E Unoto Retreat Lodge
E Unoto Retreat Lodge Lake Manyara was a fabulous retreat near the end of our Tanzanian safari. Close to Arusha (a little over an hour) it was a great last night to end a fantastic safari in Tanzania. Drive down very dusty roads, through a number of over grazed Maasai villages, until you reach the foot hills of the Rift Valley escarpment, and there sits E Unoto - a veritable oasis. 
We were met by our Maasai butler with a cool cloth and fruit drink as we arrived from a day on safari. The butler took our suitcase and lead us to our "luxury mud hut". 
The first thing we noticed was the "doorbell" to ring when we wanted to call our butler to take care of any of our needs. It was a wooden cow head with a cow bell. Then we stepped inside our "hut" to utter amazement! The "hut" was an enlarged reproduction of the typical Maasai village huts, but once inside, we were in total awe! Two queensized beds with mosquito netting, 2 sink basins, large shower room and separate toilet room. There was also a handmade desk and chair and a hanging rack for our clothes with a thick white bathrobe waiting us.
Then, we went to the screen door and looked out to the view of the Rift Valley! We were really in awe now and grabbed the camera to take pictures of the beautiful view from our patio. There were 2 chairs on the patio to sit and take in the view before us of a watering hole in the valley below. We wandered around the grounds to find a beautiful swimming pool and lounge area where we were served drinks and snacks. The staff led part of our group on a hike to a waterfall while the others went into the village to present school supplies to the local school teachers.
We had an excellent dinner in the gazebo followed by dancing by the local Maasai villagers to finish off a perfect day in a perfect place. At night we could hear the animals and see stars forever since there are few lights out in that area. The following morning, we were awoken by our butler ringing our cowbell and served tea/coffee in our rooms. After watching a beautiful sunrise, we headed to the gazebo for a made to order breakfast. The land here was developed in 2000 and E Unoto Retreat Lodge was built incorporating traditional methods and using as many locally-sourced materials as possible. The roofs are all made from papyrus, which is found in the lake below the lodge.
The E Unoto Retreat Lodge Lake Manyara was built in conjunction with the local community, and provides health care, education and of course employment. The local community actually directly shares in the lodges profits - so a big green tick. This accommodation is aptly called a retreat, as retreat it is; the bungalows designed in Maasai style and decorated with ethnic furnishings and carvings - all following a tasteful Maasai theme. Each bungalow has its own balcony offering panoramic views of Lake Miwaleni and the escarpment, and complete with a lovely shower area. We would stay here again in a heartbeat! We look forward to a return trip to Tanzania and a return to E Unoto Maasai Village.
E Unoto Retreat Lodge Lake Manyara offers luxury safari accommodation in a Maasai environment. Located in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara region, E Unoto Retreat is easily accessible by road from nearby airports and just 1½ hours drive from Arusha. The Lodge resembles an authentic Tanzanian Maasai village and has been designed to blend with the natural surroundings.The lodge is constructed incorporating traditional Maasai methods and with environmental awareness. The handcrafted and imported furnishings and fittings compliment the lodge’s theme and provide guests with an exotic Tanzanian flavor.
There are 25 luxurious bungalows constructed and furnished to provide a unique yet comfortable experience for all guests. Spacious rooms provide a relaxing retreat while the verandah of every individual suite offers guests spectacular views of Lake Miwaleni and the towering Great Rift Escarpment. Scenic views of the landscape also extend from restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The lodge facilities, outdoor activities and excursions and accessibility to the Maasai culture and nature provide a variety of experiences that cater to individual needs and tastes.
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