The Full Story
About
Kaliwa Lodge sits at 1300 m, nestled amidst the tropical vegetation of Kilimanjaro's mountain rainforest. The climate is mild, and the setting is magical. Enjoy a sundowner from our deck while watching Kilimanjaro's snow-covered summit peeking out through the clouds. Look down into the densely forested Weru Weru River Valley far below. Relax in cozy bungalows, surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, stands of banana, and cascades of fuchsia-hued bougainvillea. Fall asleep under a blanket of stars to the chirping of crickets and the laughter of bush babies. Awaken to the haunting cry of the hornbill and the chattering of monkeys.
Only 30 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport and just minutes from Kilimanjaro National Park's Machame entrance gate, our hotel is ideally situated to start or end the Kilimanjaro hiking. Take your well-deserved rest after climbing the highest mountain in Africa. Moshi town, the bustling regional capital, is an easy 20km drive to the east on good tarmac, and there are many attractions to explore in the area. Over the years, Kaliwa's dedicated staff have welcomed safari-goers and trekkers from all over the world, and its terrace with a unique view of Mt. Kilimanjaro has become a popular venue for yoga retreats.
From our Tanzanian fusion cuisine to the Hemingway-esque Kilimanjaro Papa's Whiskey Bar to the lodge's linear architecture set against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro's undulating slopes, we feel Kaliwa reflects who we are, while at the same time mirroring the richness and traditions of the surrounding community.
Whatever your reasons for visiting, we extend a warm welcome.
The team
Our Team – The Heart of Kaliwa
At Kaliwa Lodge, our team is more than just staff — they are family. Many of them have been with us since the very beginning, and their hands helped shape the lodge into what it is today. From the first stone laid to the warm welcomes guests receive every day, the spirit of Kaliwa is deeply rooted in their dedication, love, and pride.
Denis, our laundry manager, lives just next door. His presence is a constant reminder of how closely tied Kaliwa is to the surrounding community. Most of our team comes from the nearby Machame neighborhood, and it's not unusual to be invited in for a cup of tea just by passing by their homes — a true reflection of the hospitality that defines our region.
The one who travels the furthest is Lina, our talented kitchen chef. With her exceptional knowledge and passion for cooking, she moved here with her family to join ours. Her dishes carry not just flavors, but stories of home, tradition, and the bold spirit she brought with her.
Us
Kaliwa began in 2005 as the vision of two German architects who were inspired to combine the minimalist lines of modernist Bauhaus architecture with the ancient contours and lush natural abundance of Kilimanjaro. The juxtaposition is striking, and for our family - Thilo (was a journalist and long-time Africa correspondent), Bianca (a photographer), and our two children, Arthur and Sophie - it was love at first sight.
We had lived in Thailand, in Kenya, and in our native Germany, and had travelled widely in Africa and beyond. After seeing Kaliwa, we knew immediately that we wanted to put our energies into making it our home, woven into the landscape, whose laughter fills the lodge, and whose warmth turns a stay into a memory.
