AMEGs tidy, good-value cottage-style rooms, responsive management and impressive views of Mt Kilimanjaro make the lodge a fine base for visitors to Moshi, whether here on business or to climb Africa’s highest peak.

Each of the 20 rooms has fan, wrought-iron beds (a mix of twins and doubles) and small porches, and some have Wi-Fi. During most of the year (December through February is the main exception), Moshi nights are pleasantly cool, and air-con is not necessary. However, for those who do prefer it, air-con is available in each of AMEG’s five ‘junior suites’.

The lovely, timbered open-air restaurant serves generous portions of well-prepared seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. There is also a great fitness center (Moshi’s best) and a swimming pool with a poolside bar. In addition, the hotel has its own in-house safari and trekking operator, which can organize Kilimanjaro climbs, as well as excursions to the northern circuit safari parks and beyond. Airport transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport (about 35km or a 40-minute taxi ride away) can also be arranged.

AMEG Lodge is set about 3km from Moshi’s bustling center in a quiet, leafy residential area.

The greenery and sense of space offered by the frangipani-scented grounds contrasts nicely with the crowds and concrete in Moshi.

The lodge tends to appeal to those seeking a simple yet comfortable alternative to pricey Arusha for their safari or trekking base, and for this purpose, it is a recommended and reliable choice.