Unbelievable Lake Manyara Luxury: Kilima Moja Lodge Awaits!
Kilima Moja Lodge: My Tanzania Dream, Slightly Less Perfect (But Still Bloody Marvellous)
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Alright, so Lake Manyara, Tanzania. Picture it: flamingos, baboons, the whole nine yards. And Kilima Moja Lodge? Well, they promise “Unbelievable Luxury.” Did they deliver? Mostly. Let's dive in, shall we? And trust me, this is going to be less brochure, more "what actually happened."
First Impressions & Accessibility: (More Like a Rollercoaster Than a Smooth Ride)
Getting to Kilima Moja is scenic – bumpy, but scenic. Think classic African massage – only the road is doing all the pounding. Now, accessibility is kind of their thing, which is HUGE for me. The main lodge area? Mostly gold star! Wheelchair access is decent throughout the public spaces, thankfully. The reception area, the restaurant, and the pool? All good. Elevator? Yep, they have one! HUGE win. But… getting around the grounds… well, that’s when the "adventure" starts. Paths can be a little… uneven. Not quite a "smooth glide". Still, they are trying. It’s a valiant effort. It’s much better than some other places I've been – and the staff are SUPER helpful, going out of their way to assist. They deserve a medal for sheer effort.
Rooms: My Kingdom for a Pillow… and a Decent View!
The rooms themselves are spacious, with those essentials: Air conditioning (praise Allah!), a comfy bed, and a mini-bar (essential for sundowners on the veranda!). They have thoughtfully included extra long beds, good for the tall ones. And, the real winner: a massive shower. You could probably host a small dance party in there! Also, the room was thoroughly cleaned daily. The daily housekeeping, made sure I never had to worry about the little things.
I had requested a non-smoking room, and it was thankfully as advertised. The rooms also had safety/security features like a safety deposit box, a smoke detector, and a fire extinguisher, nice to know they're prepared!
The little extras? Slippers, bathrobes, complimentary tea and bottled water. Top marks for that. The internet – free Wi-Fi is a blessing, especially when you're trying to upload those epic safari photos. Plus, the windows that opened! Fresh air, the sounds of the bush… pure magic. But my room's view… well, let's just say it wasn't quite the postcard-perfect vista they promised. More "lush foliage and the faint promise of a distant flamingo." I'll admit, it was a bit of a letdown initially. Still, I can't complain.
Dining, Drinking & Stuffing My Face (The Very Best Bit!)
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? Kilima Moja nails the dining experience. Seriously, I gained a few kilos just by looking at the menu.
- The Breakfast Buffet: Absolute madness. A proper Western breakfast alongside Asian breakfast, made the options just perfect. The selection was huge, with everything from fluffy omelets made to order (with a chef who seemed to know my exact egg-yolk preferences by day three – slightly runny, just so you know) to fresh fruit, pastries, and every kind of juice imaginable.
- The Restaurant: A la carte, buffet…the restaurant felt luxurious and welcoming, with indoor seating area and some outdoor seating too. The Asian cuisine was surprisingly good, and the international cuisine was divine.
- Poolside Bar: Essential. Happy hour was, well, happy. Those cocktails… dangerous, delicious. And the pool? That’s where the view finally really made an entrance. Stunning.
- Room Service: A lifesaver after a long day of game drives. They even offer a breakfast in room service, which is convenient, as well as the breakfast takeaway service, for early mornings!
- The Little Things: Coffee/tea in restaurant? Check. Desserts that made my dentist weep? Double-check. The staff were genuinely amazing; nothing was too much trouble. Water was provided. Bottles of water, at all times of the day. A small detail, but a huge convenience.
More than just food – A Little Rambling on Food.
Here’s a confession: on Day 2, I almost forgot about the safari entirely. I was so engrossed in the buffet, that I had to be physically dragged away. It was a truly shameful moment. But the lure of the buffet, the endless supply of bacon, the fresh juice (did I mention the juice?), it was all too much. I’m not proud of it. But honestly, the food was that good. And they also had vegetarian options, although I, of course, did not try them - for reasons, you see above!
The Spa & Relaxation: (Almost Heavenly, Minus the Mosquitoes)
Right, let's talk relaxation! Kilima Moja has a spa, and a damn good one. I spent a solid two hours there, and came out a changed woman (well, slightly less stressed anyway).
- The Massage: Pure bliss. The masseuse, a tiny powerhouse, worked out every knot I had.
- The Pool with a View: Honestly, the best way to unwind after a morning of spotting lions. The view from the pool is seriously stunning, even if you're not the best swimmer (like me).
- Sauna/Steamroom: Didn’t try them, I'm more of a pool and massage kind of person!
- Body Scrub/Body Wrap: Tempting, but I was too busy eating.
Cleanliness and Safety in the Time of… Well, You Know:
Kilima Moja took Covid-19 VERY seriously. I felt incredibly safe. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yup. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Absolutely. They had everything down pat: daily disinfection in common areas, and individual wrapped food options. They also had a doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. The staff wore masks, and were constantly sanitizing. I felt safe and protected.
Things To Do (Beyond Food and Massages)
Right, besides eating and getting massaged, what else is there?
- Safari, obviously! Lake Manyara National Park is right there! The lodge can arrange tours, and they were fantastic. Seeing the tree-climbing lions up close was a truly breathtaking experience.
- Fitness Center: They even have a gym/fitness. I didn't actually use it, but it looked pretty decent.
- Gift/Souvenir Shop: A good place to pick up a few bits and bobs.
Services & Conveniences:
- Concierge: Very helpful. Booked everything for me.
- Laundry Service: Essential after a few days of safari dust.
- Currency Exchange: Convenient.
- Dry Cleaning/Ironing Service: Handy.
- Daily Housekeeping: As I mentioned, they were exceptionally thorough.
- Airport Transfer: Very smooth.
- Business Facilities: They had a business center with a Xerox/fax machine, which is good for those that need it.
For the Kids:
They are family/child friendly. Babysitting service is available. They have kids facilities, and kids meals on the menu, which is great if travelling with children.
The Little Annoyances (Because Perfection is Boring)
- Internet… sometimes. The Wi-Fi in my room wasn’t always the strongest. Good for a digital detox – or, you know, slight frustration.
- Mosquitoes (the bane of my existence): Yes, they are out there. Be prepared. Bring repellent. They provided it, but… more is more!
- The occasional power cut: Not a huge deal, but it happened a couple of times.
My Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
Kilima Moja Lodge isn't perfect. But it's damn close. The staff are incredible, the food is divine, and the location is perfect. The accessibility is excellent. The few minor niggles (lousy internet, and those pesky mosquitoes) are easily overlooked. It's the kind of place that makes you feel pampered and gives you an African experience of a lifetime. The imperfections only added to the charm. It’s a genuine, warm, and inviting place. It’s a place I will cherish forever. If you’re thinking about a safari in Tanzania, book it. Just do it. You won’t regret it.
Ramada Hong Kong Grand View: Unbeatable Hong Kong Luxury You Won't Believe!
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my Lake Manyara, Tanzania, adventure log. And let me tell you, it’s been one wild ride. From the moment I landed, I knew this wasn't going to be a perfectly curated Instagram feed. This was REAL life.
Day 1: Arrival, Jetlagged Bliss, and the Unforeseen Monkey Mob
- Time: 6:00 AM (ish) - Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Reality Check: After a grueling 20-hour flight, the African sun hit me like a ton of bricks. My brain was still churning in London time. The customs line? Longer than my relationship with that dodgy kebab place back home.
- Time: 8:00 AM - Transfer to Kilima Moja Lodge, Mto Wa Mbu.
- Anecdote: The drive! Oh, the drive. Imagine a postcard come to life – baobab trees like upside-down carrots, vibrant villages bursting with color, and dust… so much dust. Our driver, a jovial chap named Juma, kept pointing out wildlife. I think I missed half of it due to my internal struggle to keep my eyeballs from falling out of my head from sleep deprivation.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Check-in at Kilima Moja Lodge
- Quirky Obs: The lodge is charming. Rustic. Like, really, really rustic. The "eco-friendly" shower involved me trying to figure out the boiler's temperature control while battling a rogue army of mosquitos.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Lunch at the lodge.
- Emotional Reaction: I was so famished. The food was…okay. The ugali was a bit bland. The chicken felt kinda dry. But the mango juice? Saved the day. Pure, unadulterated sunshine in a glass.
- Time: 3:00 PM - Relaxing by the pool…attempt #1
- Messy Structure: Ah, relaxation. I thought. Famous last words! I stepped outside, and BAM! A whole troupe of monkeys descended on the pool area. They were after the fruit on the buffet table. I tried to make friends, but they were more interested in the bananas than my charming personality. I retreated to the room, muttering about primate aggression.
- Time: 6:00 PM - Sundowner Drinks.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, this was epic. The sunset over Lake Manyara. The sky was on fire, and the air…it smelled of earth and magic. The gin and tonic didn't hurt either. I felt…peaceful. For about 15 minutes. Then the mosquitoes started. And the jetlag hit me again like a truck.
- Time: 8:00 PM Dinner with a side of fatigue
- Anecdote: Dinner was interesting. I ate with a group mostly from the US, one of whom was absolutely sure that the lions in Lake Manyara were somehow trained to perform for tourists. I did try to convince him otherwise, I really did, but the jetlag was too strong and I just ended up staring at my plate of pasta.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park, Frustration, and Fantastic Birding
- Time: 6:00 AM - Wake up, feel like a zombie
- Realism: My body clock was still screaming "London!" This meant I was awake before the staff. Sigh. Coffee, it is.
- Time: 7:00 AM - Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Messy Structure: Okay, here's where the real adventure began. I'd been looking forward to this for months. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. I was READY. BUT… we didn't find any of 'em. We saw baboons (lots of baboons), zebras, wildebeest, and flocks of flamingos that looked like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Fantastic Birding for sure!
- Time: 10:00 AM - Game drive debrief.
- Opinionated Language: Look, I get it. Wildlife doesn't perform on demand. But when you spend hours bouncing around in a Land Cruiser under the hot sun with a bunch of tourists who are desperate to spot a lion, it's… disappointing. The other tourists were also pretty annoying. One insisted on pointing out every single bird we saw, in excruciating detail.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Lunch at a picnic spot in the park.
- Anecdote and Mess: The picnic lunch was… a mess. I dropped my sandwich in the sand. A monkey attempted to steal my apple. I ended up sharing my lunch with a cheeky mongoose. Charming.
- Time: 1:00 PM - More game drive
- Doubling Down: Okay, so I wasn't thrilled. But, the scenery was undeniable. The sheer number of birds was mind-blowing. The colours, the calls, the flight patterns. I am not a bird person, but even I was captivated. I spent an hour just watching them. I found myself more focused on the birdlife than the big mammals. This was a whole new world of interest.
- Time: 4:00 PM - Return to Kilima Moja Lodge
- Emotional Reaction: So tired. So dusty. So ready for a cold shower (which, as I mentioned, was a battle).
- Time: 7:00 PM - Dinner and bonfire.
- Quirky Obs: The bonfire was lovely, it was lit, and the lodge staff are wonderful, even if the food is not the best. I had another gin and tonic, and despite the lack of lions, I started to feel like maybe, just maybe, I was starting to settle in.
Day 3: Mto Wa Mbu, Market Mayhem, and the Foodie’s Delight
- Time: 9:00 AM - Exploring Mto Wa Mbu Village.
- Messy Structure + Anecdote: I had to get a reality check. I love the countryside, but I knew I'd be missing urbanity. But Mto Wa Mbu was better than expected. The local market was chaos and a feast all in one. Fruits I'd never seen before, spices that made my nose twitch, and ladies selling handcrafts.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Local food tour.
- Opinionated Language: I'm a foodie, and let me tell you, this was worth the trip alone. We ate bananas grilled over an open flame, took part in a cooking demonstration, and sampled all sorts of local specialities. Now, this is what I'm talking about!
- Time: 2:00 PM - Relaxation by the pool…attempt #2
- Emotional Reaction: The monkeys saw me coming. I didn't even bother trying.
- Time: 5:00 PM - Sunset drinks and reflection.
- Realism: I've been here for three days, and I am starting to catch on. I now know not to keep fruit in my room (monkey magnet), and to always carry a small bag when stepping outside, just in case. I had the best sunset of the trip so far.
- Time: 7:00 PM - Farewell dinner.
- Anecdote: A simple but satisfying meal. As I waited for the staff to clear the table, I looked back on the trip. This wasn't the pristine safari I expected. It was loud, dusty, challenging, and, in its own way…perfect.
Day 4: Departure (and Already Planning the Return)
- Time: 8:00 AM - Final Breakfast.
- Emotional Reaction and Quirky Obs: Now I am really missing the mango juice. The monkeys were in the trees outside the dining area. They looked just as tired as I was.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.
- Opinionated Language: Goodbye, Lake Manyara. You were messy. You were unpredictable. You were beautiful. You'll be missed.
- Time: 12:00 PM (ish) - Departure.
- Realism and Messy Structure: Back to the world of perfectly curated Instagram feeds and clean bathrooms. But this time, with a head full of memories, a heart full of gratitude, and a suitcase full of dust. And I'm already plotting my return. Next time, I’m bringing a monkey-proof umbrella and a REALLY GOOD camera.
Kilima Moja Lodge: Ready to be Blown Away? (Or Maybe Just Mildly Pleased?) Your Burning Questions Answered (Sort Of)
Okay, so is this place, like, *actually* luxury, or is it just "luxury" like when your grandma says she's going to "splurge" on a new bingo dauber?
Alright, look. "Luxury" is a slippery word. I’m talking fresh-pressed juice at breakfast, yeah? They *claimed* fresh-pressed, anyway. My stomach's still a little jumpy from that… but the views? The views are genuinely gobsmackingly, jaw-droppingly, take-your-breath-away beautiful. Think giant, panoramic vistas of Lake Manyara. And the lodge itself? Well, the rooms *look* the part. Think gorgeous wooden everything. But here's the thing - I’m pretty sure the mosquito netting had seen better days, and I *swear* I saw a spider the size of my thumb lurking in the corner. Luxury with a side of "pray you're not on the menu." But the *bed*? That was some next-level, sink-into-it-and-never-leave kind of comfort. So, a qualified "yes" with a side of "keep your eyes peeled."
Tell me about the food! Is it all just…meat? Because, you know, I'm a *vegetable* person… or at least, I *try* to be.
The food… oh, the food. Okay, confession time: I’m not the most adventurous eater. I'm a beige food kinda gal, you know? So, the menu looked promising, lots of local flavors. And the presentation! Instagram-worthy, for sure. But… well, let’s just say I politely declined the "Mutton Stew with Spicy Chillies" because, well, my stomach is still recovering from the juice incident. They definitely had vegetable options, though! And the chef, bless his heart, tried really, really hard. I remember one evening, a dish was a bit…over-spiced. I’m talking, tear-inducingly spicy. It was clearly a bit of a miss from the kitchen that night; But I tell you what, you could feel the cook's disappointment. He came out to apologize! That level of care is something you don't get everywhere. But for those who lean beige like me... be specific with your dietary needs. Consider the kitchen's capabilities, and embrace the spirit of adventure (or pack some crackers and peanut butter. Don't judge me!)
Lake Manyara… is there anything to *do* there besides, you know, look at the lake? And the animals? (My tolerance for "relaxing" has a hard limit, roughly 4 hours)
Oh, honey, Lake Manyara. Look, if you are a sit-on-a-terrace-with-a-cocktail-and-watch-the-world-go-by kind of person, you're in heaven. Seriously, this place is *made* for chilling. But for the restless souls, like, you? I get it. There's game drives, of course! The elephants are magnificent. Just magnificent. We saw a pack of baboons having a serious family feud. But seriously, the animals are the stars of the show. And then there were birds… so many birds! I’m not a birder, but even *I* was impressed. And, let's be real, the chance of spotting a lion makes it all worthwhile. They also had guided walks - a slower pace, less vehicle, more sensory. A nice way to stretch your legs and feel the breeze. Kilima Moja itself has a pool, which is a godsend after a day in the sun. And the other guests? Well, let's just say, between the spa - which I didn't manage to make it to - and the general leisurely paced, I doubt anyone was *bored*. Though, perhaps, a little too relaxed at times, if you know what I mean.
The staff? Are they, like, super formal and stiff, or are they actually… nice?
The staff was lovely. Genuinely, truly, lovely. They were unfailingly polite, helpful, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. I mean, yes, there's a certain level of formality, you know, "Yes, madam," "How can I assist you, madam?" But behind it all? Warmth. Genuine warmth. I remember one of the waiters, whose name I sadly can't remember (memory of a goldfish, I swear!), always had a smile for me. He'd remember my (predictable) coffee order. They seemed genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time. And, and this is a weird anecdote, but it tells you a lot. One of the days, I'd gotten my shoes muddy during a game drive. The next morning, they were sparkling! Someone had cleaned them without me even asking! That, my friends, is the definition of thoughtful service. So, yes, nice. More than nice. Wonderful.
Okay, spill the tea. What was *the* ultimate Kilima Moja experience, the unforgettable moment, the thing that made you think, "Yep, this is why I travel?"
Alright. Here goes. It wasn't a perfectly-plated meal, or a flawless game drive. It wasn't the mosquito netting (though I’ll admit, it was a source of constant, quiet amusement to me). It wasn't even the view, as glorious as it was. The *ultimate* moment? It happened on the first evening. We'd just finished dinner, and the stars… oh, the *stars*. They were blindingly brilliant, like someone had scattered diamonds across a velvet cloth. I'm a city girl, I barely see a star where I'm from. I was absolutely stunned, just standing there, mouth agape, trying to take it all in. Someone – I don't even remember who – brought out a bottle of wine and some blankets, and we sat outside, just...silent. Other guests started joining us. No one spoke, but you could feel this collective feeling of awe, of connection with something bigger than ourselves. It was the quietest, most profound kind of magic. It wasn’t about the grand gesture, or the perfect Instagram shot. It was about the shared experience of being *present* in that moment, under the vast, incredible African sky. THAT'S why I travel. And Kilima Moja, for all its imperfect perfections, delivered.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the occasional spider, the slightly-too-spicy chili, and the lingering uncertainty about the 'freshly pressed' juice. Despite it all? The views were too beautiful, the staff simply lovely, and that night under the stars? Pure magic. And hey, maybe next time I’ll work up the courage to try that mutton stew… maybe. Or, you know, pack more emergency crackers. Either way, a solid "yes." Go. Just go. (And bring bug spray and an open mind. You'll thank me later.)Hotel Deals Search
