This beautifully situated hotel, on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, stands in twelve acres of mature, well laid out gardens. The Marangu Hotel has a fine variety of exotic trees and flowering shrubs. From the gardens there are magnificent views to be had of Kilimanjaro, with its larger peaks of ice-capped Kibo and rocky Mawenzi. It is a one hours drive from Kilimanjaro airport, and half an hour to Moshi. It is an ideal starting point for Kilimanjaro climbs.

The hotel takes its name from the surrounding area. "Marangu" means "full of water" in the local Chagga language, and the lush green surroundings demonstrate the truth of this.

The central hotel building was once a farm house, built in the early 1900s, and is of a charming, old world style. This is a family-run business, with the consequent attention to detail one expects.

Guest accommodation is provided in cottages around the grounds. The cottages are of varied style, and each has its own character. Several cottages have integral central sitting rooms, which are popular with small groups travelling together. All rooms have private bathrooms with bath or shower.

The hotel is renowned for its well-prepared menu, using vegetables from its own gardens and home baked bread. A range of wines is always available.

For recreation, the hotel has a swimming pool and croquet lawn, or guests may simply relax in the bar and lounges. There are also pretty walks to be had locally through the surrounding banana and coffee farms, and along the river that borders the hotel on one side. Where time permits, the colourful local markets are well worth a visit. We are organising a cultural village tour, with visits of the waterfalls, plantations and local houses. This is a good chance to get insights in the traditions and life of the Wachagga people, and to learn about their history.