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Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge
Kia Lodge

About Kia Lodge

Kia Lodge is a simple, country-club-style lodge situated close to the buildings and runway of Kilimanjaro ...

... International Airport (KIA). This is the only accommodation at the airport.

Many guests here will be using a day room before flying out, as we did, but it would be an adequate, if possibly rather inconsistent, place to spend the night if flights or circumstances dictate. During the day or in the evening, there are worse ways to spend a few hours than chilling by the pool or in the garden bar. Considering the lodge’s location close to the airport, it is a relatively peaceful and a nicely landscaped property to relax in, before or after a long flight.

Our view

Many guests here will be using a day room before flying out, as we did, but it would be an adequate, if possibly rather inconsistent, place to spend the night if flights or circumstances dictate. During the day or in the evening, there are worse ways to spend a few hours than chilling by the pool or in the garden bar. Considering the lodge’s location close to the airport, it is a relatively peaceful and a nicely landscaped property to relax in, before or after a long flight.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Country manager: Tanzania

Accommodation

40 rooms

Children

Fine for all ages.

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of Kia Lodge

13 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


74%
13 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
3
Good
4
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Miss P & Mr LfromSurrey

Arrived 15 Oct 2018, 1 nights

"Stop off between flights"

"Stop off between flights …" Read Miss P & Mr L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Poor

Dr & Mrs BfromAltrincham

Arrived 12 Oct 2017, 1 nights

"Ideal pit stop pre flight"

"Certainly a good idea if your wait at Kili airport is going to be protracted. …" Read Dr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms PfromLondon

Arrived 29 Sep 2017, 1 nights

"Convenient"

"Rooms were simple and clean, and staff extremely friendly …" Read Ms P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr SfromBurke

Arrived 26 Sep 2017, 1 nights

"More than an airport hotel"

"Rooms have good facilities with hot showers...Staff is friendly and efficient …" Read Mr S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Dr CfromNewmarket

Arrived 27 Jan 2017, 1 nights

"Kia Lodge review"

"While this is a good place to sleep and start your trip from, the grounds and …" Read Dr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mrs AfromHaslemere

Arrived 22 Dec 2016, 1 nights

"Convenient for airport"

"Having noted on our itinerary that this was the "only hotel near the airpor …" Read Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr & Mrs IfromDorset

Arrived 21 Sep 2016, 1 nights

"Comfortable overnight stay"

"We stayed at Kia Lodge for one night following our flights from the UK. The …" Read Mr & Mrs I’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs D x 3fromNewport

Arrived 18 Sep 2016, 1 nights

"Kia Lodge review"

"We only had a quick drink at the bar on arrival and breakfast prior to departure …" Read Mrs D x 3’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms R & Ms RfromLondon

Arrived 27 Jul 2016, 1 nights

"Good Location and facilities"

"They were most obliging. Packed breakfast to take with us and reliable service …" Read Ms R & Ms R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs & Mr BfromCalifornia

Arrived 2 Jul 2016, 1 nights

"Just perfect!"

"Wish we had more time there but all was perfect. …" Read Mrs & Mr B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Kia Lodge reviews

Kia Lodge: Our full report

Kia Lodge is a simple, country-club-style lodge situated close to the buildings and runway of Kilimanjaro ...

... International Airport (KIA). This is the only accommodation at the airport.

The lodge is set in surprisingly pretty gardens: this is certainly no airport hotel from the usual mould but much more like a local Tanzanian country club. The lobby – a somewhat rough-and-ready yellow atrium – isn't an encouraging introduction, but things improve once you've checked in and start walking through the grounds to your room.

The simply decorated, air-conditioned rooms, in terracotta-painted, thatched cottages (two in each cottage), have polished cement floors, small decorative floor mats, reasonably comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and tiled bathrooms with walk-in showers, flush loos and washbasin, and basic toiletries.

Kia Lodge's common areas include a sizable dining room, and a large, shady outdoor bar area, with music playing. The large, freeform swimming pool is a welcome feature, with its flagstoned pool area looking out towards Kilimanjaro. On a clear day you can have a good view of the mountain from here. Around the pool are a dozen or so recliners, enough sun shades and even working electric sockets to charge your phone or camera.

The hotel has a gift shop, open 07:00–09:00 and 12.30-19:00 and a small jewellery shop specialising in Tanzanite.

When Kia Lodge was taken over by a Dutch couple in 2015, the hotel had a way to go to reach acceptable international standards. Nevertheless, the food, staff and management ethos have been heading in the right direction since then. Although we weren't able to stay on our last visit in February 2018, we were impressed with the staff’s efficiency and the cleanliness and upkeep of the property. Located just a few minutes drive from Kilimanjaro international airport, with free 24 hour airport transfers, this hotel is a pleasantly simple option for an overnight stay before or after a long flight.

Geographics

Location
Arusha, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay
Day room, or 1 night only.
Directions
Accessed down a 1km gravel road to the east of the main buildings at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
The salads, chips and cold beers we sampled were excellent. There's a decent bar menu.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service can be provided at no extra cost.
Drinks included
Drinks are extra, but reasonably priced. Beer is around $3, house wine $4 a glass or $21 a bottle, cocktails around $10, sodas $2 and drinking water $2 a litre.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome.

There is one interconnected room which is a great option for families, and it is also possible to add a third bed in a double room.
Property’s age restrictions
None.
Special activities & services
Babysitting can easily be arranged.
Equipment
They have baby cots but no high chairs.

Communications

Power supply notes
There are two backup generators. The rooms have power sockets, and there are sockets at the pool area. Drinking water is supplied in plastic bottles (two per guest per day).
Communications
Mobile signal is patchy around the lodge, but usually good at the bar and pool. There are telephones in each room for internal calls. Wifi is available, free of charge.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
Water is piped from the airport.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There are first aid kits on site and the nearest hospital is in Arusha, around an hour away.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
On site security.
Fire safety

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    On Request
    Laundry facilities
    Laundry can be done for around $1–$2 per small load (negotiable). It is machine washed and tumble-dried.
    Money
    There are digital safes in the rooms.
    Accepted payment on location
    Major currencies are accepted, as are Visa and Mastercard with a 4% surcharge.

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    Kia Lodge's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kia Lodge.


    Excursions from Kia Lodge

    Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kia Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


    Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

    Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

    Full day

    Experience Africa’s highest mountain – in just a day. In the company of a private guide, hike through the forests of Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side to an altitude of 3,400m. From here, explore the Shira Plateau and its surroundings, perhaps spotting wildlife along the way.

    More about Kilimanjaro Day Hike
    Safari in Arusha National Park

    Safari in Arusha National Park

    Half day or full day

    Arusha National Park offers some lovely walking in the foothills of Mount Meru and canoeing on the Momela Lakes, plus gentle game drives.

    More about Safari in Arusha NP
    77% (7 reviews)

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    When to go to Arusha

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kia Lodge in Arusha


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    Tanzania in January

    January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.

    Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.

    • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
    • Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
    • A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
    • The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
    • Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in January

    Tanzania in February

    February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower.

    The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.

    • Hot and dry weather.
    • Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
    • Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
    • Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
    • The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in February

    Tanzania in March

    The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti.

    Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.

    • Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
    • Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
    • Parks are quiet and rates are low.
    • Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
    • March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in March

    Tanzania in April

    April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers.

    Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.

    • Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
    • Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
    • Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
    • Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in April

    Tanzania in May

    As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.

    Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.

    • Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
    • Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
    • The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
    • Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
    • The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in May

    Tanzania in June

    The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months.

    The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.

    • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
    • A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
    • The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
    • Wildlife may be dispersed still.
    • Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in June

    Tanzania in July

    July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River.

    In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.

    • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
    • Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
    • The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
    • Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
    • To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in July

    Tanzania in August

    August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day.

    August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.

    • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
    • General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
    • An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
    • Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
    • Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in August

    Tanzania in September

    September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on.

    You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.

    • Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
    • Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
    • The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
    • Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
    • Prices remain high.

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in September

    Tanzania in October

    At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp.

    There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.

    • Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
    • Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
    • Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    Tanzania in November

    In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers!

    The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.

    • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
    • Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
    • Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
    • Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
    • The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in November

    Tanzania in December

    December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups.

    Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.

    • Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
    • Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
    • Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
    • Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
    • The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in December

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