Surrounded by evergreen coffee fields that date back over 100 years, Amani Safari Lodge sits in the expansive volcanic land in the foothills of Mount Meru and is home to 9 en-suite rooms and 5 suites with 11 rooms and 5 bathrooms. The mesmerizing landscape alone will make you want to stay and enjoy all the joys our idyllic lodge has to offer.
This former coffee plantation is dotted with groomed gardens, coffee plants, a restaurant, bars, a pool, and authentic plantation-style buildings with a spa, wine cellar, and Arusha’s only private convention center located on the west side of the city. In particular, our convention center has a combined indoor capacity of 1,000 people and is set to open in 2023.
Everywhere you look, you can see and even feel the deep roots and homely atmosphere of this family-run lodge. From the aromatic coffee, to the decor and the furnishings, every decision is influenced by the family’s fascinating history and heritage.
As you step into the spacious reception, you’ll notice a ‘floating’ counter hanging from above. This unique design element was the brainchild of our son Emmanuel. Inspired by his love of mathematics and architecture, his unique counter is one example of our lodge’s authentic design.
Additionally, the lodge is an ideal place for guests who enjoy historic charm and verdant green scenery. Its location promises maximum safari enjoyment: just a short journey from Arusha’s airstrip, guests can charter planes to Tarangire national park (20 minutes), Ngorongoro conservation area (25 minutes) and the Serengeti (55 minutes).
At Amani, our aim is to keep the traditional, local and wholesome experiences intact, which accentuate the magnificence of the environment, the people, the culture — and help facilitate a healthy lifestyle influenced by mindfulness and positive inner feelings.
On the opening day, Lilian and Edward Mrosso opened their magnificent Amani Safari Lodge to the world. But, what led them towards the creation of this business?
One evening, the couple, who were expecting their 1st newborn, were out for a walk in the TGTS Recreation Center grounds near Amani. Going off the beaten path, they continued their walk through a Coffee Farm that would eventually become the site of their future business. After this long and memorable walk, they were blessed with their firstborn daughter Pulkeria (named after Edward’s late Mother).
Thereafter, Lilian and Edward would return to these coffee fields — this time to buy them! After securing a plot of 5 acres, they planted 1000 trees around the area which included fruit trees. Later on, Edward would express his desire to build his dream office (the Amani Lodge), while Lilian was interested in creating her dream house (the convention center).
Now, we’re pleased to announce that the Lodge will officially open in May 2022 (Sign up for our newsletter
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Without the foundations of our rich familial heritage, Amani would not be what it is today. So far, our history has influenced almost everything, from the lodge’s architecture to the decor in each room. Much of Amani’s wood furnishing and furniture — found in areas such as the Lodge’s restaurant and the convention centre — is made out of wood from the family forest located in Rombo, Kilimanjaro region.
This flourishing forest sits on the grand slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. The first trees were planted approximately 100 years ago by our late grandfather, a passionate environmentalist who had worked with German and French missionaries at the Mashati Mission Stadium.
And this love of forests certainly runs in our blood! My father Justice John Mrosso (retired) planted trees in our Rombo plot over 50 years ago, while my grandfather Alois Markshaka (who worked at Mashati Mission Parish in Rombo, Kilimanjaro) passionately guarded his trees during his whole lifetime. He, however, encouraged his children to plant more trees for the next generation.
Hardwood pieces such as the outdoor log chairs and bed frames come directly from an old family farmhouse & ranch in Dolly Estate. Also, the family’s apartment on the hotel’s ground floor features original furniture from the small home in Njiro where Edward & Lilian first began their life together; a wonderful nod to the past.