Kaliwa Lodge

Tanzania , Moshi
MACHAME, Machame Road
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2025

Kofi

Staff were incredible and so helpful. View is perfect

Partner

2/10

Poor

21 Nov 2025

Charles

Avoid, I stayed here in August 2024. I should have left a review before now, however, was waiting for the police to review my complaint but nothing appears to have happened. I stayed here before climbing Kilimanjaro and had over $1000 in cash stolen from my hotel room whilst I slept. The hotel staff searched the room thoroughly but the monies never turned up. This is obviously a serious accusation and have thought twice about posting this review but believe it is necessary to alert anyone else staying at this property. The hotel is supposed to be on a gated enclosure so can only conclude it was a member of staff responsible for the theft.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Sep 2025

Alex

Kaliwa lodge is 1hr from airport & Mt Kili walking points. You must arrange transport with lodge to go anywhere as the lodge is very isolated. Located amongst banana plantation down a very bumpy dirt road. Lodge is surrounded by walls and is secure. The lodge has a garden courtyard with rooms around yard. Large deck overlooking a green valley and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Room & ensuite is functional with adequate space. Dated modern decor, large netted comfy bed, good hot water & WiFi. Dinner was good & had breakfast box. Staff are great.
Birds at night & early morning can be a nuisance for light sleepers. Dinner & drinks at reasonable prices.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Alex

This was a wonderful zen stop for us in Kilimanjaro. The staff treated us like family and the food and drinks were amazing.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2025

Eugene

Hidden gem

Phenomenal

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Dec 2024

Melanie

Amazing view from the deck, great service and rooms have everything you need

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2024

Tabitha

Beautiful but not a comfortable sleep!

Lovely space and great staff. The room had no ventilation, the bed was extremely hard, not enough hooks in the bathroom to put wet towels, storage space in the shower to put the shampoo and body wash, and not enough counter space for toiletries. The breakfast was excellent and the coffee was delicious.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jan 2023

Christine

The Mt. Kilimanjaro viewing deck was my favorite.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2022

Melissa

We enjoyed our stay at Kaliwa. The staff members were lovely--the people were the highlight of our stay. The rooms are practical but tastefully decorated, very clean, and pleasant.

I'm very grateful that the Kaliwa team was accommodating when we realized that my father's CPAP breathing machine would need overnight electricity. Their quick thinking was very appreciated.

The food was very nice and we enjoyed our stay very much.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jun 2021

KAREN

kaliwa

facilities are okay. periodically lost electricity and hot water. the staff are wondferful, however.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2020

Verified traveler

kilimanjaro

Beautiful views of Kilimanjaro from deck !!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Great little place, breathtaking views, friendly staff

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2019

Johanna

We warnt to come again

It was very beautiful. Very kindly staff

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

It is in a unique location, very quiet and peaceful. The deck is very nice.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

The view of Kilimanjaro was great. Did see it but is very weather dependent. Staff were brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2019

Michelle

Excellent Hospitality

Kaliwa Lodge provided an exceptional experience with outstanding views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The managers and staff were friendly and helpful at all times. In addition to clean rooms, the freshly prepared meals and tranquil surroundings were delightful. The lodge can also arrange excursions with a local guide. I hiked to Machame Camp one day and participated in a village tour/coffee roasting experience on another, both with local guide Edimund. Thank you for a delightful stay.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2018

Michelle

Fabulous hospitality

Kaliwa Lodge provides excellent accommodations and hospitality for a short trip to the area. The staff are friendly and helpful, rooms are kept well, and the food is delicious. This would be a perfect place to stay before or after hiking Kilimanjaro, and there are views of the mountain for all guests to enjoy.

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2018

Juan

Loads of potential in a beautiful setting

The manager is SUPER personable which is great in such a small property. The setting is amazing despite the fact that the Kili was cover by clouds the whole time. However there’s some investment the property could make to offer more comfort to its guests. Hopefully with new management these improvements will take place. I will invest in good pillows, the ones provided were awful. The beds have the set up for the mosquito nets but they weren’t used. They should because we were bitten by mozzies. Having to pay only in cash is cumbersome. The property in general could be better maintained and little touches to make it more welcoming.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Sep 2018

Sol

This lodge is 15 km to Mt. Kilimanjaro and 45 min. from Kilimanjaro airport. Only accepts cash. The property mangers are friendly. For the price you pay, the room and bathroom is very tiny. Some of the customers rating is very high on this facilty. For the price that’s being charged you would expect to get lot more. You can get taxi at airport which is lot cheaper than asking the lodge to arrange and the same for the tours.
The viewing deck is nice but the 2 days we their was foggy so you couldn’t see the mountain peak.

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2018

Earl

A little rustic but an excellent view and great staff.

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2018

Dominic

Comfortable clean minimalist

Rainy day but sunny staff. Well organised, polite and efficient. Lovely look out over the valley to the mountains behind. Clean simple rooms.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2018

KEVIN

Excellent location and management

Efficient and friendly management at a great location.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2018

Donna

Serene location with views of Kilimanjaro

This place seemed nice when reading about it online, but I wasn’t prepared for how truly exceptional it is. Unpretentious, but comfortable lodge that lets the surroundings have center stage. Magnificent deck with views of Kilimanjaro (which was gracious enough to show itself). Excellent breakfast in serene surroundings. Warm and welcoming hosts. I would love to come back here!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Fab hotel nestled in foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro

Couldn't have been happier with our two night stay here at Kaliwa.

Thomas and the team run a tight ship and the 9 beautifully appointed rooms are a great place to acclimatise pre ascent of Kilimanjaro (or pre safari - in our case).

The food (breakfast lunch and dinner), room, gardens, staff and sun deck were all fabulous. We spent 48 hours lying around drinking in the views and the sights and squeezed in a day trip to Moshi.

Will definitely be back.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2018

Doug and Monika

Great Three Days At Kaliwa

Our three day stay at Kaliwa Lodge was most enjoyable. The lodge is beautifully situated with wonderful views of Mount Kilimajaro from a fabulous deck overlooking a lush green valley with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The gardens and landscaping around the bauhaus designed guest rooms were beautiful. Blue monkeys were swinging through the trees nearby on a regular basis and the bird life was superb.
The staff was effective, courteous and friendly and Thomas the General Manager was a terrific host ensuring that every need was well attended too. Thomas was also an immense fountain of knowledge and insightful observations on Tanzania; it's history; it's people, their successes and their prospects and challenges and for the future. It was like having your own personal tour guide on site all the time.
The lodge is not to big, so meeting and interacting with other travelers at meals and on the deck made the experience even more enjoyable.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2018

Kris

Perfect hotel for climbing Kilimanjaro

The manager of the hotel, Thomas Becker, is an incredible host. He was very accommodating, and made my stay in Tanzania seamless. The staff at Kaliwa lodge is very nice, and the area is very relaxing. It's the perfect place to stay before and after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2017

Andrew

The best view & quality lodging on Kilimanjaro!!!

My new wife & I just were married here last week! Through a lucky search online, I found this gem in Machame that had everything I was looking for a stay & ceremony ! When I read it was German owned & German Managed, I knew it would be wonderfully run with attention to detail as having lived in Germany for 5 years.
The set daily 3 course menus, the beautifully maintained grounds & flowers, the AMAZING wood deck with a view of Kilimanjaro (when she isn’t shy behind clouds) with a full compliment of drinks & made to order snacks / light meals for lunch. Between the email contact, the assistance with the wedding coordinator & the great photos Thomas himself took of us being married , we couldn’t have asked for a better view, better host , better staff for the few days we stayed for our little “private” ceremony.
The ONLY downside - it’s cash only there for meals / drinks / Extras. That in Tanzania is a problem as a tourist, with the only reliable ATM being 45 mins drive away by paid taxi and would mean taking millions out to pay the total bills. BOOK the rooms online to pay first , bring plenty of cash with you & more for tips / extras / taxi. It’s on an area of unreliable network & limited internet, so only relaxing or some short hikes are possible...great for a few days rest / before or after hiking Kili or a quiet get away.
I love the cool evenings, but having a Fan (which isn’t possible there without full time electricity) would be a small bonus.

8/10

Excellent

18 Nov 2017

Julie

Pretty place in the neighborhood

It's a beautiful place. Simple and elegant. The people were lovely. There was no internet and this caused us enormous problems because we had some travel issues, including a flight change and no one could reach us via What'sApp or email. I spent a fortune on phone calls while there. Also we received no maid service, they didn't even empty the trash can. Overall we thought it was a nice place but bad luck having no internet. They should have offered a discount.

Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Oct 2017

Dave

Great Tanzania Lodge

Excellent property, beautiful grounds and very helpful management.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2017

Glenn

Great Stay beside Kilimanjaro

Great place to stay. Cool outdoor restaurant & bar; nice local walks and activities; fun watching monkeys.
Recommended place to stay while getting ready for Kilimanjaro climb.
However don't expect all the room amenities to function - my TV didn't have a cord to plug inand some stuff didn't work...

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2017

miriam

Staying at kaliwa lodge was a great way to relax and take in the surrounding nature. The breakfast in the morning was phenomenal.

8/10

Excellent

07 Aug 2017

Bitna

Charming place

the place was so charming and cozy. African atmosphere lingered around the lodge. It was unfortunate that the weather was too foggy to see the Kilimanjaro mountain, but still I fall in love with the place.

Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

I highly recommend this hotel if you are staying around the area. The view of Kilimanjaro from the deck is priceless! Wonderful view, we were lucky the weather and clouds cooperated with us that we had a magnificent view! Not so keen on the room so much. Pretty basic and a bit of smell, but it is ok. Staff were great and friendly. Food was delicious. So happy with this hotel overall!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2017

Andi

Loved it!

Beautiful location, great food and friendly service.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Bauhaus boutique design hotel

Refreshingly different design. Impressive coffe table book library on Africa.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2017

Julia

Great Spot

We had a great time at the hotel! Everyone was extremely attentive and accommodating even though we arrived late. The breakfast was a delicious assortment of coffee, teas, homemade bread, cheeses, and fresh fruit. The grounds were clean and we really enjoyed the amazing views of Kilimanjaro from their deck. Highly recommended. Thank you!

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2017

Jeff

4 day stay after Kilimanjaro

Thomas & his staff really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable & catered for. I travel extensively & it's great to find customer care at this very high level. Views for the terrace & gardens are breathtaking & organised tours from Thomas are well worth a try.

I'd not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone.

Jeff..

8/10

Excellent

30 Sep 2016

Zachary

Quaint and Charming Lodge with Beautiful Views

The room was nice. The beds were very stiff and the sheets were a bit scratchy. The main reason you stay at this lodge is for it's charm. Since the lodge is very secluded bordering the jungle area, you will have many animals making noises at all times of the day. You have beautiful views of Kilimanjaro not only from the viewing deck but from the breakfast/dinner area. Dinner was not included in our price but was very good, surpassing our expectations. The couple who run it are very nice and are eager to help you arrange any activities or transfers you may need.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2016

Verified traveler

A very relaxing and comfortable small hotel. A good place to recover from a hectic travel schedule. The meals were of a fixed menu and very flavorful.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2016

Abu Marwah

Amazing place close to nature

We liked a lot things during our stay; the decoration, the deck, the dinner meals, the local tour and finally the staff support specially in regard to arranging for us a nice safari-offer from a good and well known operator .

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2016

Thomas

Quiet rural setting for a good night's sleep

I spent one night here since I was in transit from AMS to Mwanza and on to Shinyanga, TZ. I chose this bed and breakfast lodge through Hotels.com and I was glad I did. the manager met me on arrival, he sent the car and driver to meet me at the airport on time. the room was clean and fresh. The bed was comfortable and I had hot water for a morning shower. the manager's wife kindly got up early and made me a lovely breakfast before I went back to the airport. best of all? The clouds parted and I got a great view of the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro itself! AWESOME! Thank you!

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2016

Nicholas

Is Kaliwa Swahili for Perfect?

I arrived in Tanzania during the rainy season not sure what to make of my trip but my stay at Kaliwa Lodge quelled all fears.

The setting is serene and puts you in the heart of nature, with it's open air rooms and beautiful deck with magnificent views...perfect for reading, writing, drawing or just thinking and taking it all in. However, take caution with it's remoteness and be sure to arrange airport pickup by the lodge, as I'm not sure how anyone who doesn't work there would know the way.

And oh my goodness, I can't say enough about the service. One of my days there I was the only guest and it provided a great opportunity to get to know the staff and learn about life in the surrounding villages. And if you don't already have your entire trip planned, talk to staff about setting up some local tours.

All in all, it's seclusion might make it hard depending on your situation but to me it was everything I could have asked for.

8/10

Excellent

19 Feb 2016

Verified traveler

Fantastic Service

From the beginning, I liked the service. The manager sent me an email right from the beginning just introducing himself and asking for our arrival time to coordinate pickup, which was great. When we arrived, we thought we were getting a room with two beds in it, but it turns out that it was a room with one bed. The manager said that he has told Hotels.com to be careful how they describe the rooms because it means a different thing in Tanzania, so I blame this miscommunication on hotels.com. The manager ended up giving us two separate rooms, which was great. Unfortunately, the second room's shower was backed up and when my friend showered, water flowed out into the main walking area. Dinner was okay. Not the best. Still, I liked the hotel because of the service and the way the entire staff were very accommodating. My friend even left an item behind and the hotel made sure to get it to the airport before our departure so we could pick it up. Service like this makes up for not getting the room we thought we would have. The only recommendation I have is that the hotel consider better window covering. Although there were screens, by nighttime, they were so many different bugs in my room.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2015

Ganesh

Best option for Mt Kilimanjaro hikers

Best option close to Moshi which looks well furnished compared to most other lodges. Manager Thomas gave lot of advice on things to do and arranged for tours, very nice person who make you feel comfortable and IMO that is very important to have a good host ! Food is fresh and fabulous unlike the usual buffet places which is quantity oriented. Rooms were eco friendly, looked unique and comfortable. It is a galore for whiskey drinkers including tons of rare to find scotches, have been to upscale bars around US for 15 years but IMO the best whiskey collection I saw was in their bar. Safe and Ideal for families as well as we saw many kids around. Fellow travelers in other rooms interact a lot and share their experience during breakfast and dinner time, did not felt like a commercial Hilton/Holiday inn kind of experience but had more cozy homely feeling in a very positive way

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2015

Phil & Laura

Perfect Place to Recover from Long Flights

We had been promised a driver to take us from the airport to the lodge, and he was there waiting in spite of the l-o-n-g entry process and the late hour. And, he is a very good driver, even where the roads were iffy. We were offered a late light supper, which was perfect. In the morning, the manager greeted us with \"Come see the mountain. It's the first time in a month!\" He led us to a huge deck jutting out over a gorge, and there in front of us was a crystal clear Kilimanjaro. Wow! Kaliwa Lodge offers several add-on excursions. We chose to do a short walking tour the first day to get the kinks out and a longer walking tour the second that included lunch and a tour of a coffee plantation. Both were well worth it to us.
The grounds of the lodge are lovely and beautifully maintained. The rooms consist of one long building with several units and then some that are back-to-back units. We had one of the latter and loved it. The simplicity and great bed also helped us leave the frazzle of travel behind. Breakfast is included in the room rate and was both generous and healthful. We stayed for three nights and had the regular dinner twice and lunch once. The rates for these were very reasonable and the wine prices also.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2015

Verified traveler

Hidden gem in Tanzania

I had the pleasure of staying at the Kaliwa Lodge before beginning a trek of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I was looking for an opportunity to be 'off the beaten path' for a few days, and away from the city. I couldn't have chosen a better location! The Kaliwa Lodge is tucked away, off the Machame Road in Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park. The staff is friendly and accommodating, the grounds are meticulously maintained, and the meals are wonderfully prepared. The large deck provides stunning views of Kilimanjaro, and is a great place on the property to relax, while watching monkeys play in the lush forest and listening to the sounds of the river below. I would certainly recommend staying!

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2015

Verified traveler

Great place to stay considering its in Africa

The road in to the place makes you think you will be robbed, but its a really beautiful place once you get there. Has a great view of Mt Kilimanjaro with the sound of the river beneath a deck you can relax on. As far as I know it is safe, but it is just different than America. Nice couple that run the place. After staying in Africa a couple weeks, I realised how nice it really was!

8/10

Excellent

30 Jul 2024

Mounir

Het is prachtige omgeving midden in de natuur en met een fantastisch uitzicht op de berg Kilimanjaro.

Prijverhouding per nacht versus de kwaliteit van de kamers vonden wij niet in verhouding staan. Echter kan ik deze accommodatie wel aanraden. Super vriendelijk personeel die enorm hard hun best doen om het jou zo comfortabel mogelijk te maken. Het bed is prima en zo ook het eten. Transfer naar het vliegveld was ook prima geregeld en de chauffeur was ruim op tijd. Tevens hadden ze de koffie en de ontbijt pakketten voor ons klaargezet. En aangezien wij om 03:30 uur richting het vliegveld moesten was dit buitengewoon goed geregeld.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2023

stephane

Dépaysement et détente totale

Très bel emplacement, en pleine nature et quelle vue. Le personnel est aux petits soins. Le dîner ainsi que le petit déjeuner était délicieux et bien copieux. Nous avons passé un excellent séjour. Nous avons également profité de l'excursion aux eaux chaudes via l'hôtel et avons adoré. Merci beaucoup

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2022

Erik

Nice stay near kilimanjaro

We enjoyed very much our stay at this property. Very warm welcome, great service. The breakfast with the view on the kilimanjaro is spectacular.
The only negative point was that credit card machine didn't worked and we had to pay in cash.

Partner