Hazel Gumpo, GM for Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, talks to us about what guests can expect from the festive season. From Christmas tree lighting to gourmet African themed tasting menus, there will be plenty to celebrate as we approach 2023.
What special activities do you have planned for guests for the upcoming holidays?
At Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, we are working hard to bring guests holiday cheer this festive season. The end of the year is traditionally when we take time to be with our families. And this year will not be any different as we invite families to spend a relaxing time with us under the stars in our beautiful gardens.
In the lead up to Christmas we will hold a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the 10th December. The evening will include children’s activities such as face painting, a candy cane hunt, arts and crafts and letter writing to Santa. Guests can enjoy some shopping from the holiday selection at Shanga. Food and Beverages will be served to all. The tree lighting will take place around 5 p.m
For Christmas Eve there will be pizza and burgers galore for families and interactive deserts including roasted marshmallows over the fire. Christmas carols by candlelight will take place between 6pm and 7pm and there will be gourmet African five course tasting menu.
Christmas Day will be welcomed in with a lavish Plantation breakfast. A garden lunch will include a live band and the arrival of Santa Claus plus kids’ programmes including a candy cane hunt and cupcake decorating. There will be a five-course continental dinner in the evening.
Celebrations around New Year will continue with a five course African themed tasting dinner on New Year’s Eve and a New Year’s Day family garden brunch, where family style harvest platters will be served with fire pit potjies and a whole spit BBQ lunch. Children’s programmes include face painting, a big 5 painting lesson and crafts together with cupcake decorating. A five-course tasting dinner will take place in the evening.
What are your favourite parts about the holiday season?
I love having an excuse to shop until I drop. Having committed to serving others for the past 30 years on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, which I absolutely enjoy, Christmas shopping is my yearly reward.
I love handmade home accessories and jewellery sold in Christmas markets. Arusha has some of the most creative artists in Africa, including our very own Shanga, where we will be promoting their Christmas accessories in support of all the beautiful work that they do. The markets also have incredible culinary offerings where people make amazing food for the soul.
How do locals in Arusha like to celebrate the holidays?
Arusha is a small community with people from all walks of life. Every year we meet to create Christmas memories, often with those who are far away from home. Those who are more adventurous join the local Tanzanians and visit families in the village for Nyama Choma parties. Nyama Choma is our typical local BBQ and in Tanzania, we especially like to make Nyama Mbuzi, roasted goat meat, as a special dish for the New Year.
