Endasawa Tree Lodge

Food is ample/plentiful and quite good. If you let them know your preferences, they will do their best to cater to them. And the cook does wonderful local dishes (ugali; banana stew; curry with meat)...and the pineapple for desert is great. The hosts are superb people - speak 100% perfect English...work with laptop computers - and own this compound for many years. Their internet is first rate speed (Dad worked for a computer company for many years)...they are also kids of Maasai parents (Maasai are well known for being smart, honest/110%, fun, and a joy to be with). The owner and his wife (and his brother) live onsite and will solve any issues right away They also grew up in the immediate area (indeed their dad built this house/compound in the late 1990s) so know Arusha, tour guides and everything else quite well. Overall for about $45/night you get a great breakfast and dinner...24 hour hot water (and the water pressure is superb)...and grounds where (if you are a birder) you can see African Wood Owls (pair); Tropical Boubou (kind of shrike) and Puffbacks plus others. We've stayed in several places in Arusha while traveling - this one is best quality and great value - especially if you want to try all sorts of local food - the cook does everything well! Finally, if you are leaving Tanzania on an international flight at Kilimanjaro International Airport, this place is significantly closer to that airport than the hotels in Arusha - just off the main road. We can't say enough nice things and recommend this place highly enough - and we've traveled extensively in East and southern Africa.

You'll likely need a car to reach the lodge - it is about a ten minute drive (6 one half mile or about a kilometer) from the main road on a bumpy/rocky road. On the other hand, taxis and safari vehicles have no trouble reaching this spot. IF you are arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, I highly (highly) encourage you to stay here (35 minute drive), because you will be outside the craziness of Arusha (which is even further to the west)

Very kind host and staff, great Tanzanian food

The place is a bit dark inside, especially with the regular power cuts we had

the quietness, simplicity and fit-for purpose hostel

the main door to the rooms always remains open

My brother and I had perfect 2 days in Shamba Hostel. We were the only guest in the entire Hostel but breakfast and dinner were prepared with so much love and it was very tasty...thank you for these perfect dinners. Rooms were very clean with clean bathrooms on suite. No luxury at all, but everything there what you need. The host, his wife and the rest of the staff were very kind and friendly. They also took us for a short stroll through the nearby village. If I ever come to Arusha again, I will stay here. Thank you for an unforgettable stay.

electricity sometimes gone due to regional service provider cutting the power but we knew that upfront and it wasn't a problem at all

Really amazing staff, we got everything we asked for, the food was really delicious, hot water and everything

Beatrice set up a breakfast buffet just for us that contained scrambled eggs, toast, watermelon, pineapple and several local dishes that I was unfamiliar with but were tasty. I especially appreciated that Beatrice and her friend John sat down with us at dinner time so we could have a relaxed conversation about their lives in Tanzania. I have paid for home stays in other countries. Staying at the Shamba

We experienced city wide power outages but then Beatrice started her generator and then we had reliable power for the rest of our stay.

The food was well cooked and was near what we normally eat. Food was served on time. The lodging was modest and aged but clean. Owners were very pleasant and accommodating. Owners speak good English.. This Hostel should be visited when in that area of Tanzania.

Staff was helpful and friendly. The food was good and there was plenty of it. The bed was comfortable and there was hot water for the shower.

The mosquito net didn't fit the bed properly.

- Great hosts! Hospitality is above any expectations - Dinner and breakfast were amazing (no way you can eat it all) - Best WiFi we had in Tanzania

Nothing. Shamba Hostel is 10 out of 10.

The staff was excellent, trying to fulfill all your desires and answer questions. Absolutely quiet!! Wonderful garden, nice surrounding.