The only negative when I stayed was there was a nearby party with very loud music which made it less peaceful, but not the fault of the property at all and it seemed like a special occasion. I guess being earplugs just in case

Beautiful grounds with fruits and vegetables growing around. Very cosy lodge, comfortable and equipped with what you need. The owner Joyce and her son are very kind and will help you enjoy your stay - the food is incredible and having the option to be driven directly into town/to the airport is great.

Stayed in February 2024

All is good but you always need to be strong

Nice location and the landscape. Not flexible staff..

Stayed in December 2023

Lovely host, delicious food & nice accommodation!

Stayed in October 2023

Make sure you don't follow Google Maps if you're coming from the airport side... There are some very difficult roads for low clearance vehicles. Ask the hosts for their recommended routes

So much nicer than the photos! The bungalows are very comfy and actually have a lot of light. The gardens are very beautiful. It feels quite authentic. The home-cooked meals are delicious and our host was able to help cater for my partner's vegetarian needs. They also arrange short hikes to waterfalls nearby at a fairly reasonable price.

Stayed in July 2023

if you need to go to the airport the location could be a bit far compared to other hotels in Arusha (around 25 min), but the Lodge provides a very reliable transfer whenever you need, so there is no risk to loose your flight :-)

very particular lodge with a great view from the restaurant. the rooms are very nicely furnished and the hot water is reliable! if you come from a safari or you are going to start one, it’s a good place where to rest and have a relaxing evening! the restaurant is very tasty and with a stunning view!

Stayed in October 2023

Host was fantastic and food was great

Stayed in September 2023

We liked all of it. It's cut off, so may not be for everyone. It was perfect for us...

We arrived after a safari, just what we needed! Joyce and her family are perfect hosts, food was amazing. We went on a hike with her son, who also arranged Mataruni trip at a good price. The place is cut off, but that's what we were looking for. We also managed a day of work online, connection held up quite well.

Stayed in August 2023

I loved the host Joyce Ma’am. She is a wonderful human being. She cooks really good food!We reached late. So was not able to enjoy the view. But it’s a very good place for the price.

Stayed in July 2023

All was super great

The design of the lodge is very specia and uniqe. the room is very clean. The host is a very pleasant woman. The food is delicious and the views are amazing

Stayed in April 2023

Amazing staff, small and family-run property, amazing garden with lots of fruits and w beautiful view - absolute gem!

Stayed in April 2023

Excellent nature and great hospitality!

Stayed in January 2023

the road to Songota falls wasn’t good

serene and people are very friendly

Stayed in December 2022

Nothing really where Joyce has influence. The road is currently being improving and this should make the access better. The power situation is improving as well.

The stay at Songota was amazing. Joyce is amazing and her food is extremely good. I would recommend anyone coming to Arusha would stay in Songota Falls lodge. Real attention is paid to the surroundings and the facilities. I would recommend to do the visit to the waterfalls

Stayed in December 2022

The road to get there is bumpy. No lights in the garden at night. (not a big deal but will feel better)

The garden is well cared and the natural environment is good. There 2 waterfall routes that can be done from the Lodge. The food is very good. Enjoy African traditional food with a nice nature view.

Stayed in September 2022

Joyce and her son are so welcoming ans always helpful and kind! Joyce is the best cook and always made sure that everything was good for us. Breakfast and Dinner were always perfect! The Lodge is located in the outskirts of Arusha and is therefore a very calm place to relax after safari and other activities. We would definitely come back!

Stayed in September 2022

the road to this place is is not so good, as most besides roads at Arusha

A quiet place outside the city, clean rooms, shower with hot water, and good water flow, the owner of the place, a lovely woman, made sure all the time that everyone was happy. She cooks very delicious local food. It is highly recommended to have dinner at her place at least once

Stayed in August 2022

We felt very welcomed. Joyce is a very nice lady who makes you feel at home.

Stayed in August 2022

Yummy breakfast included, very kind and helpful staff.

Stayed in July 2022

The road to get to the hotel was very bumpy, but that's par for the course really. There aren't really any restaurants within walking distance, but for us it meant we got to enjoy more of Joyce's excellent food:)

Joyce was an amazing host. She made sure we had everything we needed, and really went out of her way to help. Her cooking was exceptional - I would highly recommend trying at least one of her meals! The rooms were basic but lovely, and the gardens were beautiful. They have a family of bushbabies on site, and Joyce's son helped us find them one evening. Monkeys live in the trees nearby, and sunbirds are regular visitors.

Stayed in April 2022

Nothing. The June cold always shocks me. I should know better.

I come back to Songota every time I am in Arusha. both because the place is beautiful, and because Joyce has become my friend over the years. there are many places closer to town and in town, but the forest and relaxed atmosphere is worth the trip. it is a 15 or so minute drive over dirt roads of the old Arusha style. Joyce is an amazing chef. she makes fresh squeezed juice for arrival and for breakfast daily. Her soups are delicious and warming, which is lovely for Tanzanian “winter”. Know that it is around 5deg F colder than in town. The pandemic has been hard on local family-owned businesses. Joyce built this guest house from the ground up. try something just a bit off the beaten path! Songota is charming. I am sure some can find things to complain about, but there is Holiday Inn for perfection, and Songota for charm and a local feel (though significantly more luxurious than typical local joints).

Stayed in July 2022

Beautiful property located close to Arusha. Amazing garden and amazing surroundings. Don't miss! The owner's cooking is amazing as well and turned out to be the best food we've eaten in east Africa! This place exceeded my expectations big time. We also went for a walk together with the owner's son to some waterfalls. It was a great way to see the surroundings off the beaten track and to see the real Tanzania.

Stayed in June 2022

Great peaceful location out of town with beautiful views and spots to sit and relax in the sunshine. Lovely food prepared by Joyce the owner. Kind helpful staff.

Stayed in June 2022

Having to leave.

This a real hidden gem. A beautiful African homestead, just a few minutes from the centre of Arusha but a total rural hideaway. Joyce and her family are amazing and nothing was too much trouble. You can walk straight from the property to farmland and jungle and a wonderful waterfall. Other walks and treks can easily be accessed and arranged in beautiful surroundings. - Wifi - Good - Hot water - very This is the perfect place to relax before or after a safari or mountain climb. DON'T MISS the full board option for Joyce's absolutely delicious home traditional cooking, we gained Kilos :-) Came for 2 days, stayed for 4, didn't want to go.

Stayed in June 2022

My sister and I stayed at Songota Falls Lodge towards the end of our vacation in Tanzania. We really enjoyed our stayed there. Joyce and her son Raymond welcomed us warmly and helped us organize an interesting coffee tour, a short hike to nearby waterfalls and a day at Chemka Hot Springs. Joyce is an amazing cook! We had breakfast, lunch and dinner at her lodge and it was always delicious. She also makes fantastic smoothies. The location of the lodge is great for those who love nature. It's surrounded by vegetation and has beautiful views over the valley and hills that are across.

Stayed in April 2022