Mbeya: Utengule Coffee Lodge

Not my picture but could have taken one just like it!

Tanzania has a few farms that have converted or added rural retreat hotels (Simba Farm, Kisolanza Farm). We typically enjoy these places for their quiet, delicious food, and nice birdwatching. Utengule Coffee Lodge was no different though it was much larger than the other farmhouses that we’ve visited.

Set up in the mountains at the base of Mt. Mbeya, the lodge is located about 20 minutes outside of Mbeya proper. It’s a very large property with a main lodge with nearby traditional rooms and then a separate area with standalone “bungalows” (houses) that can either be fully furnished and equipped or have bare bones facilities aimed towards campers and overlanders. Due to lack of availability of the bungalows one night, we stayed one night in a proper room and then two nights in the bungalows. The main property is beautifully manicured with fantastic views into the valley. There is a swimming pool that is frequented by day visitors along with a tennis court, TV viewing banda, and a main lodge with a restaurant. The rooms are quite nice though they are all housed in a large building which gives the feel of a traditional hotel. We much preferred the bungalows which suit our style of isolation much more. The bungalows are really standalone houses with several rooms and a full kitchen. They are spread out in a nicely landscaped area which is conducive to bird watching.

The farm itself offers coffee tours (we heard they’re great) and delicious food. The menu has a mix of traditional food as well as western food. Everything was very fresh and good value. There are some hiking trails behind the main area through some nice woodland if one cares to have an afternoon stroll.

We loved the setting of the lodge and bungalows are a perfect type of accommodation for us. We look forward to coming back and using it as a base for Mbeya activities or just chilling out for a long weekend.