About Rivertrees Country Inn
With the feel of a homely country house, Rivertrees is relaxed, welcoming and a haven for birdlife.
It's also exceptionally well placed between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport, an ideal spot to start or finish a safari. Yet with its lush tropical gardens filled with flame trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus and banana trees, it's so much more than just a stopover.
With views of the lush gardens is the open-sided dining room, a more rustic set-up with exposed brick beneath a thatched roof and an old dhow that now does service as a bar. It's a popular venue for locals as well as guests, attracted at least in part by a pizza oven and barbecue. Tables and chairs are also located on a paved terrace under the trees, which are also the home to several colobus and sykes monkeys.
To stay here is to relax in cool, cottage-style rooms, their red polished concrete floors dotted with traditional grass mats, their four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets, their bathrooms featuring striking concrete baths.
With a big swimming pool, a wooden deck over the Usa River, and views on a clear day to both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, to limit a stay to just one night seems rather a shame.
Our view
Rivertrees' location makes it a relaxing place to stay overnight at the beginning or the end of a safari, or to relax for a few days and enjoy the surrounding area. It's a comfortable lodge and feels rather like visiting a homely country house for the weekend, in a calm and tranquil rural setting.
Accommodation
34 rooms
Children
All ages welcome.
Open
Closed in April
Traveller reviews of Rivertrees Country Inn
66 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 9 Mar 2025, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 25 Sep 2024, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 26 Jul 2024, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 Feb 2024, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 30 Oct 2023, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 20 Oct 2023, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 25 Sep 2023, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Sep 2023, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Sep 2023, 1 nights
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Overall rating: Excellent
























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Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
8 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combining two of the remotest parks in Tanzania, this safari can deliver extraordinary wildlife viewing in Katavi, and East Africa's best chimp treks, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Visiting Mahale Mountains, Katavi and 1 other area
US$11,370 - US$16,530 per person
Rivertrees Country Inn: Our full report
On the banks of the Usa River, mid-way between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, Rivertrees is set in lush ...
... gardens of flame trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus and banana trees – a haven for birdlife. On a clear day from the lodge's vantage point, it is possible to see both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.
On arriving at Rivertrees guests are led to the reception area which also has a large well-stocked curio shop.
The dining room and bar ar Rivertrees are in an open-fronted thatched building, with views over the gardens. The walls are part plaster and part exposed brick, and comfortable sofas create a small seating area around a fireplace. Tucked around the corner from the dining area is a rustic bar, made from the wood of an old dhow, and lined with chunky wooden bar stools and a satellite TV.
There is another newly-built, open-sided dining area nearby, which means the lodge can cater for large numbers of diners. It's a popular place for locals to eat too, so there is often a good atmosphere in the evenings. The new pizza oven and barbecue are also proving very popular!
Rivertrees has 34 rooms dotted around the large property, all of which are en suite and have fans and mosquito nets. These are made up as follows:
- 30 standard Garden Rooms form the bulk of the accommodation, with each small cottage housing two separate rooms. Two of these cottages have interconnecting rooms, providing a good option for families. In terms of disabled access, room #9 caters for disabled visitors. It is closest to the main area, has no steps and has spacious interiors.
Each room has red polished concrete floors dotted with traditional grass mats, under a whirring ceiling fan. The furniture comprises a wooden four-poster bed (or twin or triple beds), draped with mosquito nets, a writing desk and chair, a day bed, and a simple wardrobe. It's all very solidly built, and remain cool – even when temperatures outside are high. Comfort is not at the expense of style, though, as each room features pretty soft furnishings and striking pieces of furniture and art. The rooms are often decked out with large zinc buckets of fresh roses (Tanzania is one of the largest exporters of roses to Europe).
The white-tiled en-suite bathroom is small and functional with a single smooth concrete basin, shower cubicle with shower curtain, and a toilet. All the rooms also have a striking insulated concrete bath. Complimentary toiletries are provided. Outside each room is a small, covered veranda with two wooden chairs and a table. - Four rooms within the old farmhouse accommodate up to ten guests; it can be booked exclusively, making it ideal for large families or groups. Private dinners can be held here, but otherwise the farmhouse is open to any guests at the lodge for relaxing.
- Two River Cottages 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, and can be either twins or doubles, but are quite a bit larger. Each has a small seating area with two armchairs and a table beside a fireplace – lovely for chilly evenings.
These cottages have en-suite bathrooms that feel fairly light and spacious, with double basins set into a wooden cabinet, a separate bath, a shower cubicle and toilet. A door leads from the bathroom to a private outdoor shower. Fluffy white towels and bathrobes and complimentary toiletries are provided. - The River House is secluded and is located in its own private garden on the banks of the Usa River. It has two separate en-suite double bedrooms – one which can sleep three people, a separate living room with fireplace and satellite TV, and a wrap-around veranda, with views of the river, where you can eat dinner if you want some privacy. Since the beds are doubles, and the bathrooms are fairly open, we would recommend this as a good option for couples travelling together or for families with older children.
In 2023 Rivertrees built a spa. It is located near the river and has one treatment room with two beds, ideal for couples who wish to share their treatments to the sound of flowing water nearby.
A range of activities is available, although these really need to be booked in advance. It is possible to do a village walk, tour a nearby coffee plantation, or go to see the local market. Horseriding is also an option, organised on a nearby farm; so is mountain biking and canoeing on the Usa River or nearby Lake Duluti.
Geographics
- Location
- Arusha, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- One to two nights, depending on whether you are staying overnight at the beginning or end of a safari, or a bit longer to explore the local area.
- Directions
- Rivertrees Country Inn is approximately half an hour's drive from the east side of Arusha town, a similar distance from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and around an hour and a half's drive from Arusha Airport. Timings should be used as guidance and will depend on traffic.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Breakfast is served from 6.30 to 9.30am. As well as a selection of continental options, you can order a cooked breakfast, including pancakes.
Lunch is a flexible, with a wide selection of dishes on offer on the à la carte menu. On our last visit, we enjoyed a hearty pumpkin soup and roasted vegetable pizza – made in their own pizza oven and very enjoyable!
Dinner, served from 7.00 to 9.30pm, is usually a four- or five-course meal featuring international-style food with an African influence. There is a choice of a set menu which changes daily, or an a la carte menu.
Dining can take place in a variety of locations around the lodge – both indoor and outdoor, depending on the weather. On sunny days, the dining tables may be set out on the lawns under large shady trees. There is an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs as they prepare your home-cooked evening meal using fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit from Rivertrees' extensive vegetable gardens. With this in mind, we'd expect all the food here to be very fresh and well-prepared. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not provided as it attracts monkeys found in the gardens.
- Drinks included
- No – although filtered drinking water is provided.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Rivertrees
- Property’s age restrictions
- Young children are not allowed in the River House but can be accommodated in all other rooms.
- Equipment
- Baby cots and highchairs are available.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Children under five years old are accommodated free, if sharing with adults.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is 24-hour power and guests can charge batteries in their rooms.
- Communications
- Free WiFi is available in all areas and the rooms but is stronger in the main areas.
- TV & radio
- There is a satellite TV in the Bar.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All rooms have plumbed in facilities.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a hospital nearby in Arusha.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There is a guard at the main gate and security guards patrol the grounds at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside each room as well as in the main areas.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at an additional cost, but is not possible for guests staying only one night.
- Money
- No exchange is possible at Rivertrees, but there are banks in Usa River.
Safe deposit boxes are available in reception. - Accepted payment on location
- Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted. Rivertrees also accept cash in US dollars, euros Tanzanian shillings and pounds sterling.
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Rivertrees Country Inn's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Rivertrees Country Inn.
Excursions from Rivertrees Country Inn
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Rivertrees Country Inn. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

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
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 NPOther lodges in Arusha
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge is a neat, comfortable lodge, right on the highway, close to Arusha Airport. It is a convenient stop for a night.

Onsea House
Onsea House is a small, family-run guesthouse on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are quite simple, but service and food here are good.

Katambuga House
Katambuga House is a smart hotel on the western side of Arusha, an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro Airport and 10 minutes from Arusha Airport.

Airport Planet Lodge
Airport Planet Lodge is a new hotel located close to Kilimanjaro Airport, making it ideal for a short stay before or after your international flight.

Machweo
Machweo is a nine-room lodge on the outskirts of Arusha. The rooms are large and stylish, and the service and food here are very good.

Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge is a simple, country-club-style lodge situated close to the buildings and runway of Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Hatari Lodge
Hatari Lodge is designed around a bright, fun 1960s retro theme and is a relatively high-quality base to explore Arusha National Park.

Mount Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge, near Arusha, is a good spot to stay en route to northern Tanzania's most famous safari areas.

Hamerkop House
Located halfway between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, Hamerkop House is a small, peaceful stop either at the beginning or end of a safari.

Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge is boutique luxury lodge, perfect for an indulgent overnight stay at the start or end of your safari.

Arusha Serena Hotel
The Serena Arusha Hotel is a comfortable hotel close to Lake Duluti. It makes a good stopover before or after a safari in northern Tanzania.

Twiga Lodge
Twiga is a Tudor-style lodge with welcoming owners, country-style gardens and a viewing platform looking onto Arusha National Park.

Siringit
Siringit Kilimanjaro Golf Safari Retreat is a six-bedroom villa offering a luxury stay in complete privacy on a championship golf course.
When to go to Arusha
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Rivertrees Country Inn 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 27Celsius, 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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