This beautifully situated hotel, on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, stands in twelve acres of mature, well laid out gardens. It 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. The oldest peak on the mountain, Shira, is much smaller and heavily eroded. Its remains are best viewed when climbing via the Machame route

For recreation, the hotel has a swimming pool and croquet lawn, or guests may simply relax in the comfortable 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. .