Whether you are coming straight off an international flight, fresh from the plains of the Serengeti, or on your way up or down Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is your hop-on hop-off point to the northern Serengeti circuit. The town might not be much to look at, but as you might be weary from your travels, adventuring around will be bottom of your priority list. If you desire a sanctuary where you can freshen up and unwind with minimal effort then set amidst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, Arusha Coffee Lodge is a fantastic starting point.

As the name suggests, this lodge that dates back to the early 1900’s is all about coffee, from its color palette of rich browns and honeyed caramel to the constantly available onsite-brewed coffee — a must when it comes on ice. While it might not have the sweeping views of Mount Meru and the valley below that other hotels might have, a real draw for this hotel is its easy access to the airport, mere minutes away.

Found along the main road, traffic noise is kept to a minimum, as the entirety of the lodge is set back into a working coffee plantation, creating a deliciously scented environment. And then there are the rooms themselves. The 30 character-filled plantation-style chalets have comfortable beds, patios and cozy fires for colder nights. The 12 plantation suites are the more spectacular of the accommodation choices, with luxurious bathrooms, sofas and outdoor patios where you can watch the seasonal harvest of the coffee beans among the plantation grounds. And if that doesn’t get you relaxed then there is always the onsite spa to help you unwind. Service is of a very high standard, and while large tour groups can dominate the lunch buffet, dinners are a real affair with delicious cuisine infused with local flavors and imaginative menu choices. Even if you just need a quick stop before your flight, you can perch at the bar with a wood-fired pizza just in time to catch your flight.