This is an eclectic and eccentric lodge worth experiencing at least once. It is a great winding down lodge, or base to recover from jet lag on arrival in Tanzania. It is well placed to experience and explore Arusha NP, however Arusha NP is quite a different park and experience compared to the main parks and reserves that lure in the majority of Tanzania’s tourism. It offers a very different experience, please make sure what it is that you are seeking when including this park and lodge in your itinerary...or you may be disappointed.
The rooms at Hatari are spacious, clean and geared for the chilly nights and mornings in Arusha NP, hot water bottles and a crackling fireplace were both most welcome to slip into a slumber.
Meals were tasty, varied and served in good portions.
Only downers were:
1. Not being able to view John Wayne’s Hatari movie because the staff and management were unable to setup the screening devices adequately, however everything seemed to be in perfect working order and all glitsches resolved when it was time for the lodge owners to watch the Portugal-Germany soccer match in the evening.
2. Although a small lamp is provided in each room for emergencies during nightime hours whilst the generator is off, not having the generator on at 0600 prior to breakfast in order to finish packing our bags did not bode well with anyone in our party. Nor...This is an eclectic and eccentric lodge worth experiencing at least once. It is a great winding down lodge, or base to recover from jet lag on arrival in Tanzania. It is well placed to experience and explore Arusha NP, however Arusha NP is quite a different park and experience compared to the main parks and reserves that lure in the majority of Tanzania’s tourism. It offers a very different experience, please make sure what it is that you are seeking when including this park and lodge in your itinerary...or you may be disappointed.
The rooms at Hatari are spacious, clean and geared for the chilly nights and mornings in Arusha NP, hot water bottles and a crackling fireplace were both most welcome to slip into a slumber.
Meals were tasty, varied and served in good portions.
Only downers were:
1. Not being able to view John Wayne’s Hatari movie because the staff and management were unable to setup the screening devices adequately, however everything seemed to be in perfect working order and all glitsches resolved when it was time for the lodge owners to watch the Portugal-Germany soccer match in the evening.
2. Although a small lamp is provided in each room for emergencies during nightime hours whilst the generator is off, not having the generator on at 0600 prior to breakfast in order to finish packing our bags did not bode well with anyone in our party. Nor did the staff who were trying to setup breakfast in the dark look that amused or impressed.
3. We were provided one less lunch pack than required, and yet again it was the drivers’ one that had been excluded. Despite lunch boxes being overpriced (25 USD) I fail to see the logic of some lodges that constantly offer substandard accommodation and meals to drivers and guides accompanying parties, why would driver/guides be treated in any different manner since they are an integral part, soul and heart, of anyones safari.More
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