Original Maasai Lodge

OVERVIEW

Almost equidistant between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Airport, the Original Maasai Lodge is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the Maasai culture and take the pulse of life in Tanzania. This community-run lodge set in the hills between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro is famous for the warmth and sincerity of its hospitality.

The 16 guest houses replicate those in a traditional Maasai village, while the addition in each of solar-powered energy, a toilet and a shower with hot water take care of the creature comforts. Accommodation options include single and two-bedroom earth-walled bungalows, each decorated with colourful accents that reflect traditional Maasai fabrics. Low-key simplicity allows the magnificent scenery to take centre stage, with incredible views from the terraces across the surrounding plains.

Enjoy the spectacular outlook from the sparkling infinity swimming pool, which is the perfect spot to cool off in the heat of the day or after a bush walk. Food is fresh and deliciously prepared, and includes a delectable array of local and traditional specialities, as well as home-grown organic vegetables from their own gardens.

Learn all about spear-throwing, a skill with deep roots in Maasai culture where competitions were a testing ground for young warriors who developed the skill for hunting lions. A nature walk with a local shaman will introduce you to the medicinal herbs and plants used extensively for centuries, or watch the sun rise over Kilimanjaro during a donkey ride through the savannah. An array of guided community experiences offer you an immersive perspective of Maasai culture, and visits to the educational, medical and social projects supported by the lodge are very enriching.