Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Outside the Park
Kiboko Lodge
LODGE $$
( 0784-659809;
www.wfkibokolodge.com
;
s/d/ste half board US$63/106/186; ) Most
employees at this nonprofit, charity-run lodge are former street kids who received training
at the Watoto Foundations' vocational training school. But, it's not just a feel-good project;
it's a great place to stay. The spacious and attractive stone cottages have fireplaces, hot wa-
ter and safes, and the thatched-roof lounge is almost homey. Take one of their village tours
or just sit back and watch the lone hippo in the adjacent swamp and admire the great Meru
views. It's 5km down a 4WD-only road east of Ngongongare gate.
Rivertrees Country Inn
LODGE $$$
( 027-255 3894;
www.rivertrees.com
; s/d/tr from US$180/220/290, 2-room River House
US$950; ) With a genteel old-world ambience and excellent cuisine served
family-style around a large wooden dining table, Rivertrees is a perfect post-national park
stop. A variety of rooms and cottages, some wheelchair accessible, are spread throughout
vast natural gardens with huge trees along the Usa River. Meals, made with produce from
their own gardens, are superb and available to nonguests (lunch/dinner US$26/30) by reser-
vation. Cultural tours (to local villages and coffee farms) and spa treatments are available.
It's located just east of Usa River village, set back off the Moshi Hwy.
Meru View Lodge
LODGE $$
( 0784-419232;
www.meru-view-lodge.de
;
s/d/tr US$90/130/180; ) This un-
assuming place has a mix of large and small (all priced the same) cottages set in quiet
grounds just 1km south of Ngongongare gate. The small rooms feel like children's play-
houses, but the others are fine.
INFORMATION
Entry fees are adult/child five to 15 years US$35/10 per 24-hour period. There's a US$20
rescue fee per person per trip for treks on Mt Meru and the Meru huts also cost $20.
The main park entrance is at the southern Ngongongare gate. The northern Momella
gate is 12km further north near
park headquarters
( 027-255 3995;
arusha@tanzaniaparks.com) , which is the main contact for making campsite or resthouse
reservations. Both gates are open 6.30am to 6.30pm.
There are some informative displays about the park and the people who live around it at
Ngongongare gate and a few dusty stuffed animals at the Ngurdoto Museum.
