ENVI Lodges, the pioneering luxury eco-lodge brand known for its commitment to sustainability and immersive experiences in nature, is expanding its footprint in Africa with the launch of ENVI Kili, a new lodge on the outskirts of Arausha in Tanzania.
A secluded tented camp that aims to blend luxury and intimacy with nature, the 20-key property will feature a restaurant serving cuisine focusing on ingredients grown in the ENVI garden and surrounding farms; a wellness facility offering alternative nature-based treatments; and a yoga deck; as well as ENVI’s signature barefoot luxury experiences. The new property – which will be ENVI Lodges’ second venture in East Africa, following a deal to manage the ENVI Paie ecolodge in Zanzibar last year – will also offer a personal adventure concierge service.
ENVI Kili’s location, which is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s world-renowned safari destinations, makes it a prime spot for travellers staying in Arusha on their way through to other destinations, such as Serengeti National Park. It could also serve as an ideal base for exploring the rich biodiversity in Tanzania’s beach destinations.
The ENVI Kili project has been made possible through a partnership with American company Global Tourism Investments Inc and its wholly owned subsidiary Tanzanian company Golf Safari Resorts & Spa, founded by Niru and Chandu Patel – whose trust in and collaboration with the ENVI Lodges team has been instrumental in bringing the project to life.
“It is thrilling to partner with ENVI Lodges to debut this visionary concept in Tanzania,” said Niru Patel. “We strongly believe that our luxury tented camp in Arusha will be the lodging of choice for discerning safari travellers who wish to experience all the amazing Serengeti has to offer.”
Chris Nader, co-founder of ENVI Lodges, added: “There is substantial demand for high-quality experiential lodging in Arusha. Our goal is to redefine the city’s traveller experience, positioning ENVI Kili as a market leader. We are incredibly proud to join forces with the esteemed Patel family, united by our shared commitment to forging a sustainable future for Tanzania’s hospitality sector, not only improving Arusha for its visitors, but its residents – the visited.”
With views of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, ENVI Kili offers guests a serene and picturesque backdrop during their stay. The destination also includes world class golf, a polo club and a wide range of attractions for adventure and entertainment. The tent design, currently underway by Tenthouse Structures, represents ENVI’s third collaboration with the renowned architectural firm, promising innovative and eco-friendly structures that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
The tented camp will capitalise on Tanzania’s fast-growing tourism industry, with tourist arrivals to the destination hitting a record 1.81 million in 2023, up 24.3% on 1.45 million in 2022, and generating all-time-high tourism receipts of US$3.36 billion 2023, compared to a pre-pandemic (2019) high of US$2.6 billion (and 1.5 million arrivals), official Tanzanian Government figures reveal.
