Mtoni River Lodge Arusha
Discover the Heartbeat of Africa at Mtoni River Lodge
With years of experience in East African hospitality, our team ensures every guest feels the true essence of Africa. We prioritize our guests’ safety, comfort, and satisfaction, consistently earning trust and accolades in the industry.
Welcome to Mtoni River Lodge in Arusha
A serene retreat where Africa’s beauty meets authenticity. On the banks of the Mtoni River, we blend traditional Maasai architecture and modern comforts, offering a uniquely African stay.

Your Gateway to Authentic Africa in Arusha
Step into the serene embrace of Mtoni River Lodge, Arusha’s hidden gem, where the soul of Africa resonates in every corner. Perfectly positioned just a stone’s throw away from the bustling East Africa road and nestled near the tranquil Gomba estate, our lodge offers a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant tapestry of Tanzania.
As Arusha’s pride, we’re more than just a lodge. Mtoni River Lodge is a tribute to the rich Maasai culture, designed with reverence to tradition while celebrating the comforts of modernity. Experience a seamless blend of authenticity and luxury, where the rhythms of local life and the whispers of the Mtoni River intertwine.
Whether you’re journeying through the vibrant streets of Arusha, embarking on a safari adventure, or seeking a peaceful retreat, Mtoni River Lodge is your perfect haven, conveniently located yet worlds away from the ordinary.
Unparalleled Amenities

Boma
A tribute to traditional African gatherings, our boma lodge provides a space for guests to congregate, sharing tales and experiences amidst an ambiance that resonates with the spirit of Tanzania.

Evening Fires
As the sun sets and the African skies fill with stars, gather around our evening fires. The perfect spot to share stories, make memories, or simply absorb the serene nighttime ambience.

Serenity Pool
Dive into our pristine pool for a relaxing swim under the African sun. Designed to mirror the tranquility of the surrounding environment, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for leisure.

24/7 Reception
Our reception desk is always at your service, around the clock. Whether it's a late-night query or an early morning request, our team is here to assist you at any hour.
Why Choose Mtoni River Lodge?
Authentic Maasai Design
Step into a lodge designed like a Maasai boma, where each detail pays homage to age-old African traditions.
Eco-Friendly Endeavors
We’re not just in nature; we’re part of it. From solar-powered amenities to sustainable constructions, we’re committed to preserving the beauty that surrounds us.
Culinary Delights
Savor the flavors of Africa in our luxury restaurant, a true temple to gastronomic delight.
Honeymoon Bliss
Dive into romance with our exclusive honeymoon suites, where antique timbers from dhow boats set the scene for love.
Local Collaboration
Experience a place built with love, handcrafted by the local community using indigenous materials and methods.
Testimonials
EXCELLENT Based on 52 reviews Molen612025-03-27Verified Great lodge! We enjoyed a sundowner and diner with a group of colleagues. The lodge invited is to stay :), beautiful landscape and well designed. Service was good, friendly and exactlybat the right speed, while diner itself was good as well Just to find the opportunity to stay there a bit longer! Noelleap2025-03-23Verified Hidden Gem by JRO Truley a hidden gem. Our flight was cancelled out of JRO and we had to scramble to find a place to stay last minute. Our guide recommended Mtoni. We could not have been happier. What a beautiful, unique place to stay. The accommodations were so fun, as you get to stay in a replica Masai hut (but much more glamorous than an actual hut). Our kids thought it was so fun after seeing the small Masai villages along the road. Mtoni also has a huge, beautiful pool that the kids just loved. The food and staff were also amazing. Although we only had a breif stay, I really cannot recommend this place more. If you are flying in or out of JRO, don't hesitate, go and stay at this wonderful place! Scott N2025-03-18Verified Wonderful stay for our family Wonderful place. Beautiful. Creative rooms. Very comfortable. Food was excellent and reasonably priced. Very relaxing environment. Staff went out of their way to make it a special experience for our family. Would go back in a heartbeat. keroqueen2025-03-18Verified Such a special place Our late night flight cancelled and our wonderful Afrishare driver suggested this place to relax for the night after a week of being on safari before our flight the next day. We were a party of 7. We had 2 rooms that connected and an additional room. The kids LOVED the pool. The staff, especially Eric and Rachel were so accommodating. We had all 3 meals here and we all said the dinner was like a 5 star restaurant. Breakfast and lunch was great as well. The grounds are beautiful! This place is a hidden gem and should be considered when needing a beautiful place to relax. The rooms are very unique and beautiful. Our only thought was there is very little ventilation and a big portable fan would be helpful or at the very least carry a couple small USB ones. We used those in our tent glamping while out on safari and proved to be useful here as well. Thank you for a wonderful stay and going above and beyond for us. We will be back. Corie P2025-03-12Verified A great introduction to northern Tanzania The grounds are lovely with a beautiful swimming pool a main focus. The restaurant has good food and the staff attentive. We were there only one night but really enjoyed our stay. The room was in the design of a traditional Masaai hut, super fun! The bed was comfortable and wonderful bird sounds in the evening... John P2025-03-09Verified Geweldige ervaring Een prachtige groene oase verstopt net buiten Arusha city centre. Bij aankomst bijzonder vriendelijk verwelkomd. Het huisje waar we sliepen was prachtig luxe met een local touch. Uitzicht op de rivier. Heerlijk zwembad. En het restaurant is Michelin ster waardig …. Heel lekker eten en het personeel doet er alles aan om je de tijd van je leven te bezorgen. Met pijn in hart moesten we afscheid nemen om onze reis te vervolgen. Hotel is uitermate geschikt om ook na een lange reis Safari nog even bij te komen. Echt een aanrader Richard2025-03-07Verified Parfait Excellente nuit et repas au top ! Les lodges sont intimistes et en forme de maison Masaï. L’ensemble est propre et appelle à la sérénité. En famille, 2 maisons nous ont été attribuées avec un couloir les reliant. Les plats typiques du restaurant sont exceptionnels (on est Français et durs à satisfaire). La serveuse était adorable et sincèrement souriante et complice des enfants. Petit regret : pas de portes sur les WC. Bien entendu ils sont séparés physiquement du reste de la maison par une cloison et on ne se voit pas... pour une nuit pourquoi pas mais un séjour prolongé ce n’est pas agréable. Stacie W2025-03-04Verified African experience perfection Absolutely perfect visit, as expected. We came on a medical mission and stayed multiple night between visits to the village. I enjoyed the up close experience with the monkeys. The food was delicious and the bed was super comfortable. All the staff were wonderful. I will definitely be back. Looking forward to our next visit! Sebastien G2025-02-23Verified Fabuleux !!! Ce Lodge est une grande qualité ! Nous y sommes resté 3 jours lors d’un safari et nous y sommes sentis accueillis et chouchoutés de manière extraordinaire ! Un personnel discret et entièrement à notre écoute ! Les chambres typiques sont super sympas et l’extérieur est magique avec des singes ici et là que l’on voit passer dans les hauts arbres ! L’entretien est parfait ! Entre discrétion et bonne humeur nous avons passé de super moment au Mtoni river lodge Je recommande sans aucune hésitation ce lieu ! Apaisement, tranquillité et accueil chaleureux garanti ! Foncez !!! Ticey H2024-11-04Verified Book it!!! This place is absolutely wonderful! The staff was so kind and accommodating. On our first night the owners came over to talk to us and tell us all about the lodge. The rooms are super cute! And my absolute favorite was the food! The chefs are great! I’m giving 5 stars because it’s the highest I can do. You will not be disappointed! Note: Bring some travel air freshener. There are no bathroom or shower doors. This didn’t take away at all from our experience though.
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