Quick facts
Destination
Kitulo National Park
Country
Tanzania
Category
Safari Lodge
Price tier
Mid-Range Budget
Starting from
$70 per night
Star rating
5 / 5
Number of rooms
30
Nearest airport
Songwe Airport (MBI) — 30-45 minutes from Songwe Airport
Best for
Rift Valley Views, Coffee Plantation, #1 Mbeya, Spa, Pool, Hidden Gem, Sunset Bar, Trekking
Child policy
Children are welcome.
Last reviewed
May 2026
Utengule Coffee Lodge — The Hidden Gem of Southern Tanzania's Highlands
Utengule Coffee Lodge (also known as Utengule Country Hotel) is TripAdvisor's #1 rated specialty lodging in Mbeya out of 26 options, with 240 reviews at 4.5 stars. Situated on the southern slopes of Mbeya Peak overlooking a spur of the Great East African Rift Valley, it sits nestled between coffee plantations in one of Tanzania's most beautiful highland settings. The management team themselves describe it as "one of southern Tanzania's hidden treasures."
The lodge is a revelation for overlanders: "What a revelation this place proved — I really did not know what to expect, but the Lady on the phone was so charming and it was ideally positioned for Tunduma." Reviewers describe "stunning sunset views from the bar over the Rift Valley," a pool with views, spa treatments (massages from masseuse Happiness, facials, manicures), the Arabica Restaurant with local and international cuisine, cottage accommodation for privacy and a range of excursions including the coffee tour and trekking routes. Bring a jacket for cool highland mornings. As of August 2024, the lodge has a licensed helipad. From $70–130/night.
Accommodation
Single, Twin, Double, King, Family rooms and Cottages. Pool with Rift Valley views, spa, Arabica Restaurant. Coffee tour, trekking routes, Ngosi Crater Lake nearby. Helipad. 20km from Mbeya city.
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WhatsApp UsLocation & getting there
Nearest airport
Songwe Airport (MBI)
Transfer time
30-45 minutes from Songwe Airport
Facilities & amenities
Rooms & accommodation
Standard Room
Rooms on the southern slopes of Mbeya Peak with Rift Valley views. Pool, spa and Arabica Restaurant access.
Cottage
Private cottages with en-suite bathrooms and personal verandas — more private than the main lodge rooms. Same pool, spa and restaurant access. ~$120/night.
Activities offered
Best time to visit
■ Good season ■ Low / wet season
Ready to plan your stay at Utengule Coffee Lodge?
WhatsApp UsSafariBando's view
Utengule Coffee Lodge is southern Tanzania's finest hotel — TripAdvisor #1 in Mbeya with extraordinary Rift Valley views from the pool bar, coffee plantation atmosphere, reliable spa and a kitchen that earns consistent praise. Essential for any overland traveller on the Dar-Zambia route or anyone exploring southern Tanzania. The helipad (since August 2024) adds a luxury access option.— The SafariBando team
