Kiboko Lodge
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Avg. HK$1,162 /night, 9/15 - 9/16
HK$1,162
per night
HK$1,100
per night
HK$1,037
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5.0
#2 of 66 lodges in ArushaLocation
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Kiboko Lodge is part of the Watoto Foundation, founded by former retail director Noud and Truus van Hout from The Netherlands. The foundation works to educate street children in Tanzania since 2003. Watoto Foundation is a vocational training centre. Children who suffer from addiction to drugs, glue and alcohol are given the opportunity to build a new life. The Foundation offers them the chance for an education, which will equip them with the necessary skills to find a job. This is unique in a country where 70% of the population are unemployed. Staying at Kiboko Lodge is possible from $89 per person during high season and $75 per person in low season!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Airport transportation
Meeting rooms
24-hour security
Secured parking
Public wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary welcome drink
Golf course
Hiking
Horseback riding
Canoeing offsite
Walking tours
Shuttle bus service
Taxi service
BBQ facilities
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared bathroom
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Umbrella
Laundry service
Room features
Private balcony
Safe
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Romantic
Location
Ngurdoto Village, Arusha Tanzania
Getting there
3 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
413Reviews5Q+A40Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
I booked an overnight stay at Kiboko Lodge before flying out of Kilimanjaro Airport at 6am. It quite simply was not enough, but I couldn't leave Tanzania without visiting
after all I had heard.
The lodge, the location and the cottages are places of understated peace, tranquillity and sustainability. However, it is its kind, friendly people and its 'purpose for being' which tipped it into one of my most favourite places I have stayed in over 30 years of travel.
After arriving in the middle of a tropical downpour, Frank the manager gave me a warm welcome (and also got me to the airport on time the next morning!); and the young chefs (who are forging a career in the kitchen after a tough start in life) cooked me a delicious supper served in front of a cosy log fire with a chilled bottle of Kilimanjaro beer - a perfect end to a perfect day!
What I also loved about the lodge is that it offers a great number of socially responsible excursions into the local area from coffee farm walking tours to climbing Mount Meru - all the money you pay stays in the local community. I am already planning to come back for several days next time I visit Tanzania!
A real hidden gem of a place and a privilege to stay there. Thank you!
after all I had heard.
The lodge, the location and the cottages are places of understated peace, tranquillity and sustainability. However, it is its kind, friendly people and its 'purpose for being' which tipped it into one of my most favourite places I have stayed in over 30 years of travel.
After arriving in the middle of a tropical downpour, Frank the manager gave me a warm welcome (and also got me to the airport on time the next morning!); and the young chefs (who are forging a career in the kitchen after a tough start in life) cooked me a delicious supper served in front of a cosy log fire with a chilled bottle of Kilimanjaro beer - a perfect end to a perfect day!
What I also loved about the lodge is that it offers a great number of socially responsible excursions into the local area from coffee farm walking tours to climbing Mount Meru - all the money you pay stays in the local community. I am already planning to come back for several days next time I visit Tanzania!
A real hidden gem of a place and a privilege to stay there. Thank you!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 16 Nov 2020
Dear Jules, Good to hear that you were happy to stay at our “Bird’s Paradise” Kiboko Lodge with splendid isolation and that you also like our activities; It is true that it is an exciting part of holiday to be in the local environment. We hope that you come back again. Welcome kiboko lodge where the beauty and the nature meet together! Best regards, Joyce, Frank and Kiboko Lodge team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have been to Kiboko Lodge four times now, and we have loved it every time. Its a beautiful and quiet place to relax away from the city, yet its easy to get to. Frank and the staff are always so welcoming and hospitable, they make our weekends away feel like coming home. The service and food is superb; the staff are obviously very well trained and speak English well, the food is fresh and delicious. The staff are great with our two young boys, and the kids enjoy the food almost too much! We feel very safe hanging out at the lodge, the rooms are always clean, there's hot water for the showers and WiFi in the main building.
We can't recommend this wonderful place enough! Its great value for money and supports an amazing organisation. We are already planning when to come back.
We can't recommend this wonderful place enough! Its great value for money and supports an amazing organisation. We are already planning when to come back.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank R, Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 4 Feb 2020
Dear Amelia, We are very excited to hear that you had wonderful weekend stay at our "bird's paradise" Kiboko Lodge and that you appreciate the service from all the staff, indeed we are very lucky to have this lodge in the beautiful and quite place to relax away from town, We are always very happy to host you, looking forward to see you soon, Karibuni tena Your's sincerely and best regards, Joyce, Frank and Kiboko Lodge team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I recently stayed there one night in April 2022 before we went to Arusha National Park the next day. We enjoyed our stay very much. It s out in the middle of nowhere and the road was a tad rough getting there, but it was well worth it. The staff there was excellent and treated you first class. The rooms were beautiful and spacious. The scenery around the place was so beautiful. The food was very good. You definitely did not leave feeling hungry because they fed you that well. Plus, if you wanted a lunch while you visited the National Park they would pack you one for $5 each. Also, they made sure to take care of your dietary needs. My wife and I were sitting in the open tea room at night and some boys from the village came and gave us fresh fruits they had just cut down from the fields while cutting grass. It was very good. Overall, my wife and I had a great time there and we will be visiting again. I HIGHLY recommend it.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 11 May 2022
Dear Brian, Thanks for your review, and we are happy to read that you enjoyed your stay at kiboko lodge “a small birds paradise” to the fullest, the food and the service of our former student of Watoto Foundation. Your review will help us to get more and more guests from all over the world, “come as a client, and leave as a friend” Karibu tena Best regards, Joyce, Frank and our team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had two nights at this lodge during our trip to the Serengeti.
Due to covid we were the only guests, but despite this we got a fantastic view reception at 11 in the evening, when we were offered food and drink.
Lovely greenery in the area, with its own crops. Nice work with Watoto foundation, which educates street boys who complete the education on the lodge's property.
Throughout our stay we were well taken care of by always smiling staff who wanted our best.
Near Arusha National Park, the lodge offers various activities.
No pool, hot water for a couple of hours in the afternoon, electricity in the rooms for a couple of hours in the evening, possibility to charge mobile during other times is available at the reception.
The lodge is located about 30 minutes from the main road towards Arusha, there are no shops, you are simply left at the lodge and just enjoy the surroundings.
Accommodation in own bungalow, tidy and clean. Shower, toilet, towels and soap (no shampoo).
We are so grateful that we got to stay with you and for all the attention you gave us!
Best regards Liza & Mårten from Sweden
Due to covid we were the only guests, but despite this we got a fantastic view reception at 11 in the evening, when we were offered food and drink.
Lovely greenery in the area, with its own crops. Nice work with Watoto foundation, which educates street boys who complete the education on the lodge's property.
Throughout our stay we were well taken care of by always smiling staff who wanted our best.
Near Arusha National Park, the lodge offers various activities.
No pool, hot water for a couple of hours in the afternoon, electricity in the rooms for a couple of hours in the evening, possibility to charge mobile during other times is available at the reception.
The lodge is located about 30 minutes from the main road towards Arusha, there are no shops, you are simply left at the lodge and just enjoy the surroundings.
Accommodation in own bungalow, tidy and clean. Shower, toilet, towels and soap (no shampoo).
We are so grateful that we got to stay with you and for all the attention you gave us!
Best regards Liza & Mårten from Sweden
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 11 May 2022
Liza & Mårten, Thanks for your nice review and good to hear that you you appreciated also our work with Watoto Foundation centre in Makumira where our student get a four years Education also for the hotel industry. It is correct that our ‘bird’s paradise’ Kiboko Lodge is a wonderful place to stay and we are happy to see that you enjoyed it! Best regards, Joyce, Frank & our team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I recently stayed here for three nights. This is an inexpensive and peaceful lodge. it beautifully situated on the edge of Arusha National Park. There is no traffic noise whatsoever. And there is little disturbance, to the tranquility of the early mornings and delicious evenings, from those very noisy loud speakers, placed outside many religious institutions around Arusha. A disturbance that plagues so many similarly priced lodges, and quite a few of the more expensive ones too, all around this fast growing city - the primary gateway to a Tanzanian safari.
Kiboko Lodge is part of the Watoto foundation. An organisation which aims to give impoverished young people from the cities of Tanzania hope and a fresh start in life.
Not only that, the management of Kiboko Lodge is keen to manage the grounds in as ecologically friendly manner as possible. They are undertaking dynamic physical works that in the long run will attract as much wildlife as possible to the lodge. These activities already bring much enjoyment to the guests.
If you want to make your hard earned holiday currency do something really useful then I recommend you check it out!
This Lodge is beautifully situated with wonderful views, across a grazing meadow, to Mount Meru and the surrounding forests of the national park. Right in front of the lodge is a wetland area that attracts a lot of birds and butterflies, and beautiful dragonflies too, in the appropriate season.
This is a lodge where the management is intent on improving the lot of both people and wildlife in Tanzania; and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Accommodation is simple but adequate and the food similar. This is a great place to visit if, as a tourist, you really want to do your bit to improve the condition of the world we live in.
Kiboko Lodge is part of the Watoto foundation. An organisation which aims to give impoverished young people from the cities of Tanzania hope and a fresh start in life.
Not only that, the management of Kiboko Lodge is keen to manage the grounds in as ecologically friendly manner as possible. They are undertaking dynamic physical works that in the long run will attract as much wildlife as possible to the lodge. These activities already bring much enjoyment to the guests.
If you want to make your hard earned holiday currency do something really useful then I recommend you check it out!
This Lodge is beautifully situated with wonderful views, across a grazing meadow, to Mount Meru and the surrounding forests of the national park. Right in front of the lodge is a wetland area that attracts a lot of birds and butterflies, and beautiful dragonflies too, in the appropriate season.
This is a lodge where the management is intent on improving the lot of both people and wildlife in Tanzania; and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Accommodation is simple but adequate and the food similar. This is a great place to visit if, as a tourist, you really want to do your bit to improve the condition of the world we live in.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Service
Room Tip: Try to reserve a "front" room with a view out over the grazing meadow towards serenely...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 10 Oct 2022
Dear James, Thanks for your review, and we are happy to read that you enjoyed your stay at kiboko lodge “a small birds paradise” to the fullest, the wildlife's and the service of our former student of Watoto Foundation. Your review will help us to get more and more guests from all over the world, “come as a client, and leave as a friend” Karibu tena Best regards, Joyce, Frank & our team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No matter if you just want to relax, do safari or even homeoffice - the Kiboko Lodge is your place to go. Due to Covid my safari got cancelled and I stayed 9 nights at here. The staff is extremely friendly, the rooms beautiful and with a private atmosphere and the food simply amazing. The fruits you get with every meal grow in the garden (couldn't get enough of the acocados) and the cooks, which are former street children. Hopefully it was not the last visit for me! Ps: The sight of the Mount Meru, Bone fires under the stars and birds (once even a big turtle) in the yard are just some examples for what make this lodge so exceptional ;)
Asante kwa kila kitu!
Asante kwa kila kitu!
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 9 Jan 2022
Dear Sarah, Thanks so much for your comment on your stay at Kiboko lodge and that you appreciate the service and good food prepared by former students of our Watoto Foundation. Every body was so happy with you, and we really hope one day you will visit again, "come as a client, leave as a friend" Best regards, Joyce, Frank & our team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We just spent 4 nights at Kiboko Lodge and had a great time. We arrived late in the evening on the day of arrival, but were still welcomed with some nice soup, not to have to go to bed with an empty stomach.
The next morning was a wonderful surprise, with all the bird sounds and lovely views. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all great, and the staff is very helpful and friendly.
The lodge has plenty nice spaces to just sit, watch the birds, read and relax, and there are plenty of activities that can be organized from the lodge. We visited Watoto Foundation in Makumeru, which was very interesting, and an impressive and heart warming initiative.
On another day we went on a day safari to Arusha National Park, which was beautiful too.
On some evenings there was a camp fire to sit around, and there is a fire in the restaurant space every evening, which was our favourite hangout after dinner.
For us this was a great start of our vacation and we would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Tanzania!
Thank you to all the lovely staff and to Noud for creating this space and this opportunity for street boys in need.
The next morning was a wonderful surprise, with all the bird sounds and lovely views. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all great, and the staff is very helpful and friendly.
The lodge has plenty nice spaces to just sit, watch the birds, read and relax, and there are plenty of activities that can be organized from the lodge. We visited Watoto Foundation in Makumeru, which was very interesting, and an impressive and heart warming initiative.
On another day we went on a day safari to Arusha National Park, which was beautiful too.
On some evenings there was a camp fire to sit around, and there is a fire in the restaurant space every evening, which was our favourite hangout after dinner.
For us this was a great start of our vacation and we would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Tanzania!
Thank you to all the lovely staff and to Noud for creating this space and this opportunity for street boys in need.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank R, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 8 Feb 2020
Dear Noortje, Thanks for your nice review and good to hear that you appreciated also the visit of our main Watoto Foundation center in Makumira where our student get a 4 year education also for the hotel industry. To visit the Arusha national park is indeed a very nice safari in one of the beautiful parks of Tanzania with the highest density per km2 for giraffes in the world. Karibu tena, welcome again, Best regards, Joyce, Frank and Kiboko lodge team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved staying at Kiboko lodge! It was the perfect place to stay after a 3 day safari in a jeep, since we used it as a base for walking tours. We loved camp fire each night and the great food and friendly staff. We did the Bush Tour and the Coffee Tour while we were there. We especially loved the Coffee Tour because it benefited the women in the village. During the Bush Tour, we saw a monkey jumping across a river. During the Coffee tour, we learned how to make coffee from the village women, and we also bought a banana trunk bowl and hot-plate.
Overall, we had a great experience and highly recommend Kiboko Lodge!
Overall, we had a great experience and highly recommend Kiboko Lodge!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 16 Nov 2020
Dear Keya Good to hear that you were happy to stay at our beautiful Kiboko Lodge and that you also like our activities;"come as a client, leave as a friend" We hope that you come back again. Best regards, Kiboko Lodge team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My family, 3 young kids age 4, 6 and 7, stayed for two nights at Kiboko lodge. The place is very clean, staff is extremely friendly and have a very positive energy. Also a very professional kitchen and staff. I would recommend doing some social activities her, like the village walk, visit some local schools etc. We even visited a home of a school girl which was very interesting to experience for our own kids. I would definitely recommend this place to visit and experience some local culture and activities.
All earnings of the lodge are dedicated to the Watoto Foundation to help street kids have a better future. We are happy to be able to support this via our stay.
All earnings of the lodge are dedicated to the Watoto Foundation to help street kids have a better future. We are happy to be able to support this via our stay.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 4 Sept 2020
Dear Olaf and family, Good to hear that you were happy to stay at our “Bird’s Paradise” Kiboko Lodge with splendid isolation and that you also like our activities; It is true that it is an exciting part of holiday to be in the local environment. We hope that you come back again. Welcome kiboko lodge where the beauty and the nature meet together! Best regards, Joyce, Frank and Kiboko Lodge team
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Me and my friends loved our stay at Kiboko lodge. Frank, the manager, told us it was the most beautiful lodge in Arusha and he wasn't lying. We were overwhelmed by the gorgeous location, the impressive nature surrounding and the well-made and unique lodge itself. Even more, all of the staff were super-friendly, the dinner and breakfast were so tasty and fresh and also the communication and safari arranged by them were impecable. Best place to stay when visiting Arusha National Park!
Louise, Ina, Geert & Paskazia
Louise, Ina, Geert & Paskazia
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Frank Robert, General Manager at Kiboko Lodge
Responded 22 Apr 2024
Dear Louise, Ina, Geert&Paskazia We appreciate your review so much and it is good to read that you had memorable stay. To be the middle of an Africa community with a beautiful environment is very special See you sometimes in the near future Kind regards, Kiboko Lodge team, Joyce&Frank
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dear Valued guest,
It is completely safe to stay alone at our beautiful Kiboko Lodge, The property is well fenced and we have our maasai security guide the whole night.
We do organize the transfers from the airport, we advice to have 4WD
Charge of the laptop is for some hours 6:30 to 9:30 pm, we only have solar at our lodge
We were opened since 2010
Transportation for 4 I think was $75 USD.
DXRtrvlr asked a question Jul 2018
North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina68 contributions32 helpful votesWould a woman traveling alone feel safe and comfortable staying here?
yes, absolutely!
Yes. In the evening in your room. Throughout the day behind the main desk.
Hi Frank..was there in May..this lodge was not an upscale lodge like the SOPA's or Sarena's but it has some unusual characteristics. It is basic with small buildings which contain two units each. The setting is wonderful, the food is good, the staff attention and operation is terrific. What sets it apart is that it is owned and operated by a foundation that educates and trains street kids in Arusha including how to operate a lodge..they do a great job. Worth your time and effort to spend at least one night and if you are so inclined, to make a contribution to the foundation (we did). The only down side is that the road leading to the lodge is one of the roughest, but that maybe adds to the appeal.
"Take the village hike and learn every about the local people. And have an eye for the weavers and sunbirds. "Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
HK$1,006 - HK$1,232 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
TanzaniaArusha RegionArusha
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kiboko Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Kiboko Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Ngurdoto Crater (3.5 km), BEEtopia (2.0 km), and Mount Meru Waterfall (4.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Kiboko Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Kiboko Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Kiboko Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Does Kiboko Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Kiboko Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Kiboko Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.