Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge Review – Offering A Luxury Safari Experience

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, part of the Wellworth Hotel Collection, is perched on the rim of the Great Rift Valley with incredible views over the picturesque lake.

I stayed there and just marvelled at the iconic Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, which were visible from my bedroom window on a clear day. 

In this article, I will review the Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge and share my best insights for what to expect during your stay here. 

Let's begin. 

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Review

The African style, thatched-roofed buildings are nestled between beautiful gardens and indigenous plants where you may choose to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. Inside the lodge are high ceilings, stone walls, leather furniture, African décor and bold prints, creating a glamorous safari ambience that continues into its spacious suites. 

Guests at the lodge can expect to pay roughly $730 per person per night for one of their double rooms. So, if you feel like spoiling yourself with a luxury safari experience, then Kilimamoja Lodge might just be the Tanzanian accommodation choice for you. 

Located just outside the bustling town of Karatu, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is on the doorstep of major attractions like the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. 

See more in our guides on the ultimate safari experience in Tanzanian national parks. 

Important Information at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Here is some important information to note about Kilimamoja Lodge. 

Check-in time: 12 AM

Check out time: 10 AM

Safety: Yes, the lodge is safe and not located in a dangerous game area.

Child Friendly: Yes, the lodge is child-friendly, but regrettably no children under 1 years of age. 

Services: Babysitting, Laundry

Location and Views at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge offers its guests an idyllic location and picturesque views of the lake and Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Getting to Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Arusha, the tourist capital, is 55 miles / 89 kilometres away and Lake Manyara Airstrip, used for connecting flights between areas in Tanzania, is a 10-minute drive from the lodge. Shuttle services are also available to guests. 

Nearby Attractions to Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Mto wa Mbu Village

9.5 miles (15.2 kilometres) away, the village of Mto wa Mbu has village tours as well as local pubs and restaurants. 

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a 14-minute drive away from the lodge. This national park is well known for its baboons, elephants, tree-climbing lions and hot springs. Night drives are available by arrangement. 

Ngorongoro Crater

The lodge is roughly 40 miles / 65 kilometres from Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most well-known game viewing areas. 

Lake Manyara

A hot spot for birdlife. It is also possible to kayak on this great lake. 

Views

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is perfectly positioned for stunning views over the surrounding landscape of valleys and mountains. On a clear day, you can see Mount Meru and Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Perks

Kilimamoja Lodge offers its guests some great perks during their stay:

• Currency exchange - offered on-site.
• Interactive sessions - learn to prepare traditional meals with the lodge's chef or make signature cocktails at the bar.
• Cultural visits - guests can do village walks to Kibuweni, which include a 20-30 minute walk through sunflower plantations and farmlands learning about village life. 
• Nature walks - learn about medicinal and indigenous plants.

Rooms at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

There are 50 deluxe rooms and 2 freestanding villas with features you usually expect in a 5-star hotel including fireplaces, freestanding tubs, outdoor showers, drinks stations and study areas. 

See more on Tanzania's best and most exclusive hotels. 

Interior

The lodge has spacious rooms with stone insets, wooden finishings, gilded mirrors and traditional African and wildlife-themed décor. 

Deluxe Twin or Double Suites

There are 24 Deluxe Twin and 24 Double rooms. All suites at the lodge have en-suite bathrooms with valley or lake views. 

• 1 King or 2 Twin beds
• Furnished balcony

These suites sleeps 2 people with space for an extra bed. A cot can also be added to the suite as well. 

Presidential Suites

There are 2 Presidential suites that are 2,368 square feet in size at the lodge: 

• 1 King bed and 2 Twin beds
• Valley views
• Furnished balcony
• Private pool
• Living and dining area

These suites sleeps 4 people and extra beds can be added. A cot can also be added to the suite as well. 

Amenities at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Guests at Kilimamoja Lodge have access to several amenities during their stay. 

Gardens

The lodge is set in beautiful gardens surrounded by indigenous vegetation. With over 130 bird species in the area, the gardens are great for birdwatching. 

Fitness Centre

The lodge has a gym with weights and other fitness equipment. You can also take a jog with one of the staff. 

Pool

Guests can enjoy time in the infinity pool in front of the lodge with sweeping views over the valley. 

Children's Activity Centre

The children's activity centre has a playroom with games, a ball pit, jungle gym, books and other things to entertain the little ones. 

Business Facilities

The lodge has a conference room, boardroom and banquet centre available at an extra cost for workshops and meetings. 

Beauty and Wellness

The spa is available to book relaxing treatments, including massages and facials. 

Boutique

The lodge has a small gift shop where guests can buy postcards and locally made curios. 

Other Amenities

• Billiards table
• Internet cafe

Food and Drinks at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Kilimamoja Lodge offers its guests several options for food and drinks during their stay where they can enjoy sumptuous cuisine. 

Acacia Restaurant

An elegant dining room with the option to eat on the outdoor patio area. The menu offers fine-dining options with a mix of international and traditional meals to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is an outdoor seating area that has views of the Oldeani Mountains. 

Nyati Bar

The cocktail bar is conveniently located in the central lounge area and also stocks a selection of cigars. Guests can also enjoy sundowners at the pool. 

Boma Dinners

Barbecue facilities are available at an extra cost for traditional grilled meals under the stars. 

Breakfast

Guests can order breakfast in bed or sit down in the restaurant.  

Lunch

Lunch boxes with finger foods like sandwiches, wraps and a small dessert are packed for guests heading out on a game viewing trip. Guests who don't go on game drives can also order lunch from the restaurant menu. 

Dinner

Local musicians, dancers and acrobats often provide dinner-time entertainment for guests. Specially paired wines and food menus are available and you can arrange private dinners by the poolside or on your balcony. 

Room Service

Room service is available within specified hours at the lodge. 

Conclusion

And that's a wrap on my Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge Review! So, why not treat yourself to a stay at one of Tanzania's most exotic and luxurious safari accommodation options today?