E Unoto Retreat
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Located in a secluded spot outside Lake Manyara National Park against the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, E Unoto Retreat is centrally located for all the famous and well-known northern national parks. The lodge resembles a Tanzanian Maasai village, and a stay at E Unoto Retreat provides the opportunity to learn more of the Maasai and their lifestyle, purchase their famous beaded jewelry, ask questions and take photographs.
There are 25 spacious bungalows all decorated on a Maasai theme. Each bungalow is a private suite with its own balcony offering panoramic views of Lake Miwaleni and the towering escarpment. The suites also have separate shower and toilet facilities.
The open-air restaurant and bar overlook the lake and swimming pool. Local and international cuisine and a children’s menu are offered in the restaurant, and butlers provide drinks and snacks to guests as they rest by the pool. In the evenings, the E Unoto Performers perform a Maasai entertainment.
The lodge is about 1½ hours drive from both Arusha and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Activities:
Mountain bicycling to the Maasai Bomas - bicycles are available for adults and children staying here.
Bird watching - with more than 350 species of native birds the area.
Maasai Market - the market is situated along the main road from Makuyuni to Ngorongoro Crater. The market features a variety of goods including homeopathic remedies, local clothing and cereals and locally-brewed Mbege.
Mto Wa Mbu - over 120 different tribes are living in the nearest township.
Nature walks - Maasai guides escort guests on a selection of walks.
Swimming –in the open air pool.
Fair Trade / Responsible Travel
Over 80% of the employees are Maasai, and the lodge donates 10% of its profits to the local Maasai community. These funds have contributed towards the construction of a local school and provision of fresh water. Future projects include a medical dispensary and other community development projects.
Highlights
- Quiet and secluded location central to many of Tanazania's most famous game parks.
- Great for outdoor activities.
- Staffed mainly by local people.
- Brings in funds for local community projects.
Viewpoints
Very picturesque and comfortable, but not for people with walking difficulties, due to the hilly terrain.
Monja Merckens, Tribes
The rooms and service are good, but whilst the location under the escarpment is dramatic, bear in mind that there is a long dusty ride 12km to get here off the main road.
John Melton, Tribes
Situation
E Unoto Retreat is ideally located in the Maasai plains outside Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. The lodge is situated in a secluded spot against the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
Activities
Game drives; cultural visits; horse riding; mountain biking; canoeing; fishing; nature walks.
Facilities
Twenty-five spacious ensuite bungalows provide luxurious accommodation for all our guests. Our open-air restaurant and bar overlook the lake and swimming pool, providing total guests relaxation.
Child policy
The hilly terrain and steps make this unsuitable for small children.
Open
Open all year round.
Meals
Full board.
Best times to go
Tanzania's main rainy season runs from April until the beginning of June. There is also a short rainy season in November. The parks near E Unoto are at their best during the long dry season (June - October), however a trip through these parts can also be combined well with a trip to the Serengeti which is at it's best from November - July.
View Tanzania climate chart
Included
Game drives; guided walks; use of mountain bikes.