In one of the fascinating landscapes of Tanzania, nestled in the endless expanses of the African steppe between the majestic Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, lies the Original Maasai Lodge with its sister lodge, the Hillside Retreat. The unique Original Maasai Lodge is located in the west of the Kilimanjaro area and was built by the local Maasai and managed by them. The local people said that this area was considered uninhabitable, which has changed massively with the construction of the Original Maasai Lodge and this magical place is now alive, with real emotions and with a strong energy.
During your stay at the Original Maasai Lodge, guests immerse themselves deeply in the nature and culture of the Maasai and experience a wide variety of activities during their unforgettable stay and give you deep insights into the traditional way of life of the Maasai. When you arrive, you will be greeted royally by the warm and friendly Maasai with dancing and singing and you will enjoy attentive and perfect service from the team at the Original Maasai Lodge.
The Original Maasai Lodge offers its guests a unique and unique atmosphere during their stay in the authentic and original houses (boma). The 16 earth houses, which merge with their surroundings, in the authentic Maasai style, called "Bomas" in Swahili, impress every visitor with the unique premises and the excellent and authentic design. The bomas are solar powered and offer unique European standard facilities with large and comfortable beds, toilet and shower with hot water, reading area with sun loungers and desk among other amenities. From the terrace of the Bomas you can experience the endless steppes with its unique hilly landscape in the African nature and dreamlike sunrises on Kilimanjaro.
The Original Maasai Lodge has a gorgeous infinity pool and pool bar where you can cool off and refresh yourself with a view of the Maasai steppe and Mount Meru and the Kilimanjaro. At the adjoining sauna with massage room you can relax and enjoy your visit. In addition, the "mirror room" with fitness and relaxation room and breathtaking view is often used by the guests.
There is an open and a closed Maasai style restaurant available for guests. The excellent restaurants serve international and traditional Swahili dishes refined with home-grown ingredients and herbs, accompanied by attentive and friendly service. At the fantastic open fire place you can listen to Maasai stories and enjoy freshly grilled delicacies.
During the daily sundowner with wine, beer or a gin and tonic with a breathtaking view of the majestic Kilimanjaro, you will be introduced to traditional dances and songs of the Maasai culture, in which guests are encouraged to participate.
Free WiFi is available in all public areas with 24-hour reception, luggage storage and laundry service. A wide entertainment program for families and children with a playroom and babysitting services for a fee.
In a traditional javelin throwing competition, which is deeply rooted in the Maasai culture and in which the Maasai warriors try to outdo each other, this was also used to train lions in the past. Since the lion hunt is no longer practiced, a wooden disc serves as the target today and the guests are allowed to take part in the javelin throwing competition. Try your hand at javelin skill and luck in this competition with the impressive Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
A hike to explore the area is very popular with families and children. This activity is accompanied by the Maasai and you will meet local Maasai of Ngabobo who will pass on to you their extensive knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants and culture unchanged for centuries. You can go horseback riding on a donkey or explore nature by mountain bike. Take part in a Maasai women's workshop under the shade of acacia trees, where you will learn about the craft of jewelry making and their way of life, or help build and repair the traditional Maasai bomas.
Another special activity is "Living like a Maasai for a whole day". Early in the morning you will dress in traditional Maasai clothing and near the lodge the male guests will be initiated into the art of herding and raising cattle and how to milk the goats and cows and to collect medicinal plants. Finally, a goat is slaughtered and prepared for consumption over an open fire, accompanied by traditional dances and songs. Female guests traditionally search for firewood and repair the bomas and face further challenges of Maasai life.
There are many more unique entertainment and activity options available to guests that make a stay at the Original Maasai Lodge so unique.
Staying in the Original Maasai Lodge exudes an extraordinary atmosphere and will inspire and captivate you from the first to the last minute. A visit to this fascinating landscape in the shadow of the majestic Kilimanjaro in the midst of the Maasai is a unique experience and will remain unforgettable.
