Kia Lodge

We had a 6-hour lay-over in Kilimanjaro on the way home which (yes, poor planning) we didn't really click to until the day before. It is not the sort of airport you need that long at... So we asked our lodge in the Serengeti where would be best to kill some time and they booked the Kia for us, As it happened the driver at the airport didn't have our names, not quite sure what happened but they took us anyway which was nice - about a 5 min drive to the hotel around the back of the airport. We were able to check in for a day room. Can't remember the rate, maybe 120USD but was worth it for two people to not have to sit in the airport! The room was nice, very clean, we didn't use it much though as we just immediately got changed and headed for the pool which was great, and hung out there for a few hours on lovely comfy lounges, looking out at what would be, if it wasn't so hazy, a view of the mountain! So we ate lunch, swam, looked around and it was a terrific way to end the trip - the staff were all nice enough and the bar and restaurant looked pretty good but didn't try them out. Very happy to recommend and would stay there again for sure for either a day room or overnight if our flight lobbed in late.

KIA (Kilimanjaro International Airport) Lodge is an unpretentious Savannah getaway run by a Dutch couple with simple cottages with AC on a secluded hill and represents a convenient accommodation option for many travelers due to its proximity to the Airport (5 minutes, 1km gravel road drive far) for an overnight stay before or after a long flight. The hotel has a large shady bar area, a rather old fashioned swimming pool, a Kilimanjaro mount panorama view point (The mount is usually fully covered by clouds), a gift shop open 07:00–09:00 and 12.30-19:00 and a small jewellery shop specialising in Tanzanite. Rooms have beds with mosquito nets.

Safe location, clean rooms, extremely attentive staff. We were so happy to stay here before our flight back to the USA! Transportation was easy to get to the airport. Everyone was very friendly and made sure we had everything we needed to feel comfortable.

KIA lodge has aged quite a bit and was a bit dry due to the dry season. The rooms were clean with air conditioning which was welcomed due to the warm February climate in Kilimanjaro region. The pool was cleaned everyday and a great relief from the heat. Breakfast was amazing with sausages, fruits, breads, potatoes, crepes and eggs to order with delicious fresh juice. Dinner was quite pricey at $25 USD for soup, entree and dessert. The entree was delicious but a bit pricey for the small portion sizes. The service was 5 star with Good Luck and Marco but booking was the issue. The price of the per night rate was changed multiple times. The receptionist over charged me and would not allow me to explain the difference with the quoted price.

Perhaps the best thing about KIA LODGE is not that it is so close to the international airport, which of course it is, but that is so full of life. And by that I mean African wildlife! Being near to the airport, which is relatively a “very quiet” airport by modern standards, means that there is a wonderful sense of space. This is enhance by the fact that the Tanzanian government does not allow development near to this airport. I am a lifelong Bird Watcher and tour guide who lived in Tanzania for twelve years (2005 to 2017). So I can confirm that KIA LODGE with all its birdlife is one of the very best places in the world for some quiet down time before an international flight or between bouts of exhausting safari work. It’s so good there that you can record 40 species of bird, in only an hour before breakfast, just by sitting attentively beside the beautiful swimming pool, with a cup of coffee and binoculars to hand. I highly recommend it. Recommend it to anybody who is seriously interested in birds and to anyone whose safari begins, or ends, with them requiring a night’s stay near to the international airport.

Very cosy place for the first impressions in Tansania. The people who are working there are extremely kind and caring. The evening fire is unforgettable. We had a nice little house and we always been accompanied to the house in the dark to be safe.

A pretty great property very near the airport. Friendly staff, beautiful rooms, nice pool. It was during a drought period so all the greenery was fried. It needs a bit of refreshing but I'm sure they know. If you're traveling to or from the airport in Arusha this is a good place to base out of.

The KIA Lodge is like an oasis when one has a long layover at Kilimanjaro airport. It's a very inexpensive taxi ride for just 2 kilometers. We had an amazing lunch. Left our luggage at reception. Walked the property - beautiful. Went into the shop and bought some things. Taxi driver picked us up at agreed time. Couldn't have been simpler and so refreshing between flights. I give 10/10.

Very convenient to Kilimanjaro Airport. Bungalos were very adequate with luggage racks, very hot showers and quiet A.C.. Staff was super intentive, food was adequate and reasonably priced. If lucky, will get a great view of MT. Kilimanjaro from pool deck. Great place for regrouping before or after a safari.