We selected this lodge to help prepare for a Kilimanjaro climb, as it is located at 2600 meters/8500 feet elevation on the slopes of the mountain itself. We gained extremely helpful acclimatization at elevations up to 3000 meters/9800 feet, which was instrumental in enabling all of our group to reach the summit. I give the place 5 stars for location since it suited our needs so well, and since the views from the lodge to the nearby summit of Kilimanjaro and the fertile green fields of Shimbwe Juu village are magnificent.

What we did not expect was the hospitable, warm and totally sincere welcome and interaction we experienced from the local Chagga tribal people in the nearby village and operating the lodge. This is what the Kili View Lodge is all about, a very memorable immersion in local African culture you won't find in many more typical tourist places, unique accomodations in cute, thatched Chagga style bungalows, plentiful, nutritious (albeit simple) meals, and the... more