Like the roots of many of its ancient trees, the inn’s history stretches deep into the region’s past, back to when Tanzania was still a British mandate. Blackburn Estates, an enterprising company seeking to make the most of Mt Meru’s fertile volcanic earth, tamed the wilderness of its foothills into picturesque rows of coffee that thrived on the sweet waters of the Usa River flowing by.
Meanwhile, through the years of safaris and hunting trips Margaret Trappe and her sons had been gradually unveiling Africa’s enchantments to the Gehrken family, and the spell was complete when the Gehrkens chanced upon the riverside plantation. Making Blackburn Estates their own, they established a footing in Tanzania set to last. Martina, one of their daughters, moved out with her firstborn to make a home among the coffee blossoms, and later married Richard Trappe and raised their family on the farm.
Over time, the soil proved too acidic for its crop, and the coffee made way for Martina’s new adventure. With her natural knack for hospitality, she converted two of the farmhouse’s bedrooms into guest rooms, and began welcoming travelers from all corners of the globe. She soon renovated the old coffee factory and its storerooms, and with new investment, eventually added a restaurant, a swimming pool , and the River Cottages.
Having nurtured her business from scratch to success, she bestowed it to the care of Les and Caroline and channeled her energies toward new projects. The inn continues to grow into the beauty of its surrounds, and its ongoing refurbishments and organically incremental evolution bring it ever closer to its natural elements and play to its innately tranquil atmosphere.
Rivertrees delights in extending its warm welcome to guests from far and wide, and is proud to have hosted two German presidents, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Jane Goodall and several other notable visitors. With its long history of making people feel at home, it has turned the tradition of its hospitality into its very way of being.
Why not check out some of the local attractions?
Arusha National Park
Lake Duluti Forest Reserve
Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estates
Tanzanite Experience