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OVERVIEW:
Rivertrees Country Inn is a peaceful, privately owned countryside retreat conveniently located between Kilimanjaro and Arusha. A rustic riverside lodge, set within beautiful gardens full of bougainvillaea and orange-red flame trees, the range of accommodations means there is something for everyone, including families with young children and those seeking greater privacy and solitude. We rate Rivertrees highly at Yellow Zebra, particularly for a stopover either before or after a northern Tanzania safari, though with ample activities both on- and off-site, there is plenty to occupy an extended stay. Accommodation is usually booked on a half-board basis, including breakfast, lunch/dinner, filtered drinking water, parking, and Wi-Fi.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Rivertrees Country Inn is located between Kilimanjaro and Arusha, approximately half an hour by car from either airport. As it’s set within tropical gardens on the banks of the River Usa, visitors can expect a peaceful retreat on a tree-lined drive, with views of Mount Meru in the distance.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT RIVERTREES COUNTRY INN:
Guest accommodation at Rivertrees Country Inn covers four categories – Garden Room, Farmhouse Room, River Cottage, and River House. The entry-level Garden Rooms can be interconnected for families or groups, and one unit is suitable for wheelchair users. Some categories have secluded locations, making them ideal for honeymooners or couples on a romantic break, so feel free to share your requirements at the time of booking. The style is cosy, classic, and comfortable, featuring wood-beamed ceilings, sisal rugs, four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets, views of the flower-filled gardens, and vases of fragrant roses. You’ll find a writing desk, a wardrobe, bedside tables with reading lights, and a daybed. The en-suite facilities typically comprise a flush toilet, washbasin within the vanity unit, shower cubicle with curtain, and separate bath. The Farmhouse was the coffee estate’s original family home and is ideal for exclusive bookings, with four en-suite suites accommodating a maximum of ten guests. Two waterfront River Cottages are nestled in the forest, with cosy fireplaces and outdoor rain showers providing a picturesque, romantic setting. Finally, River House is a private, two-bedroom pied-a-terre with a wrap-around veranda, river views, a separate living room with a fireplace, and its own garden.
The open-fronted communal area features a dining room, bar, and lounge with a wood-burning fireplace for keeping the evening chill at bay. Guests are welcome to choose from the selection of board games, books, and magazines, and there’s a television for those wanting to settle in and watch a sports match or movie. A newer, separate dining room comes with its own pizza oven and barbecue, and there’s the option to dine outside in the beautiful grounds. An outdoor massage banda provides a range of soothing holistic treatments, and the lodge has a large swimming pool with its own changing room, sunloungers, and plenty of shade.
ACTIVITIES AT RIVERTREES COUNTRY INN:
Rivertrees Country Inn is primarily used as a stopover before or after safari. However, there are a few notable activities for those wishing to maximise their time here.
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Arusha National Park
– Arusha National Park is a small but underrated and extremely accessible wilderness treasure at the foothills of Mount Meru with a diverse range of landscapes. Spend the day exploring the park by game drive vehicle, where sightings will likely include plenty of giraffe, zebra, elephant, and perhaps the occasional lion. -
Mount Kilimanjaro day trip
– Those wishing to experience Mount Kilimanjaro without trekking to the summit will love this day trip. A 3-hour drive takes you to the majestic Shira Plateau at 3,500 metres, where you’ll find spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s glacier-capped summit. Depending on your fitness and energy levels, a 5-hour hike or a shorter, more relaxed 2–3-hour stroll is available. -
Canoeing on Lake Duluti
– Lake Duluti Forest Reserve is a little-visited gem with a gorgeous lake surrounded by lush forest. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon canoeing with panoramic views of Mount Meru and spot myriad birds on your journey. -
Guided river walk
– Led by a professional tour guide, take to the riverbanks for a nature walk along winding paths and learn about the area’s diverse flora and fauna. -
Tanzanian coffee tour
– Led by a local farmer, a 3-hour guided Tanzanian coffee tour offers insight into the process of growing, picking, and drying the berries, followed by a tour of the factory where coffee is ground and packaged. -
Mountain biking
– Meander through colourful local villages, taking in the surrounding rural scenery and peaceful country tracks as you cycle into the hills of Mount Meru. This is a 2-hour excursion led by a local guide and can be tailored to individual fitness levels. -
Local village tour
– Accompanied by a guide, visit local farms and hear about farming methods while meeting some of the people who work in the fields. You’ll continue to the village for insight into local life in a rural Tanzanian setting.
