Laba Mama Simba

North Dolly, at the Foot of Mount Meru

Laba Mama Simba sits in the heart of North Dolly, a 1,700-acre private estate at Maji ya Chai on the lower slopes of Mount Meru, between Usa River and Kilimanjaro International Airport. It is about 35 minutes from the airport and about an hour from the Arusha airstrip, and the estate has its own runway ten minutes from the house for private charters.

• • Arrival Night: The evening KLM and Qatar flights land around 8:00 pm, and most guests are at the house in time for a late dinner and a real night’s sleep.

• • The Morning Flight: About an hour to the Arusha airstrip for the scheduled flight to the Serengeti, with a packed breakfast if the departure is early.

• • Arusha Layover: For guests adding a layover night, the walking safari on the estate, a helicopter flight over Kilimanjaro and Meru from the Dolly runway, horse riding, or a day trip to Arusha National Park fill the day without going into town.

• • Unfenced Estate: The house is in open country with no interior fences, so eland, zebra, and giraffe graze within sight of the terrace and the walk after breakfast is a genuine game walk.

The estate is home to Cape eland, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala, and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, with plenty of highland birdlife in the gardens.

Rooms in the Main House, Cottages in the Garden

Laba Mama Simba has nine rooms: three in the main house and six Garden Cottages in the grounds. For the arrival night before safari, we book the two cozy rooms in the main house.

• • Garden Bedroom (main house): A comfortable 250 square foot room with a king bed and an en-suite shower room, in the main house steps from the sitting room and dining room.

• • Pool Room (main house): The same size and style as the Garden Bedroom, with a king bed and en-suite shower, opening toward the pool. The two rooms sit close together, which suits a family or two couples traveling together.

• • Master Suite (main house): 800 square feet with a bedroom, a living room with a fireplace, a bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a small terrace facing Mount Meru. A child’s bed can be added. Available as an upgrade.

• • Garden Cottages (6): 750 square foot standalone cottages in the gardens, each with a bedroom and living room with a fireplace, a bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a private terrace with dining table and sunbeds. King or twin, with a child’s bed on request. Available as an upgrade for longer stays.

In Every Room

Organic cotton sateen linen and cotton gauze bathrobes, Healing Earth organic toiletries, minibar, espresso machine, fans, safe, hairdryer, WiFi, a walkie-talkie to reach your valet, international and USB sockets, and pool baskets with hats and towels.

• • Children: Welcome at all ages.

Dining: Laba Laba’s founder Xavier Marie puts it simply: he will not serve guests food he would not eat himself. The kitchen is organic wherever possible, with at least 80 percent of the produce from farms the family inspects themselves since Tanzania has no organic certification, and the goal of reaching 100 percent. Meals are served in the dining room or on the terrace with Meru in view, and full board includes all drinks with premium brands among them, champagne excepted.

Wellness: A large swimming pool with a view of Mount Meru and a small gym on the property. Massages can be arranged in your room.

• • 35 Minutes From the Airport: A short transfer after the evening flights, and about an hour to the Arusha airstrip in the morning.

• • Full Board with Premium Drinks: All meals and all drinks including premium-brand spirits and wines, champagne excepted. Laundry included.

• • A Private Home: Sitting room with a fireplace, antiques and art from France, a library of books, and a terrace facing Mount Meru.

• • Pool and Gym: A large pool with a view of Meru, and a small gym.

• • Walking Safari: A walk around the unfenced estate after breakfast with a Maasai guide, among eland, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, and gazelle.

• • Helicopter Flights: Scenic flights over Kilimanjaro and Meru from the Dolly runway, ten minutes from the house.

• • Horse Riding: Rides on the estate, at an additional cost.

• • Day Trips: Arusha National Park, or a long day to Tarangire for guests on a layover.

• • Practical Comforts: WiFi, 24-hour power, in-room espresso machines, and a valet reachable by walkie-talkie.

• • Season: Open all year.