Kilimanjaro National Park Hotels

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  • sarahandgareth profile photo sarahandgareth
  • Reviews: 591

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

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Lava Tower Camp

Although windy and, as a consequence, quite chilly, the Lava Tower Camp has a stunning setting right at the base of the Lava Tower. We suddenly had the sense of being right at the cone base with the summit towering over us. Plus, we could see right back to the area of Shira One, almost to where we had first come up.

We climbed the Lava Tower for a different perspective on our tents, and watched the white-collared ravens soaring around the cliff edges, seemingly enjoying the location as much as we did ourselves (the cliffs more than made up for the fact that our appetites were all less than hearty by this point).

The Lava Tower is an amazing structure, good for climbing or just admiring.

  • Opinion of Price: N/A
  • Related to: Mountain Climbing
  • Written August 16, 2005
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Lava Tower Camp from the Lava Tower

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  • sarahandgareth profile photo sarahandgareth
  • Reviews: 591

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

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Arrow Glacier Camp

This was our final ascent camp, located right at the very edge of the cone, with only rock ahead of us. We were all tired and a little nauseous by this point - although to varying degrees - so the surrounds were somewhat lost on us. We were mostly keen to get on with our final ascent, turning in early and enjoying the camp, later, by moonlight!

Looking back on the camp from higher up, you will feel like the tents are on the edge of the earth.

  • Opinion of Price: N/A
  • Related to: Mountain Climbing
  • Written August 16, 2005
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Arrow Glacier Camp - on the edge of the earth!


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  • df53 profile photo df53
  • Reviews: 44

3 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Mountain Inn: Where to stay in Moshi

Only stayed a couple of nights here, once before the trek and once after. The rooms are basic but comfortable so long as you arent looking for anything too luxurious. They are all ensuite and have mosi nets. The food was fine although the selection wasnt massive. They also have a good bar/pool area if you just want to sit out for a while.

The hotel is owned by a tour company so you can organise pretty much anything you want from here although mabe get a taxi into Moshi (20 mins away) and compare prices there. You can hire gear too but see my other packing tip on Gladys for a better place to rent equipment.

  • Opinion of Price: about average
  • Related to: Budget Travel, Hiking and Walking, Mountain Climbing
  • Written November 8, 2004

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  • shaunhoffman profile photo shaunhoffman
  • Reviews: 2

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

Springland Hotel: Moshi's best hotel run by a Swede named Roger

A great place with a warm staff, great food and drink and a swimming pool. Perfect for before and after your trek up Kilimanjaro.
Talk to the owner Roger (originally from Sweden), he's a great guy with lots of interesting stories and wisdom.

  • Opinion of Price: about average
  • Written September 19, 2004

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  • Gard profile photo Gard
  • Reviews: 273

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

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Marangu hotel: Home made food at Marangu Hotel

I stayed at the hotel for a few nights in connection with Kilimanjaro trip in Sept./Oct. 2003. When I arrived at Kilimanjaro International airport I had already been in touch with the hotel and arranged for a pick-up. The hotel is located about 1 hr and 15 min. away from the airport.

The hotel is a former farm and it was built in the early 1900s. The hotel consists of several cottages and buildings and they were not that impressive at first sight. Some of the buildings looked a bit old and “worn out”. I shared a room with a friend and the room itself is OK. In the room we found a couple of beds that were a bit too hard for my likings, the room were not really well lit and I had trouble reading at night. In the room there were no air condition but the windows had mosquito nets so we could keep them open all night. Apart from that there was a little wardrobe with some hangers, a little desk and a bench. There was no TV or mini bar in the room. The bathroom had tiled floor and walls and had a bath tub that also worked as the shower (combined with a shower curtain). It was not always easy to get hot water and sometimes the water had to run for a few minutes before it started warming up. But on the plus side the water comes from a private spring :-). There were not any extras to be found apart from a couple of little soap bars.

Breakfast and dinner was included in our package. For breakfast it was possible to start with some fruit or corn flakes. And after this I got a plate with egg (prepared in different ways), sausage, bacon, and toast and served with tea or coffee. Dinner was a already prepared menu and it normally started with soup. From there it moved on to a starter, then to the main course and from there to dessert and cheese/crackers. It was normally a pretty filling meal and it was possible to take as much as one wanted. It was very tasty and it was really home cooking style food. And you don’t find many hotels were someone walks through the garden and rings a bell when dinner is ready to be served :-)

The hotel features a big, wonderful garden. It seems like everything blooms here from the smallest bushes to the biggest trees. Around the garden chairs and tables can be found so it is possible to have a cold drink outside in the shadow of a tree . How about having an ice cold Kilimanjaro lager while have a great view of both Kibo and Mawenzi on clear days :-) The bar is open all day more or less and for 1200 shillings you can get ½ liter of cold beer. The big garden is also home to quite a number of birds. I’m not a bird lover but some of the birds were impressive in color and sound.

Apart from this you can find a couple of souvenir shops located next to the reception. And if you want to cool down a bit it possible to jump into a pool. We tried it out and the water was refreshing :-) I’m used to taking a swim in cool water so I didn’t mind…but I guess some might say it was a bit cold. There is a laundry service at the hotel and I was very tempted to use it because everything was dirty after the trip on Kilimanjaro. But everything is air dried and there were not enough time to do this. But let me assure you: your boots will need a good scrubbing after trekking on Kilimanjaro :-)

But the best thing about the hotel was the hotel owners and staff. They were all so kind and so friendly and kept saying “good luck” and “don’t worry” before we set out on our Kilimanjaro climb. They all seemed to play for the same team and they were very serious about their business at tour guides on the mountain.

It is possible to use US dollars when you pay in the bar and the restaurant. And you can change currency in the reception.

Conclusion
I have no problem recommending the Marangu hotel as accommodation or as a tour guide when it comes to trekking on Kilimanjaro. The hotel may have a pretty basic standard compared to western standards but the staff makes you feel like you’re at home with their friendly attitude and their smiles. They seem to care for each and every guest and that makes the stay special.

  • Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
  • Related to: Mountain Climbing, Hiking and Walking
  • Written February 7, 2004
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The hotel garden


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  • jackfruit profile photo jackfruit
  • Reviews: 124

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

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Springlands Hotel, Moshi: Great place to bunk in before/after the kili trek.

Excellent hotel to serve as a base in Moshi for your Kili or Meru trek.
Rooms are standard size with clean large bathrooms.
Garden bar is open late. Beer, soda and tomato/cheese sandwiches are served until midnight.
Food is ala-carte for lunch and buffet style every night. Breakfast is again buffet style, with the choice of eggs made to order (try the spanish omelete, it's great!).
If you need anything, Layla at the reception wil take care of you! She's a whiz!
This hotel is situated in a secure compound about 15 minutes walk (3 kms) outside Moshi town. The hotel will arrange for a taxi into town and also local rainforest walks to look for Colobus monkeys if you so desire.
Cheap internet access available after 7pm or so until 10pm.
Hotel only accepts cash or TCs. No plastic.
Gift store is very pricey - dont get anything here. You will get much better deals either at the kili park gate or while on your safari.
Although we did buy "Kili - Just done it" T-shirts after our trek! Couldnt resist...

Well manicured gardens with an excellent view of the twin Kili peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Nice big swimming pool with a garden bar that is open late.
Hotel will arrange Kili treks for you if needed.

  • Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
  • Written January 20, 2004
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Springlands Hotel


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  • Bonobo2005 profile photo Bonobo2005
  • Reviews: 1041

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Royal Crown Hotel: A good place to stay in Moshi

Many trekkers stay in Moshi, arranging and/or preparing the hike up Kili.

This hotel offers a quiet location just out of town, excellent food and very decent s/c rooms. The service is not amazingly friendly however but still OK.

From the frontyard there are good views on Kilimanjaro.
Cheap dala dala (minibuses) bring you to the centre of town.

I paid for a double room tsh 7000 ($7), single occupancy, including continental bf., dinners are about $3.

  • Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
  • Related to: Hiking and Walking, Mountain Climbing, Budget Travel
  • Written April 25, 2003
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frontyard Royal Crown Hotel


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  • HMDJR profile photo HMDJR
  • Reviews: 3

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Springlands Hotel: A super hotel in Moshi at the base of Kilimanjaro

A perfect place to start your climb up Kilimanjaro or start your safari both with Zara Tanzanian Adventures

Pool,bar Food was super! Also did safaris

  • Opinion of Price: N/A
  • Written December 30, 2002

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Questions and Answers

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Q: Routes of Kilimanjaro "Hi! Am planning a trip to Kilimanjaro soon, and am looking at the different routes and guiding companies. I still haven't..."

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A: "Hi, Sure there are companies offering options on the routes for the ascent/descent! You can select two different routes - the only concern is the time you have, as some..."

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