How to get there

Kilimanjaro International Airport is served by three international airlines: KLM, Ethiopian Airlines and Air Tanzania arriving from Amsterdam, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dar es Salaam. Visitors are advised to pack all essential items in their hand luggage since baggage delays are common.

Where to stay

Protea Hotel Aishi is ideally situated on the Machame ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro and only 20 minutes from Moshi towards the airport. Accommodation is in African-style villas set in a beautiful garden with a swimming pool. There is a lovely terrace with a bar and restaurant and the hotel offers a range of touring services including Kilimanjaro treks, horse riding and safaris.
Email: proteaaishireservations@satconet.net; Telephone: +255 (0) 27 275 6948/6941

Arusha Coffee Lodge, near Mount Meru and Arusha National Park, is a luxury hotel in the middle of a working coffee plantation. The private chalets have balconies with stunning views of the mountain and a coffee grinder and in-room percolator to provide the true feel of the coffee estate. The adjoining restaurant, popular with both hotel guests and visitors, serves a mix of European and African cuisine, including Tanzanian specialties.

El Rancho, just outside of Moshi, serves fantastic Indian food in an al fresco dining setting. Sit out on the terrace and enjoy drinks or a hot meal; anything from the barbeque is recommended and particularly tasty. The restaurant has recently added Chinese to its menu as well. Address: Lema Road, Shanty Town, Moshi ; Telephone: +255 (0) 27 275 5115

What to do

Climbing Kilimanjaro is the main attraction for most visitors coming to this part of Tanzania. No technical mountaineering skills are required but the trek is quite challenging, with altitude sickness the biggest obstacle for many tourists. For this reason it is worth taking about a week to climb the mountain to give your body the best chance at acclimatisation. The trek takes you through some of Africa’s most diverse and exciting landscapes with spectacular views from the top. There are numerous tour operators and private guides available - your hotel or travel agent can advise you or you can find a trip online. Try Responsible Travel or Go2Africa

Safari and Africa are synonymous for many people and while neighbouring Kenya attracts more visitors per year than Tanzania, that situation is changing as many believe Tanzania is safer and friendlier and offers better game viewing opportunities besides. Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara National Park are both in the Kilimanjaro region but perhaps the ideal safari destination is the world-renowned Serengeti, to the north-west of Kilimanjaro. Ask your travel agent or find a trip online.

Updated July 2006.