At the end of a long tree-lined driveway, you will find Rivertrees Country Inn on the banks of the Usa River. It is located within 10 acres of lush, well-tended, tropical gardens filled with flame trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus and banana trees and is a haven for birdlife. Its rural location adds to its feeling of calm and tranquility. On a clear day it is possible to see Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro from here.
Rivertrees has a total of 13 rooms, dotted around the large property, all of which are en-suite and have fans and mosquito nets. These are made up as follows:
- 10 standard rooms - three of these are located in the original old farmhouse, the other seven are grouped together nearby. Each has red-polished concrete floors dotted with traditional grass mats, under a whirring ceiling fan. Furniture is fairly sparse with a wooden four-poster bed (or two twin beds), draped with mosquito nets, a writing desk and chair, and a simple wardrobe. It's all very solidly built, and should be very cool – even when temperatures outside are high.
The white-tiled en-suite bathroom is small and functional with a single basin, shower cubicle with shower curtain, and a toilet. Complimentary toiletries are provided. Outside is a small, covered veranda with two small wooden chairs and a table.
- Two cottages – there are two separate cottages which stand on the banks of the Usa River, with the relaxing sound of flowing water nearby. These are very similar in style and furnishings to the standard rooms, but quite a bit larger – and have a small seating area with two armchairs and a table beside a fireplace – lovely for chilly evenings.
One cottage has two double wooden four-poster beds; the other has a large double bed, both under large mosquito nets. Both cottages have an en suite bathroom that feel fairly light and spacious, with double basins set into a wooden cabinet, a separate bath, a shower cubicle and toilet. Each bathroom has fluffy white towels and bathrobes and there is a door leading from the bathroom to a private outdoor shower. Complimentary toiletries are provided.
- One River House, which is also located on the river bank, and has two separate en-suite bedrooms, a separate living room with fire place, and a wrap-around veranda. It is ideal for families or friends traveling together.
Rivertrees is a lovely place to relax, whether it is by the swimming pool, or wandering through the tree-lined gardens. Most people come here to do just that, usually for a night or two at the start or end of a safari.
However there are also activities available from here. It is possible to visit a local village, tour a nearby coffee plantation, or go to see the local market. Horse-riding is also an option, organized on a nearby farm. All of these activities really need to be booked in advance.
The old farmhouse here has been restored and converted into the lodge's main lounge area. Afternoon tea is served here or out on the large covered veranda, overlooking the lawns.
The restaurant and bar is in a separate thatched building, and in good weather it is possible to have meals out on the lawns under the large shady trees.
Rivertrees is very relaxed and comfortable, and often all the rooms and main areas are filled with large zinc buckets of fresh roses. (Tanzania is one of the largest exporters of roses to Europe!) It feels a little like you are visiting a homely country house for the weekend.
In conclusion, Rivertrees' location, half way between the town of Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, make it a good place to stay - whether it is just overnight at the beginning or the end of a safari, or to relax for a few days longer and enjoy the surrounding area.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Town
No. of bedrooms: 13 rooms
Season: 01 April to 15 May
Ideal length of stay: One to two nights is the average stay, depending on whether it is being used for an overnight at the beginning or end of a safari, or if you wish to stay a bit longer and explore the local area.
Central facilities: The restored farmhouse is furnished with antiques and there are old framed photos of the property and surrounding areas on the walls. This building is now the main lounge area where afternoon tea is served indoors or outside on the spacious covered veranda overlooking the well-tended lawns.
There are a few separate seating areas in the lounge with comfy sofas and armchairs around a large fireplace. In a corner is a large cabinet with a selection of books and magazines to read as well as a selection of board games.
Tucked away in a corner is a small TV lounge with satellite TV for guests who need to stay in touch with the outside world.
The dining room and bar are in a separate thatched building near to the entrance to Rivertrees. This is completely open-sided with views over the gardens. On sunny days the dining tables may be moved out on to the lawns under large shady trees. Here guests are served good home-cooked food, using fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit from the Rivertrees gardens. There is also a small seating area here with comfortable sofas around a fireplace.
The rustic bar, made from wood from an old traditional dhow, is tucked around the corner from the dining area. Chunky wooden bar stools are in front of the bar and a couple of rough shelves, on top of which are a few bottles, and some old photos are on the wall behind the bar.
A large swimming pool is tucked away in the garden. It has a few sun loungers around it as well as a small thatch-covered changing room. There is also a comfortable looking day-bed underneath a thatch roof near the pool – very inviting for an afternoon siesta!
Directions: Half an hour's drive from Arusha and 20 minutes drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Privately owned.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Although we did not stay at Rivertrees during our recent visit (June 2008), we did have lunch there.
For the starter we had a tasty spinach and potato soup. This was followed by beef rolls, served with rice, salad and fresh home-made bread-rolls. This was finished off by a large slice of coffee and mocha cake and fresh coffee.
In general this was fine – and we'd expect the food here to be good, as Rivertrees have extensive vegetable gardens and grow a lot of their own food. Having said that ... we found the beef in our lunch to be very dry. Although to be fair ... we were very late for lunch that afternoon, and ate well after everyone else had eaten. So it might have been nice and moist if we'd arrived on time!
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Drinks included: No.
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome
Age restrictions: None
Activities: A member of staff will look after the children whilst the parents are having dinner. Please note that these are not professionally trained child-minders.
There is also the swimming pool which children love to play in.
Equipment: Baby cots and highchairs are available.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Children under three years old are accommodated free, if sharing with adults.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There are no phones available in the rooms, but it is possible to use the office phone at an extra charge.
Free internet available from the main office.
TV & radio: There is a satellite TV available in the main lounge.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is a hospital nearby in Arusha.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There is a guard at the main gate and there are security guards patrolling the grounds at night.
Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher outside each room as well as in the main areas.
Extras
Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: Available at an additional cost, however it is not possible if only staying one night.
Money: No exchange is possible at Rivertrees. There are banks available in Arusha. Safe deposit boxes are available in all the rooms.
Accepted payment: Visa and Mastercard are accepted but not travelers cheques. Rivertrees also accept US dollars, euros and sterling cash.
Rivertrees Country Inn review
Although we were originally booked us in another hotel, this one met all our expectations & we are pleased that we ended up at Rivertrees. After a short walk of the grounds, we realized that we were...
Rivertrees Country Inn review
Room is excellent, service also good, kitchen acceptible but not memorable.
I would have no qualms about continuing to recommend it.
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