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by EDITH BILLUPS JOYCE KIMARO’S SONGOTA FALLS LODGE A Little Piece Of Eden In Arusha, Tanzania If you want both comfort and an authentic African expe- rience when planning a trip to the Motherland, then check out Tanzania business owner Joyce Kimaro and her beautiful Songota Falls Lodge. Tucked away in Arusha, located in the north of Tanzania near Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, Songota Falls Lodge was established by Kimaro in 2003 after she decided to start her own business after working at a tourist company for 12 years. Today, Kimaro is the proud owner of the lushly landscaped property that is located close to a nearby water fall whose water comes from Mt. Meru, Africa’s fifth highest peak. A single mom who grew near Mt. Kilimanjaro in a close-knit, loving family, Kimaro, 46, is a descendant of the Chaga tribe, whose members are known for their business skills. She learned the art of hospitality from her parents who often welcomed visitors to their home. She oversees a small staff that manages six cottages that can be rented for those seeking a true African experience, but while also having the comforts and amenities that one would find in larger hotels. A former coffee and banana tree farm, Songota Falls Lodge is a property that many are drawn to because of its beautiful flora and close vicinity to the falls. “Some call it paradise because it’s so quiet and private,” said Kimaro who runs the property with the help of her son, Raymond, an artist who designs jewelry and paints images of the local landscape and people. A superb cook, Kimaro also has a small catering business and once catered a formal dinner for 800 for the prime minister of Tanzania. For guests visit- ing her lodge, she provides breakfast, lunch and dinner and also arranges safaris for those who seek to explore Africa’s natural beauty. Since 2003, Kimaro has served more than 700 customers at her idyllic property, with many coming from the United States and as far away as Belgium, Germany and even Afghanistan. On a typical day, she takes groups to town to shop from local vendors or to exchange their currency for local dollars. “I take people to places where they can get good buys. I also can arrange trips to places Like Arusha National Park or the Serengeti,” said the business owner. In the evening, guests are treated to local meals that Kimaro and her staff cook. Local dishes include chapatti, maize, beans, and banana stew. “I can prepare food for any taste or for special diets, if they tell me beforehand,” said Kimaro. For people who love nature, Kimaro said that the area is perfect for hiking and backpacking. The falls are also an attraction “and many believe the waters are healing,” Kimaro said. Her goal is to become a five-star property, but like most small business owners, Kimarao could use more dollars to build her business. However, she points out that hospitality is the secret to running a successful lodge. “You have to be able to accommodate people’s needs,” said Kimaro. “You have to smile and be willing to provide excellent service.” Kimaro also believes that it is important to give back to the community. Recently, she was instrumental in getting a peace center in South Los Angeles to help build a clinic in Arusha that will serve 15,000 people in four vil- lages. It is the first of its kind in the mountainous area. The center, Eagle Wings of Enlightenment Center, donat- ed $6,600 to help complete the Zabanati ya Oldadai Sokon II Medical Clinic. The center also assisted with acquiring $300,000 worth of donated medical supplies for the facility, which serves the villages of Oldadai, Ngiresi, Nambere and Sekei. For more information on Songota Falls Lodge, or to book accommodations, contact Kimaro at joice_kimaro@- yahoo.com. Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 75