservation is required. $30 for 30 minutes $50 for 1 hour.

Culture Tour

Most of our staff come from Jua Kali and other villages surrounding Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge. Originally, the Wameru tribe inhabited the slopes of Mount Meru. They practice intensive Agroforestry and livestock keeping. Let one of our staff members walk you through the lush villages, show you their homes, local primary and secondary schools, and a little orphanage in the vicinity of Ngare Sero forest. $5 per person for up to 2 hours walk guided by our staff member.

Arusha National Park and Mt. Meru

Arusha National Park and Mt. Meru Large animals, including giraffe, hippo, buffalo and elephant and be seen, as well as waterbuck, reed buck, bushbuck, red duiker and suni antelopes. Over 500 species of birds are recorded in the area. The varied habitat also supports a great variety of butterflies, including, swallowtail and monarch species. Mount Meru at 4,568m (15,000 feet) is Africa’s fourth-highest mountain and a relatively young volcano. Arusha National Park is situated on the slopes of Meru and is only an hour drive from our lodge, and it has the widest floral diversity in Tanzania – from grassland through montane forest to heath and alpine desert as well as both soda and freshwater lakes. We can organize full-day game drives through Arusha National Park, combined with shorter walks on Mount Meru towards the ash cone in the crater, where you can observe wildlife in the mystical forest and lake habitats. $250 per car (up to 9 people) + $85 park fees per person.

Coffee Tour

Let us arrange a two-hour tour of a neighbouring coffee farm. You will be guided on a beautiful walk around the coffee plantation, learn about coffee processing at the factory and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with cakes of your choice. Return home with some fresh roasted Mount Meru supreme coffee. $50 per vehicle plus $50 per person (prior reservation required).

Dinning

Restaurant & Bar

Delicious home-cooked meals of hearty soups with homemade bread, pastry, local cheese and bundles of fresh herbs and salads. The ultimate comfort food. Our vegetables and herbs are picked daily from the organic garden. Contact us in advance to book a dinner or a sunset drink. Aside from a notable beverage collection and draft IPA, our Bar offers a healthy juice list.

Terrace dining

Enjoy your meals in our outdoor dining area, featuring a cozy fireplace and stunning views of the forest and lake. Whether it's a leisurely breakfast, a romantic dinner, or a gathering under the stars, the serene ambience and fresh mountain air make every dining experience unforgettable.

Forest Dining

Forest Platform - A Hidden Haven by the Lake. Tucked deep within the forest, this secluded covered platform offers a magical retreat overlooking the tranquil lake. Whether you're gathering for a private dinner in the forest, sharing stories by the crackling fire, or simply soaking in the peaceful wilderness, this hidden spot invites you to unwind and reconnect with nature.

The Main House

The Main house of the lodge was built in 1905, and it still retains many of the original features. Long colonial verandas stretch along the front of the house. On the long-armed chairs, you can watch the lake, monkeys, and forest. When the clouds clear up, you can sit and admire the grandeur of Mount Kilimanjaro. We have a bar next to the reception as well as a fireplace in the living room. Furnished with stone benches and leather cushions, it is decorated with antiques commemorating Tanzania’s German colonial past. All meals can be served in three locations. A dining room with an outside veranda, a tentacle dining area or a romantic lake pavilion.

Events

Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is an exceptional venue for private events. The security provided by our unique location, in addition to the intimate atmosphere, makes it the ideal choice for significant parties, birthdays and anniversaries, including weddings. Advance notice is required, and rates depend on the chosen level of event organisation, with all elements provided by Ngare Sero Lodge. Contact us to plan your perfect event.

Boutique

Jua Kali Boutique

JUA KALI is the name of the village next to Ngare Sero Lodge on the green slopes of Mt Meru. It is translated as “the hot sun” from Swahili, but it also means resourcefulness, the ability to create something out of whatever is available. JUA KALI is a crafts boutique supporting local artisans – carvers, jewellery-makers and tailors, which aims to promote recycling and introduce new skills into the community. It also represents eco-friendly and responsible businesses all over Tanzania. 

Whether you are about to go on safari and would like to purchase your last-minute supplies or are looking to buy responsible gifts for your loved ones, visit our JUA KALI CRAFTS boutique, which offers souvenirs, conveniences, toiletries and books.

• Free Wifi
• Parking
• Swimming pool
• Balcony
• Garden
• Security
• Fitness Center
• Air Conditioning
• Laundry Room
• Spa & Wellness Center
• Wedding Halls
• Restaurant
• Catering Services
• Airport Shuttle