General area and lodge description
The walls of the great Rift Valley escarpment tower about this unique lodge, which is ideally located within range of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara.
With only 25 rooms, E-Unoto Lodge is relatively small, ensuring a quiet, relaxing stay. The lodge has been designed to resemble a Maasai village, with the bar, lounge and restaurant taking the form of large manyattas (Maasai-style huts), while the rooms are traditional rondavels. But it's also very much a luxury lodge, with a swimming pool for those wishing to relax, or alternatively, a small freshwater lake fed by waterfalls from the edge of the rift.
One of the main attractions of E Unoto Retreat is the opportunity for guests to be in direct association with the Maasai, one of Tanzania’s oldest tribes. Performances are put on in the Lodge regularly, and you can also visit one of the local Maasai Bomas (villages) by bicycle or vehicle for a further insight into their culture. Many have understandable reservations about this kind of ethno-tourism, but E-Unoto is one of the better examples that we've seen. It's managed closely in cooperation with the local Maasai community, who form most of the staff and derive 10% of the lodge profits.
Accommodation
There are 25 large rondavel style rooms, with small verandas to the front. The rooms are designed to a set theme with Maasai furnishings and carvings. Despite their rustic appearance, the rooms are comfortable and generously furnished, with large king and queen-size beds and leather armchairs. The bathrooms are spacious with separate shower and toilet facilities.
Dining
The quality of the food is generally very good at E-Unoto. In keeping with the lodge theme, there's an emphasis on local flavours, including favourites such as ugali. Standard international cuisine is of course also served. Dinner is typically a three course meal, with a choice between two or three dishes. Vegetarians should let us know before they travel – there isn't always a vegetarian option included as standard at E-Unoto.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Bar and lounge
- Restaurant
- Viewing deck
Activities
- Visits to local Maasai villages
- Birding
- Mountain biking
- Game drives
Child Policy
Children of all ages can be accommodated at E-Unoto.
Environmental Policy
Over 80% of the employees at E-Unoto are Maasai and the Lodge donates 10% of its profits to the local Maasai community. 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.
