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Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge

About Legendary Lodge

Situated a short distance from Arusha airport, Legendary Lodge is a small guesthouse set in lush green gardens ...

... on a working coffee plantation. On a clear day there are magnificent views of Mount Meru. It offers a luxurious and comfortable place to overnight at the beginning or end of your safari.

We think Legendary Lodge is a brilliant option for travellers who need to spend a night or two in Arusha. It's well run, small, welcoming, and certainly of a very good quality. Its price tag means that it will appeal more to those with a slightly higher budget, but as it's one of Arusha's best options, Legendary Lodge would be a great beginning or end to a luxurious safari itinerary.

Our view

We think Legendary Lodge is a brilliant option for travellers who need to spend a night or two in Arusha. It's well run, small, welcoming, and certainly of a very good quality. Its price tag means that it will appeal more to those with a slightly higher budget, but as it's one of Arusha's best options, Legendary Lodge would be a great beginning or end to a luxurious safari itinerary.

Parita Masani

Parita Masani

Tanzania expert

Accommodation

12 rooms

Children

Fine for all ages.

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of Legendary Lodge

4 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
4 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
4
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs AfromEast Lothian

Arrived 3 Aug 2019, 1 nights

"Relaxing Legendary Lodge"

"Wonderful start to the holiday. The service was first class. …" Read Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs MfromJapan

Arrived 5 Aug 2017, 1 nights

"Beautiful lodge"

"This is my favorite lodge in Arusha …" Read Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs MfromJapan

Arrived 14 Aug 2017, 1 nights

"Relaxing place"

"After 8 days bush experience, I relaxed at this beautiful lodge …" Read Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Family HfromVancouver

Arrived 2 Aug 2016, 1 nights

"Wish we had more time there!"

"We arrived late at night and left early the next morning so we really didn't …" Read Family H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Legendary Lodge reviews

Trips visiting Legendary Lodge

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.

Visiting Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and 2 other areas

US$14,030 - US$18,080 per person

Read more about the Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

Legendary Lodge: Our full report

Situated a short distance from Arusha airport, Legendary Lodge is a small guesthouse set in lush green gardens ...

... on a working coffee plantation. On a clear day there are magnificent views of Mount Meru. It offers a luxurious and comfortable place to overnight at the beginning or end of your safari.

There are ten garden cottages at Legendary Lodge, each decorated slightly differently, but all extremely comfortable and spacious with a sophisticated colonial style. At the front of the room the 'living area' has a number of plush leather sofas facing the open fireplace (welcome in Arusha's cooler months) and large satellite TV. A few coffee table books are scattered around, including one which explains the colourful history of the lodge itself, which makes for an interesting read - guests can do a tour of the coffee farm too if they are interested. There's a well stocked mini bar (which is included in the price) and also tea and coffee making facilities. A small table and chairs can be used as a desk if guests want to take advantage of the free WiFi on offer.

Immediately behind the living area, the bedroom contains a vast and very comfortable four-poster mosquito net-covered double bed. Out of sight behind the sleeping area, there's a small dressing area, with plenty of space to hang your clothes and store your luggage. The bathroom is at the far rear of the cottages, with a large bath, twin sinks, and separate toilet and rain shower. A hairdryer, plus towels and bathrobes, and a number of Africology toiletries are provided for guests to use. There's certainly no lack of space in these cottages, and everything is finished to a high standard.

In addition to the cottages, there are also two family houses, which are similar in style, and with several bedrooms connected by one vast living area. Families are welcome to have meals here separately.

The central areas of the lodge are a continuation of the colonial style in the rooms. The roaring open fireplaces, leather sofas means you feel immediately at home and relaxed. Despite the comfort and luxury, the lodge has an incredibly unpretentious feel to it, which we really enjoyed. Meals are generally served either in the dining room, out on the verandah (blankets are provided in the evenings!) or when the weather is nice, out on the manicured lawn.

For those who have a little more time to spend here, there is also a well-equipped spa with a variety of treatments available. Whilst most treatments take place in the spa itself, some can be set up in your own room. The swimming pool is a lovely spot to while away an afternoon, although note that its proximity to the owner's private house means that it is not available for guests' use when the owners are staying (just a few weeks per year).

Geographics

Location
Arusha, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay
Stay here for a night or two at the beginning or end of your safari.
Directions
The lodge is 15 minutes drive from Arusha Airport, and around an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
During our visit we were very impressed with the dining experience. The menus were balanced and interesting, service attentive and friendly, and location overlooking the gardens was very pleasant.

Dinner was also an a la carte menu with several choices. There was a good variety of options which we really struggled to choose between! We started with Moroccan spiced carrot soup and then had homemade pasta served with feta, courgette and pine nuts , ending with a chocolate and mint ice-cream

Breakfast was served on the verandah and involved a buffet selection of fresh fruits, pastries, cheese and meats, followed by a cooked breakfast.

Overall, the food here was just as good as we were expecting, given the high quality of the accommodation.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is included.
Drinks included
Included apart from premium wines and spirits.

Children

Attitude towards children
The lodge welcomes children.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions.
Special activities & services
Dining can be arranged to suit the needs of a family.
Equipment
Cots and highchairs are available.
Generally recommended for children
The family rooms here make it a good option for families, with plenty of space while still being under the same roof. The bicycles, large grounds and swimming pool are enough to provide entertainment for an afternoon, while venturing out to the sports complex nearby is a great addition to burn off some energy.
Notes
The lodge grounds are fenced and patrolled, but the grounds are extensive which is worth bearing in mind.

Communications

Power supply notes
There are multi-plug adaptors in all of the rooms.
Communications
There is good cellphone signal in Arusha. There are phone in all the rooms which can be used to call outside lines (for an extra charge). There is free WiFi for guests to use throughout the lodge.
TV & radio
There are TVs in each of the rooms.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
Bottled water is supplied for drinking. Bathroom facilities are all plumbed in.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a first aid kit on site for minor injuries. For more serious issues, the lodge is about 15-20 minutes drive from Arusha where there is medical care available.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The lodge is within a gated compound and there is 24-hour security personnel.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in the rooms.

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    On Request
    Laundry facilities
    A full laundry service is available but only if you're staying more than one night.
    Money
    There is a safe in each room.
    Accepted payment on location
    Mastercard, Visa, Amex are all accepted (5% surcharge), as is cash (US dollars, Tanzanian shillings, euros, and pound sterling).

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    Legendary Lodge's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Legendary Lodge.


    Excursions from Legendary Lodge

    Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Legendary Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


    Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

    Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

    Full day

    Experience Africa’s highest mountain – in just a day. In the company of a private guide, hike through the forests of Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side to an altitude of 3,400m. From here, explore the Shira Plateau and its surroundings, perhaps spotting wildlife along the way.

    More about Kilimanjaro Day Hike
    Safari in Arusha National Park

    Safari in Arusha National Park

    Half day or full day

    Arusha National Park offers some lovely walking in the foothills of Mount Meru and canoeing on the Momela Lakes, plus gentle game drives.

    More about Safari in Arusha NP
    77% (7 reviews)

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    When to go to Arusha

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Legendary Lodge in Arusha


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    Tanzania in January

    January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.

    Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.

    • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
    • Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
    • A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
    • The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
    • Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in January

    Tanzania in February

    February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower.

    The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.

    • Hot and dry weather.
    • Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
    • Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
    • Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
    • The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in February

    Tanzania in March

    The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti.

    Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.

    • Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
    • Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
    • Parks are quiet and rates are low.
    • Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
    • March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in March

    Tanzania in April

    April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers.

    Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.

    • Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
    • Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
    • Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
    • Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in April

    Tanzania in May

    As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.

    Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.

    • Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
    • Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
    • The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
    • Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
    • The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in May

    Tanzania in June

    The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months.

    The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.

    • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
    • A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
    • The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
    • Wildlife may be dispersed still.
    • Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in June

    Tanzania in July

    July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River.

    In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.

    • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
    • Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
    • The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
    • Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
    • To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in July

    Tanzania in August

    August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day.

    August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.

    • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
    • General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
    • An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
    • Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
    • Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in August

    Tanzania in September

    September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on.

    You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.

    • Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
    • Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
    • The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
    • Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
    • Prices remain high.

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in September

    Tanzania in October

    At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp.

    There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.

    • Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
    • Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
    • Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    Tanzania in November

    In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers!

    The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.

    • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
    • Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
    • Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
    • Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
    • The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in November

    Tanzania in December

    December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups.

    Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.

    • Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
    • Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
    • Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
    • Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
    • The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in December

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