Kiboko Lodge

Kiboko Lodge is beautiful and quiet with a warm and welcoming staff. The rooms are spacious and clean. The staff is beyond accommodating and amazing. They were so kind and helpful and arranged a driver to take us into Arusha the next day. We booked this lodge very last minute and when we arrived at 11pm they had an entire feast ready for us. Even late at night when we had issues with the power, they accommodated us so that we could charge our devices. I cannot stress how beautiful and special this lodge was. It very much exceeded our expectations. I do think it’s important to note that while it says it’s only 12 miles away from the JRO airport, it took about an hour and a half to arrive there. The roads mostly up to the lodge are unpaved and very bumpy. Luckily a taxi was able to get us there but I think a Land Cruiser is best for the terrain, as some of the roads could be impassible with a regular vehicle. I would still rate this place as peaceful and excellent, but it is helpful info to know. We will definitely return to Kiboko!

The location of this lodge is amazing, offering a serene setting to enjoy the wildlife of Tanzania when not on safari. The lodge sits on the edge of a marsh and gave us multiple terrace options (including a private one attached to our room) to do some bird watching. While there , we saw the African fish eagle and Black-and-white cascade hornbill, songbirds too many to count, along with some visiting Vervet monkeys. The staff were among the most attentive and friendly that we have experienced and our room (the Simba house) was everything we could hope for. We highly recommend it if you’re looking for a quieter place to relax.

The views of Mt Meru and the surrounding bush country were magnificent. The grounds include banana, papaya, mango, pineapple and avocado plants/trees, all of which enhance the experience. The staff were extremely attentive and polite. All speak English. We loved the food so much my wife wanted to bring the chef home (joking of course, but high praise). The lodge staff were trained as part of a program to provide a good livelihood to local residents who otherwise would have limited opportunities. While the lodge is remote (not in Arusha city), it is close to Arusha National Park, and lodge staff will provide driving tours (for extra cost), which is well worth it.