Name: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Address: Arusha Moshi Road Usa River Usa River Plot 61 7, Arusha, 00000, TZ

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

Benjamin

This was a fantastic place to stay! Built in 1959, the hotel has tons of character and didn't feel corporate. We really appreciated the friendly staff and owner. My wife also really enjoyed the spa. Thank you for a great stay! This is truly a hidden gem!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2026

Patricia

We absolutely loved our stay! The history of this cozy property along with the delicious food prepared by Chef Ombeni Tz (his traditional cuisine is delicious) made our 3 night stay one of our top locations to recommend. The large variety of tropical plants and sound of the flowing water throughout the property was relaxing…but be sure to visit the spa and ask for Caroline (Sagara)—she has over 20 years experience and is an amazing masseuse. One of our favorite memories of our 3 week trip was our daily visits with Moki, a local woodcarver on-site whose father was good friends with the founder (Dr. Nagy). Look for Harry (co-owner), he’s typically on-site working and can share lots of fun facts about this amazing place. We will definitely be back :)

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Andrea

What a great place! Huge gardens with birds and monkeys. Staff were exceptional. A perfect retreat before or after flying...good for a few days. We enjoyed the guided forest walk and massages. Food was very good. Rooms are lovely. Highly recommend

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2025

Linda

A Wonderful Place to Stay.

I stayed at Mount Meru Game Lodge before embarking on a 2-week safari and after 24 hours in the air. It was a wonderful place to unwind and sleep well before the trip. The location was convenient, the staff very friendly and helpful, the price was fair, the rooms were comfortable and clean, and the setting was special having been a former sanctuary for game animals. Also, there was an onsite massage spa which was excellent.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2025

Zhixia

This hotel is a beautiful park with a river and a garden with some beautiful birds and animals

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Aug 2025

David

We were so glad we booked this brilliant lodge for the beginning and end of our amazing Tanzanian trip.
Harry and his partner should be congratulated on how beautiful the grounds are, for how well furnished the rooms are and for how well run the lodge is.
The staff at reception and in the restaurant were outstanding and the quality of the food was excellent.
Also having the beautiful gardens to wander around watching the wild birds and three species of monkey was unforgettable.
Thanks to all at Meru for making our holiday the brilliant experience it was.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2024

Barbara

I arrived at the property at 4am. My driver woke someone up in order for the gates to be opened. From the moment I stepped into this magical world, I felt swept away by the atmosphere, the 4 poster bed, the warm shower, the surrounding nature and even the charming monkeys running on the property. I enjoyed an in-room massage and a fantastic breakfast and lunch. Five stars are not enough. This place is definitely a 10 out of 10.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2024

Laura

wonderful staff, amazing property.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2024

Janis

This was a fantastic property! So much local wildlife and excellent views! Rooms and grounds were beautiful and food was Delicious and staff helpful and gracious!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2024

sandra

Mount Meru is a step back in time. The grounds are beautiful and the staff was extremely kind. We needed a late check out and they were wonderful with that. The dinner was delicious. The breakfast leaves with more to desire although they did have an omlet station which was great. There was plenty of hot water for 3 women to take consecutive showers. I would definitely come back and stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2024

Douglas

We had a wonderful stay at the lodge. The property is beautiful and the service excellent. The owners care about their guests and are very helpful. It is the perfect start or end for a safari.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Jan 2024

william t

This property has a lot of history to it and is very cozy because of its well established grounds. It’s like taking a step back in time.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2024

Katherine

Loved staying here, away from noise of Arusha before setting out on safari. Est our meals outside near waterhole with Colobus monkeys in the trees. Staff were lovely.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2023

Gerard

A good old style gMe lodge!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Aug 2023

Guy

Not a lot of stuff in close proximity.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2023

Manfred

My favorite lodge during my 3 wk Tanzania trip. 3-day stay to unwind after Kili climb and safari. Loved it! Very personalable and local vibe; not touristy or pretentious. Central and quiet location <1 hr from airport makes a great home base for safaris, Arusha Natl Park, or Kilimanjaro climb.

Comfortable, clean, rooms, though I spent most of my time relaxing outdoors on the grounds, where there were plenty of spots to read, write, and watch the animals in the nearby \"watering hole\". Best kitchen of the half dozen places I stayed in Tanzania, available pretty much all day. Staff are just wonderful: very friendly, engaging, and helpful. I highly recommend the town tour and the canoe tour on nearby Lake Duluti, which is a birdwatcher paradise. Both are < 3hrs, close by, and can be arranged through the lodge.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2022

Gavin

Property was quiet, lovely, comfortable & safe. Staff & management were so kind & accommodating. Great breakfasts & artist-in-residence. Easy to book & arrange reliable airport transfer. Would definitely stay here again.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2022

PAUL

Great overnight stay staff is fantastic

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2022

Carol

We really enjoyed our stay! We were in the family cottage (#9) overlooking the animal sanctuary, so it was fun to watch the zonkeys, buffalo, peacocks, various other birds and monkeys.
Service was impeccable at all times. The restaurant was very good also. It was the perfect place to spend a few days after our safari and before we headed back home.
Highly recommend!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2022

Lynda

Great place to catch up on long flights/layovers. Wonderful on property manager to take care of all needs, very friendly staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2022

Barbara

It is such a beautiful place. Everything was so cared for and staff were wonderful

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2021

Monique

No better place to relax!

It’s a piece of heaven on earth. What a stunning place to relax and enjoy nature.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

What a beautiful property with an abundance of wildlife and it’s own pond. This lodge has an old world Safari feel with modern amenities. In the two days we stayed we saw Vervet Monkees, Colobus Monkees, water Buffalo, many birds and a Zebra donkey. Highly recommend!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2021

KAREN

Mt. Meru

I can’t say enough about the staff, amazing. The grounds were wonderful.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2021

Verified traveler

Staff was excellent. Very attentive and willing to help. The place is not a 5 star fancy hotel. But it is exceedingly charming and enjoyable to stay at. We loved sitting on our porch and watching the animals in the pond. Beautiful surroundings and very comfortable rooms. Food was very delicious. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for accommodations in this area. You can't beat it for the price.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Extremely friendly and helpful staff. Great day tours. Super basecamp for northern Tanzania safaris. Ostrich, zebras, monkeys, cranes, storks, etc. right on the property. Much better than staying in loud, busy, Arusha. Easy access

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2021

Michael

Stayed here as my last night in Tanzania. Was a perfect place to relax before the long flight back to the USA

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2020

MichelleValberg

It was my second time staying at Mount Meru Game Lodge and I was just as happy the second time. I LOVE this spot and highly recommend a visit and stay here. You won't be disappointed. The animals on property were wonderful and a visit to Usa was super cool. Loved every second!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2020

Akshay

Great place to spend some time.

Out stay at mount meru game lodge was great!

The staff is always helpful, the food is great and the animals at the lodge are fun to watch while having breakfast or lunch.

The WiFi is good. The staff also put us in contact with a Safari guide which turned out amazing.

The lodge itself feels like being in the middle of a jungle, with trees, animals and a small waterfall.

In the night, a fire is lit around which we could sit and drink whisky.

All in all, memorable stay :)

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2020

Steven

Mt Meru Game Lodge

Great place, comfortable, interesting history charming. Initial impression from parking and reception had me worried. Great place overall

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Dated but cool! Old but classic. Great service. Good food.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Absolutely amazing lodge. Great grounds. Animal watering hole on the property. But most remarkable is personal service. Also offer free and extra cost day tours at the lodge. No need to book before arriving.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2019

Melanie

Peaceful and beautiful

Had 2 nights because my flight was rescheduled.Thoroughly enjoyed the property, the room, the food, very friendly and helpful staff.
Loved the garden, it was peaceful, green and had some animals around.
WiFi was good, too :-)

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Very accommodating

We booked here after another local lodge was very unsatisfactory and Mount Game Lodge was very accommodating for the last minute booking and made us a late meal and it was very nice. The service was very good and the facility and wildlife and history of the lodge was fascinating! I definitely recommend a visit here.

Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

When I made the reservation, I was charged for 2 people in the room.
I was traveling single, yet did not get any credit for the overcharge. Additionally, I was charged $50US for the ride from the airport to the lodge.
I’m gonna have a hard time recommending this lodge to anyone looking for a place to stay.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2019

Nathan

Game Lodge Stay

Such an amazing place for our last night in Africa. Lots of charm, history and character. Zummie the owner was very accommodating and friendly, the animals came out and said hello too before we left so much fun. Very good pizza and I recommend the passion fruit mojito !

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2019

Mansur

its lovely place to stay for holiday not business.
its 45 min to reach arusha town, for safari its quit & pleasant place to stay.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful peaceful place with amazing and helpful staff. Would definitely stay there next time I visit Arusha.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

The waterhole with the wild animal sanctuary was an amazing backdrop during meals.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Rustic Lodge in a Beautiful Setting

The Mount Meru Lodge is a rustic lodge in a beautiful setting with excellent service. Definitely the place to stay in Arusha.

4/10

Poor

25 Sep 2018

Jack

Poor service

Hotel is nice in theory however in practice it is let down by the execution and service. The shower was cold and it took them over an hour to fix it which still didn’t give hot water until the next day. The hotel describes itself as a game lodge but in practice it is a few sad looking animals around a pond area with a lot of large birds which make a lot of noise. The how thing was more sad than an attraction. For dinner and breakfast the buffet was poor and the table cloths were dirty.

The taxi to the airport was extortionate at $50 (we’d paid $30 to go further with another company) and it turned up 20 minutes late, without an apology from the hotel or the taxi driver.

The staff in the restaurant were friendly but I definitely wouldn’t stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2018

Stephen

Start you adventure now!

A great hotel with excellent staff and amenities but what makes this hotel stand apart is the intersection of nature and the facilities. As we ate breakfast we could look over the wildlife area and see several animals including a zebra, ostrich, monkeys, cape buffalo, cranes, and more.

8/10

Excellent

01 Sep 2018

Mike

Mount Meru Game Lodge is a great experience for those wanting a taste of what Africa lodges were like half a century ago, with mostly modern convinces. This is central Africa so don't expect the amenities of Central London, but it was one of the nicer places we stayed.

If you like history or staying at old B&Bs this place is perfect. Some of the cottages date back to 1933, and there are old photos of the game reserve everywhere. Very cool. It is set back on private estate from the main road, so there can be a bit of road noise, but we only rarely noticed it. Bonus is paved road access to get there.

Overall, staff was friendly, room was comfortable, water was hot, food was continental and made to order or small buffet. Property was intimate in size, but spacious rooms and large property made us feel like we had the place to ourselves. My wife loved it, as it was historic and made her feel like she had stepped back in time - without all the inconveniences of living back then.

Very close to JRO airport and very close to Arusha National Park. We did ANP in a half day tour, before our flight it is very different than any other tour we did in TANZ Lush jungles with few predators. Packed the car in the AM with Box Lunch from MMGL and went straight to airport.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2018

Steve

Wonderful start to our Tanzania trip

Our five day stay at Mount Meru Game Lodge was excellent. We were welcome late at night by a full staff. Our cottage was a little rustic but comfortable and it looked out on the pond where we could watch the collection of zebra, ostrich, water buffalo and other animals who live there. The Lodge dates back to the 50s and has a lot of history in the region. The staff helped us arrange day trips into Arusha, USA village, and the Arusha National Park. I was almost sad to go when we had to leave Togo on safari. Oh, and the food was very nice.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2018

Karen

Charming historic lodge

Picked this hotel based on location (outside the city of Arusha in a tranquil setting) and its unique feature of an animal sanctuary - zebra right outside my room. Exceeded my expectations in all respects. Friendly and helpful staff, very good restaurant, and gracious proprietors (Zummi and Armando) who visit with guests on the patio in the evening. Excellent value - highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

Wonderful experience

We loved our stay sand highly recommend this property. Animals were a bonus. Staff was super friendly. Food was great. Glorious setting. Can't say enough!

10/10

Exceptional

28 Oct 2017

Susan B

Out of Africa Class and Charm

I had an amazing stay and wish I could have remained longer. The surroundings are beautiful and tastefully done. Service was excellent. It was a unique experience with the animals right out front and the ability to have every meal outdoors in a garden setting. The grounds have a feeling like Out of Africa meets old European charm. When I arrived I was provided with a wet cloth and delicious hot coffee from a press. At the entrance building there are black and white photos of the original owner who was a zoologist from Hungary and his family who currently own and manage the property. I enjoyed the food and talking to the owners. It is a quiet, calm and serene place. The swimming pool is small and in a cozy corner with privacy. The hotel manager helped me to arrange a visit to an organic coffee farm and went out of her way to assist me with rearranging my travel plans. I loved the cottage where I slept which had an outdoor seating area. There was a super comfortable bed, very soft sheets and the mattress was perfect. I would stay at Mt Meru Game Lodge again. It is not too fancy and was just right for my needs -- very relaxing.

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2017

Zubaida

Romantic, rustic, renovated Game Lodge

Even though I was in Arusha for business, I decided to stay in the Game Lodge as it has a good reputation. The newly renovated cottages were a delight - comfortable and jus the right mix of rustic and modern. The surrounding area was a delight with daily viewing of animals with breakfast and entertainment with the different sorts of monkeys in the forest surrounding the lodge. We had peacocks, Crains, Water buffalos, Zebras and a host of other animals including 2 owls who call the Lodge's palm trees home. It was simply a delight.

8/10

Excellent

23 Aug 2016

Joe

Nice return to civilization after two plus weeks I

Easy check in. Staff friendly and efficient. Well stocked bar and pleasant food. Comfortable room, quiet and clean. HOT showers with lots of water!! Grounds well kept Zebras two storks and some nice birds. Staff arranged taxi back to airport. On time.
.

8/10

Excellent

27 Sep 2022

houdrouge

Calme joli charmant

Leisure Self