Kirurumu Tented Lodge is a rustically styled, comfortable property which is a good base to explore both Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. It also has a spectacular location right on the edge of the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, so the views back across Lake Manyara are fantastic.
Stone pathways lead between the main areas and the rooms. The bush around the lodge has been left in its natural state, so instead of highly manicured gardens you will find raw bush which add a very natural feel to the lodge. As you walk around you notice that many of the endemic plants have also been labeled – we really liked this touch.
The dining area and bar are set slightly apart; the bar being situated in a lovely spot looking right out across Lake Manyara, whilst the dining room is tucked into the bush. Both are open sided areas, with a rustic feel to them. Both have are quite simply decorated in a rustic style, with brightly coloured traditional fabrics for the soft furnishings. The communal areas are very comfortable and functional – and though they are not overly stylish, their location and the views are great.
Dotted across 13 acres of land, each of the tented rooms sits on a raised wooden deck and has a spacious bedroom, en-suite and veranda. The rooms are simple yet very nicely put together. There are large comfortable beds covered in throws made from traditional Maasai blankets. Then makuti mats (mats from palm tree fronds) are spread across the highly polished stone floors. (Click here for more info on the tented rooms at Kirurumu...)
Kirurumu Tented Lodge has also recently finished building some newer and larger suites. These are quite a bit more luxurious and spacious than the other tented rooms and are great as family units. Made partly from stone and partly from canvas, they are very private and very comfortable. (Click here for more info on the suites at Kirurumu…..)
Guests staying at Kirurumu Tented Lodge will always be accompanied by their own private driver/guide – so activities focus on 4X4 safaris. It's usually best to plan each day with your guide, the night before, and then head out for a full day with a packed lunch. You can spend the day in Lake Manyara National Park which is a 20-minute drive away, or head a little further to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a 90-minute drive away. If you stay at Kirurumu for three or more nights you can easily visit both areas.
The lodge can also organize short botanical walks in the local area with Maasai guides.
The food at Kirurumu Tented Lodge is mostly international style cuisine. The ingredients are fresh, the menu varied and the timings can be flexible around your days activities. The food here isn't Michelin starred, but it is tasty and hearty.
Kirurumu Tented Lodge is a friendly and unpretentious lodge that is very comfortable. When we were last there, the lodge functioned well, but we didn't find much about it that was inspiring. It seemed, well ... very 'average'. Having said that, the mesmerizing views from the bar are amazing; it is worth staying here for the views alone.
Ideal length of stay: Spend two nights here if you just want to visit Lake Manyara National Park, if you also want to use this as a base to explore the Ngorongoro Crater then stay for three nights.
Central facilities: The main areas of Kirurumu Tented Lodge are dotted in amongst the surrounding bush, connected by winding stone pathways. All of the areas are very tidy and well kept, and though they are not overly stylish they have a simple rustic charm.
As you arrive you walk into the reception area which is a thatch building with russet red stone floors. A wide open hall way leads between the office and the shop, and is furnished with a few seats and some large, potted plants.
In the shop you will find a good selection of general curious and also some toiletries.
The dining room sits a short way form reception, right in the heart of the surrounding bush. It is a spacious open-sided room with a high thatch roof. Individual tables in a variety of sizes are dotted around, set with white table cloths. The dinning room feels open, cool and comfortable – as with other areas of the lodge, it is simplicity done well.
The best feature of Kirurumu Tented Lodge is its bar area – which has wonderful views over Lake Manyara. This canvas and stone building is a rustic but comfortable spot, dotted with lounging chairs and sofas. It has a totally open front, and a broad wooden deck on which you'll find directors' chairs set to admire the breathtaking views.
Directions: Kirurumu Tented Lodge is a 2-hour drive from Arusha, a 20-minute drive from Lake Manyara National Park and a one hour drive to the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: When we last visited Kirurumu Tented Lodge we did not have time to sample the food. We did however get a good explanation of what guests could expect during their stay.
The first thing that Kirurumu Tented Lodge were eager to point out to us, is that the timings for meals are flexible around what the guests plans are for the day. Nothing is set in stone here and the lodge will do their best to accommodate everyone.
In the morning, a buffet breakfast is usually served between 7 – 9am. This consists of a variety of cereals, fresh fruit and also a cooked breakfast. You can choose how what you would like with your cooked breakfast and how to have your eggs.
For lunch, you can either choose to head out with a packed lunch, or come back to the lodge. If you head back to the lodge, lunch is usually served between 12.30 – 2pm. It is a set menu with three courses, you can expect a varied menu of international style dishes.
Dinner is also a set three course meal – this is usually served between 7 – 9pm. The menu for dinner is also international style cuisine, though often Kirurumu Tented Lodge will have traditional Swahili night where guests can try a variety of local dishes.
Dietary requirements can be catered for.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Drinks included: Drinks are additional charge – you can expect to pay around $2 for a soda drink, or $3.50 for a beer or a glass of wine.
Children
Attitude towards children: Kirurumu Tented Lodge will happily welcome children
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Kirurumu Tented Lodge.
Activities: Kirurumu Tented Lodge does not have any special services or activities for children.
Equipment: There is no special equipment here either.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: We would recommend Kirurumu Tented Lodge for children. It is friendly and relaxed has some lager suites which are suitable for families. However parents should be aware that there is a steep cliff at the very front of the lodge which is seldom properly fenced. There is also dangerous wildlife around the lodge. Children should never be left unaccompanied.
Central communications
Communications: There is internet access and phones in the office which clients can use in an emergency. There is intermittent mobile phone reception around the lodge.
TV & radio: No
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: For small injuries there is a first aid kit on site, there is a doctor at a nearby hotel which is only 15 minutes away and a clinic in a nearby town. For more serious cases Kirurumu Tented Lodge has access to the flying doctors.
Security measures: There are Maasai guards around the lodge during the day and at night time.
Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher outside the bedrooms and also in the main areas.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is an extra charge – from about $1.50 per item.
Money: Kirurumu Tented Lodge can exchange small amounts of cash only.
Accepted payment: At the end of your stay, you can settle your bill using cash in Tanzanian shillings, US dollars and Euros. You can also use US dollar travellers' cheques and there is no charge for this.
You can pay using Visa or Mastercard, however there is a minimum spend of $100 and 7% surcharge.
We want you to understand more about Kirurumu Tented Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Kirurumu's own webpage Kirurumu Tented Camp's own website, which has some lovely pictures and brief factual descriptions.
