WHERE TO STAY IN KILIMANJARO PARK

At AfricanMecca, we list three distinct safari accommodations in western Kilimanjaro, ranked according to the experiences and standards of hospitality they have to offer under our Safari Tier brand. In the first rank of Tier 1, a premier, luxury lodging in all respects is Shu'mata Camp, set in an isolated and exclusive dream setting on a hilltop below the Kilimanjaro, with spectacular views of the summit in early morning and evening when not shrouded by cloud.

Shu'mata occupies a private concession within the Maasai homelands where no-one can venture except Shu’mata guests, ensuring absolute privacy for your Kilimanjaro safari tour, and undisturbed communion with the natural world, which can be met with on all sides, since animals roam freely through the grounds, although your safety is assured by watchful warrior guards.



Designed to afford Hemingway-style comfort and self-indulgence, there are only 5 opulent permanent guest tents on stone foundations, which combine Colonial elegance with modern practicality, each having an ensuite bathroom where the enamel wash basin and ewer are symbolic of environmental responsibility exemplified by the use of solar power and careful attention to water conservation. Extensive private patios give vistas of the valley as do the central lounge, bar and restaurant.

These are delightfully presented in a combination of Xanadu draperies and floor cushions with silver service hospitality and Maasai art to provide an idyllic cultural and fauna vacation in northern Tanzania (read more on the best time to visit Kilimanjaro).



Community and conservation projects at Shu'mata are undertaken by the in-house Momella Foundation contribute to Lion Guardianship, poacher patrols and education initiatives. Personal service and attention are of a high standard, as are the cuisine and the entire safari experience, with off-road game drives both night and day and superbly guided walks which are not permitted in more restricted Tanzania tour locations.

In the second rank of Tier 2, deluxe accommodation is available at Ndarakwai Ranch on the valley floor, where a greater number of guests are housed in 15 self-contained lodge like tented rooms with a lesser personalized timetable and level of service due to the triple amount of guests rooms compared to Shu'mata, but still with amazing comfort, views and opportunities to study the wildlife and the surrounding communities.



Ndarakwai is primarily a conservation project funded by tourism initiatives, but you will still find a warm welcome and a wonderful ambience to the camp. On the third, more budget-conscious level at AfricanMecca Tier 3, Kambi Ya Tembo offers unrestricted local exploration and access to the Maasai people together with time-tabled, shared trips around western Kilimanjaro and also day treks to the mountain.

Access to this African safari base is admittedly long and bumpy, but the friendliness of this unpretentious camp is exemplary. There may be no power points or Internet access in your room, and lanterns light your way via solar power, but your hearts are warmed by welcoming smiles and your beds are warmed by thoughtful hot-water bottles on chilly nights.