From the moment we arrived, we knew this was a magical place, and in a heartbeat decided to extend our stay. Not only does staying here impact the bottom line of the multiple ways the Africa Amini foundation supports local health and community projects, there’s so much on offer, all without any sense of urgency or push.

Tucked away in the lush mountainside, the track twists and turns but trust the signs and soon you’ll meet the incredibly welcoming and thoughtful team, Pearl, Lucas, Malachi - all utterly brilliant with our young kids.

The food (oh my…) was seriously impeccable - truly the best we had in our whole Tanzanian trip - made with love and brought to a wonderfully laid table right outside our gorgeous accommodation - with the bonus of waking to find an unexpected visit from a giraffe casually mooching through our garden and serenaded by the sound of bush babies as we ate in the evenings.

The neat swimming pool, grounds, coffee bar and even the micro gift shop - all perfection.

The story behind its inception and the progress they’ve built here in the area is truly inspirational. I visited the incredible Africa Amini Alama Clinic (about 10 mins drive away) for a booked massage which was wonderful, if a little selfish compared to all the excursions on offer to locally-founded schools and working co-operatives. They’re an integral part of the community around Mount Meru. You get a real sense of the good they do in one short visit so I’d recommend it highly.

The dwelling itself that we stayed in was unique - single story, homely in style, thoughtfully rustic but with a wonderful attention to detail, and brimming with a genuine warmth. There were oodles of wonderful creepy crawlies, which we embraced but bug spray cans were provided. You’re truly in thick of nature and it certainly has a calming, restorative vibe.

We could have happily stayed a month or more in this hidden gem that we feel blessed to have discovered and will endeavour to reach again with our family in the future.

(tip: Plan your route via NgareNanyuki or Kingori to avoid paying <400USD in Arusha National Park Fees just to get here!)

Nashukuru.