Hotels Before & After Lemosho Trek
Where to stay in Moshi & Arusha
When planning a trek on the Lemosho Route of Mount Kilimanjaro, selecting the appropriate hotel for your stay before and after the climb is essential for ensuring comfort, convenience, and a memorable experience. Moshi, being the closest town to Mount Kilimanjaro, is the recommended base for climbers, offering a diverse range of accommodations from luxury lodges to budget hostels. For those unable to reach Moshi the day before their climb or planning a safari extension, Arusha and hotels near Kilimanjaro International Airport provide additional options. This comprehensive overview provides a detailed analysis of recommended hotels, categorized by location, with short descriptions and key features, based on current research as of March 31, 2025.
Staying in Moshi before and after the climb allows for better acclimatization and preparation, with hotels often providing storage for baggage and amenities like swimming pools for relaxation. The evidence leans toward Moshi hotels being more tailored to climbers’ needs, with many offering views of Mount Kilimanjaro and partnerships with tour operators for contract rates, which can be more cost-effective.
Research suggests Moshi is the best base for Lemosho Route treks, with hotels offering luxury to budget options.
It seems likely that staying in Moshi before and after your climb ensures convenience and comfort, with Arusha suitable for safari extensions.
The evidence leans toward hotels like Maridadi Hotel and Lindrin Lodge for luxury, while budget options like Lutheran Uhuru Hostel are also available.
Location and Importance of Hotel Choice
Moshi’s proximity to Kilimanjaro makes it the ideal starting and ending point for the Lemosho Route, which is known for its scenic beauty and high summit success rates. The town offers a wide variety of hotels, catering to all types of standards, from budget accommodations to luxurious upgrades, especially suitable for private climbs. For climbers adding a safari option post-climb, Arusha is recommended due to its strategic location for safari logistics. Hotels near Kilimanjaro International Airport, such as Airport Planet Hotel and Kia Lodge, are convenient for international travelers, ensuring easy access for arrivals and departures.
Hotel Stays in Moshi
Moshi, the closest town to Mount Kilimanjaro, is ideal for pre- and post-climb stays, offering a wide range of hotels from luxury to budget. Here are short descriptions for each hotel in Moshi:
Maridadi Hotel: A 3-star boutique hotel near Moshi, offering 24 bright rooms with private balconies, air conditioning, and modern amenities. It features a large swimming pool, spa treatments, and dining options like a rooftop lounge with views of Mount Kilimanjaro (The Maridadi Hotel).
Chanya Lodge: Located outside Moshi, this lodge provides clean rooms, great food, and a lovely poolside bar, ideal for a tranquil stay with easy access to town.
Shose Chalets: A 5-star hotel with luxurious amenities, including a garden, restaurant, bar, and room service, perfect for comfort before or after your climb.
Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel: Highly rated for its beauty and amenities, it offers an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and shared lounge, with guests praising its tasty food and SPA treatments.
Secret Garden Hotel: A mid-range hotel in urban Moshi, known for affordable rates, delicious cuisine, and spacious rooms in a quieter area.
Ameg Lodge: Popular for pre- and post-climb stays, this lodge offers a tranquil setting, outdoor pool, fitness center, and comfortable rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.
Honey Badger Lodge: A family-run, solar-powered lodge outside Moshi with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool, plus local activities.
Lutheran Uhuru Hostel: An affordable option with clean rooms, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a restaurant and cafe on green, wide grounds.
Lindrin Lodge: A luxury lodge with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro, world-class cuisine, and exceptional hospitality, including a restaurant, outdoor pool, and bar in a serene environment.
Kindoroko Hotel: A hotel in Moshi offering standard amenities for climbers.
Leopard Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel providing basic accommodations and services.
Bristol Cottages: Comfortable cottages with essential amenities for a pleasant stay.
Kilimanjaro Safari Lodge: A budget hotel ideal for cost-conscious travelers, offering necessary facilities.
Springlands Hotel: A comfortable hotel with standard amenities, suitable for climbers.
Bru Bru/Altezza Lodge: A lodge offering accommodations for Kilimanjaro climbers, with necessary services.
Park View Inn: A comfortable hotel with great service and amenities, including a swimming pool.
San Salinero Hotel: A comfortable hotel providing standard facilities for a relaxing stay.
Panama Garden: A hotel with garden views, offering a peaceful environment.
Panama Hotel: A standard hotel in Moshi with basic amenities.
Stella Maris Lodge: A hotel providing comfortable accommodations for travelers.
Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge: A lodge with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a serene stay.
Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: A resort-style accommodation with various amenities for relaxation.
Kaliwa Lodge: A luxury lodge known for its excellent service, clean rooms, and amazing views of Kilimanjaro.
Keys Hotel: A comfortable hotel with basic amenities and a pleasant atmosphere.
Rafiki Backpackers: An affordable backpackers’ hostel for budget travelers.
Weru Weru River Lodge: A lodge situated by the river, offering a natural setting and comfortable stays.
Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge: A lodge providing accommodations with views of the mountain.
Hostel Hoff: A budget hostel offering basic facilities for travelers.
Hotels Near Kilimanjaro International Airport
For convenience, consider these hotels near the airport:
Airport Planet Hotel: A convenient hotel near the airport, offering comfortable rooms and essential amenities for travelers.
Kia Lodge: Another airport hotel providing easy access for arrivals and departures, with standard facilities.
Accommodations in Arusha
For those planning a safari, Arusha offers additional options:
Meru View Lodge: A lodge with views of Mount Meru, offering comfortable accommodations.
Siringit Kilimanjaro Golf and Safari Retreat: A retreat combining golf and safari experiences, with luxury amenities.
Africa Safari Lodge, Arusha: A lodge catering to safari travelers, providing necessary facilities.
Mount Meru Game Lodge: A game lodge near Mount Meru, offering wildlife experiences.
River Trees Country Inn: A country inn by the river, providing a peaceful stay.
Hatari Lodge: A lodge known for its unique setting and amenities.
Arusha Coffee Lodge: Set among coffee plantations, offering a unique experience.
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge: A mountain lodge with beautiful surroundings.
Outpost Lodge: A comfortable lodge in Arusha.
Sanna Boutique Hotel: A boutique hotel offering personalized service.
Zawadi House Lodge: A lodge providing comfortable stays.
Masailand Safari & Lodge: A safari lodge with cultural experiences.
Villa Luna Retreat: A retreat offering relaxation and comfort.
Twiga Lodge: A lodge with standard amenities.
Ngare Sero River House: A river house providing a tranquil environment.
Kili Villa: A villa offering private accommodations.
Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge: An eco-friendly lodge with sustainable practices.
Arusha Planet Lodge: A lodge in Arusha with essential facilities.
Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa: A boutique hotel with spa services.
Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha: A well-known chain hotel offering reliable service.
Mount Meru Hotel: A hotel with views of Mount Meru.
Gran Melia Arusha: A luxury hotel providing top-notch amenities.
Banana Eco Farm Lodge: An eco-lodge set on a banana farm.
Accommodation Options and Choosing Where to Stay
The choice of hotel is flexible, with recommendations based on comfort, budget, and additional needs like safari extensions. Many Moshi hotels offer storage for baggage during the climb, and some, like Ameg Lodge, are praised for their staff’s helpfulness in storing bags. Prices vary, with luxury options like Lindrin Lodge offering high-end experiences, while budget options like Lutheran Uhuru Hostel cater to cost-conscious travelers. An unexpected aspect is the opportunity to experience rural Tanzanian life at lodges like Honey Badger Lodge, adding cultural depth to your stay.