Arusha Kia Lodge and Hotel

We had an early morning flight (0740 hours Precision to Dar) to catch and hence we were booked at KIA Lodge, which is located next to the runway of the airport. They of course have a drop facility to the airport. The Good things first : KIA lodge compound looks pretty well maintained with lots of plants and trees.

The swimming pool on the top of a mound is a great place to see the aircrafts taking off and landing.

We were dropped at the airport promptly and without delay although when we arrived the earlier evening we could hear a group complaining that they had been waiting long for the car to arrive. That’s about it.

The best feature of KIA Lodge, from the perspective of a weary guest traveling to or from Tanzania, is its convenient location.

Other Hotels and Safari Lodges in Arusha

KIA Lodge is situated less than 5 minutes from the Kilimanjaro airport, an ideal position for fatigued travelers seeking a good night's sleep to springboard the rest of their safari vacation (or on a more somber note to end it.)

Accommodations are simple, but clean and comfortable. Each room is located in a round chalet with a thatched roof that is situated amid stone pathways and well-manicured gardens.

The views of Kilimanjaro from KIA Lodge are spectacular, especially in the early morning or dusk.

KIA Lodge serves as an economical choice for those travelers interested in a comfortable lodge to base the rest of their travels.

Food and Drink

The food at KIA Lodge is very good. Since many of the guests staying at KIA will be arriving on the late night KLM flight, a wonderful buffet dinner is set up just after the plane lands at about 9.30 pm.

The staff at KIA Lodge will even delay the cooking and preparation should the plane be late to ensure a superbly fresh meal for weary guests.

One special item worth mentioning is the particularly delicious desserts (including cream puffs on some occasions!).

It is certainly a pleasure enjoying a delicious meal before you retire for the evening and especially after the marginal airplane dining.

Breakfast is very good, as well. The typical buffet style is offered here, or you may choose to pack a picnic breakfast to go. Lunch is usually a picnic lunch incorporated into your safari on your first day 'in the bush' after departing KIA Lodge.

Accommodations

The lodge consists of 40 rooms in individual thatched chalets, or round "bungalows."

Each chalet is spaced throughout the wonderful acacia tree property on winding stone pathways.

The rooms are spacious, comfortable and equipped with air conditioning (although you will unlikely have a need for it.)

Each room is pleasantly decorated with Makonde woodcarvings, and is appointed with a small writing desk and charming wicker chairs.

You may choose either a double room (equipped with two twin beds) or a larger room (equipped with a third bed for families.)