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Machweo
Machweo
Machweo

About Machweo

Part of the Onsea House set-up, Machweo (or Machweo Wellness Retreat and Fine Dining to give it its full ...

... name) opened in October 2011, and this boutique property is on the same plot as the original Onsea House, in the hilly rural suburbs east of Arusha town. By default, it's where Onsea's guests tend to eat - both properties share the same exuberant Axel Janssens as Chef-Manager.

Renowned for its contemporary style and run with flair and energy, Machweo is one of our favourite places to stay – and eat – in the Arusha area. The breezy location and views are sublime, the rooms are spacious and comfortable and the Belgian-African food is some of the best we've had in Tanzania.

Our view

Renowned for its contemporary style and run with flair and energy, Machweo is one of our favourite places to stay – and eat – in the Arusha area. The breezy location and views are sublime, the rooms are spacious and comfortable and the Belgian-African food is some of the best we've had in Tanzania.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Country manager: Tanzania

Accommodation

9 rooms

Children

Fine for all ages.

Open

16 May to 15 Apr

Traveller reviews of Machweo

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


87%
15 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
7
Good
7
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mrs B.fromBasel

Arrived 5 Oct 2019, 1 nights

"Best meal!"

"Perfect for a first night. We were so impressed by the meal we had at Machweo. …" Read Mrs B.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromTeddington

Arrived 3 Oct 2019, 3 nights

"Machweo review"

"We very much enjoyed Machweo …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr & Mrs SfromOregon

Arrived 2 Jul 2019, 2 nights

"Machweo review"

"This is a place with great ambiance and views of the mountains but unfortunately, …" Read Dr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Poor

Mr A.fromnew york

Arrived 7 Feb 2019, 1 nights

"Machweo review"

"Decent property, great food …" Read Mr A.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs P.S.fromBaldock

Arrived 14 Sep 2018, 1 nights

"lovely place to relax before going to camps."

"Nice rooms and lovely restaurant area. …" Read Mrs P.S.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

TimfromUSA

Arrived 18 Aug 2018, 1 nights

"Excellent stopover from the airport "

"The view was great. Food and service was top notch. Rooms were extremely nice. …" Read Tim’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ashkan SfromUSA

Arrived 23 Sep 2017, 1 nights

"Great stay"

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr FfromEdina

Arrived 13 Aug 2017, 1 nights

"Machweo review"

"good place for a brief overnight stay... We had dinner on the veranda which …" Read Mr F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

MartinafromAustria

Arrived 17 Jul 2017, 1 nights

"Back to Civilization"

"Machweo was only the base for our homeward journey (we left there at two a …" Read Martina’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr AfromCalifornia

Arrived 27 Mar 2017, 1 nights

"Machweo review"

"We were there only a single night and it was generally good. We had an excellent …" Read Mr A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Machweo reviews

Machweo: Our full report

Part of the Onsea House set-up, Machweo (or Machweo Wellness Retreat and Fine Dining to give it its full ...

... name) opened in October 2011, and this boutique property is on the same plot as the original Onsea House, in the hilly rural suburbs east of Arusha town. By default, it's where Onsea's guests tend to eat - both properties share the same exuberant Axel Janssens as Chef-Manager.

Together with its sister property Siringit, also near Arusha – Machweo has a reputation for producing some of the best food in the region, and this is reason enough to stay here, either overnight or as a dayroom base between flights.

Approached along a muddy/dusty earth road south of the Moshi Highway, a few kilometres east of Arusha town, Machweo can be entered through its solid-looking security gates, or a similar pair for Onsea House, 100m further up the road. Most guests will check-in at reception at Onsea, before being installed in their room at Machweo. The common lounges, dining and terrace areas of both properties are open to all guests, though most people tend to congregate at Machweo, whereas Onsea is used more as an overspill and backup area for larger groups.

Everything at Machweo is modern, stylish and very nicely done, designed with clean plaster-and-brick work, flagstones, red-tiled roofs, dark woodwork and wood-framed windows, and overall a slight oriental styling. The main dining terrace with its fine views, and a high-roofed indoor lounge behind, leading up to the loos and kitchen, have high ceilings, giving everything a cool, open feel.

The nine guest rooms (housed in the main building and three separate two-or-three-room cottages) have similarly high ceilings, spacious stone-walled bathrooms with walk-in showers, plate glass dividers, double basins and large, four-poster beds with mosquito nets. There is also a small mini bar and coffee/tea making facilities in the room.

Activities are probably what you're about to embark on while staying here, rather than what you want to do (Macheweo is a very easy place to laze away the day), but the lodge does offer some very pleasant ways to pass the time, including the small lap pool (and the larger swimming pool in the lower garden at Onsea House, which was being refurbished on our last visit in February 2018), and a massage suite, steam room and sauna. And of course you have the option of visiting Arusha town, by cab (Machweo will organise that at extra cost) or building in a visit to Arusha National Park into your itinerary (best organised in advance through Expert Africa).

Geographics

Location
Arusha, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay
One night if you’re passing through at the beginning or end of your safari. But you could easily spend two or three nights here just relaxing.
Directions
Machweo is located in a partly suburban, partly rural setting, 20 minutes’ drive from Arusha and around 40 minutes’ drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
One of the best reasons to be based at Machweo is the food, prepared and cooked by the Michelin veteran Axel Janssens.

Breakfast starts from 6am and consists of a wide-ranging continental buffet, with local fruit, cereals, bread and pastries, and anything cooked that you'd like to order – many guests opt for a full, English-style breakfast.

Lunch is very flexible and between noon and 6pm there's a bistro of frequently changing à la carte options, usually including a choice of several main courses and desserts, as well as lighter dishes and salads. When we visited these included Belgian beef stew with fries, “raw-food" veggie lasagne and tomato and prawn salad

Dinner which is from 7pm is much more elaborate with a number of courses. Guests can usually expect appetisers, soup, a cold or hot starter, a main course, a delicious dessert, and cake or chocolates with coffee. On our last visit we enjoyed appetizers of tomato bruschetta, followed by stuffed egg plant for the starter, roasted lamb with a rosemary jus for the main course and coconut ice cream with raspberry coulis to finish.

At lunch and dinner South African, Italian and French wines are complimentary, included in your full board rate.

Meals are served on the outside terrace, which offers diners wonderful views of the surrounding villages and rolling hills.

For more information see the food section of the Onsea House report.

Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available, at no extra charge..
Drinks included
Wine with meals is included, but all other drinks are extra.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Machweo, though the atmosphere is slightly quieter and more adult than at Onsea House. The owners have a young family, though they are not always there.
Property’s age restrictions
None.
Special activities & services
Babysitting by housekeeping staff is possible.
Equipment
Some toys and DVDs, plus baby cots and highchairs are available.
Generally recommended for children
Yes – Machweo is informal and the swimming pool is a draw. If you're staying here, you will also be able to use the pool at Onsea House. Beware: there’s no lifeguard at either pool.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a back-up generator and inverter for Arusha's fairly frequent power cuts.
Communications
There is mobile phone reception and free wi-fi throughout most of the property, though guests are encouraged not to use their devices in public areas.
TV & radio
There is a large sports screen in the massage suite/pool bar. This area will gradually be transformed into a full pool bar as the massage tables are relocated.
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
Water is pumped from the local river and goes through six filters, making the water used in the kitchen completely sterile. However, bottled drinking water is provided free of charge for guests.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Four staff at Machweo and Onsea have received first-aid training and they have a first-aid kit available onsite. For more serious cases they are only a short drive from Arusha and a nearby hospital. The reception has a list of doctors with different specializations in order to help guide guests the best medial contact for their needs.



Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it's vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Machweo has a secure gate and askaris (guards) around the property day and night.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers inside and outside the main areas and most staff are trained to use them.

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    Laundry facilities
    Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
    Money
    Limited foreign exchange can usually be arranged, but using an ATM in town is likely to be more cost-efficient.
    Accepted payment on location
    You can pay for your extras on checking out using US dollars Tanzanian shillings, British pounds or Euros in cash.

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    Machweo's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Machweo.


    Excursions from Machweo

    Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Machweo. 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 Machweo 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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