Review: Twiga Lounge by Aspire Kilimanjaro International Airport

Another travel day and airport means another airport lounge. After getting through multiple rounds of security and checking in, I was ready to sit and wait for my flight to Addis Ababa. Luckily, with access to the Twiga Lounge by Aspire Kilimanjaro Airport, I could sit comfortably and, of course, with free snacks. 

This article is part of my Trip Report: Starting Summer in East Africa including:

• My Comically Bad Luck Flying to Africa
• No Compensation for an Involuntary Business Class Downgrade?!?
• Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge IAD
• Review: Lufthansa Business Class Lounge IAD
• Review: Lufthansa B747-8 Economy IAD-FRA 
• My First Flight on the Queen: My Thoughts
• Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge FRA
• Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge FRA 
• Review: Lufthansa A330 Business Class FRA-NBO
• Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham
• Review: Air Kenya into the Safari
• JW Marriott Masai Mara Review: Luxury in the Savannah, a Truly Unforgettable Safari
• Is the JW Marriott Masai Mara Worth $3k a Night?
• Review: Aspire Lounge Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO)
• Review: Kenya Airways NBO-ZNZ E190
• Exploring Tanzania: My Thoughts on Zanzibar
• When Flights Don’t Go as Planned: Delayed in Zanzibar
• Review: Air Tanzania ZNZ-ARK
• Mt. Kilimanjaro Day Hike: My Thoughts
• Exploring Moshi, Tanzania: What Everyone Gets Wrong
• Review: Twiga Lounge by Aspire Lounge Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Weirdest Flight Delay I Have Ever Had… 
• Review: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa Executive Regency Suite
• Exploring Addis Ababa: My Thoughts
• Review: Ethiopian Cloud Nine Business Class Lounge Addis Ababa
• Review: Ethiopian Cloud Nine B787-8 Business Class ADD-IAD
• My 18 Hour Odd Business Class Experience: A Stop in Lome, Togo?

Location and Access

From the international departures area, proceed up the stairs or elevator. Once upstairs, the doors to the Twiga Lounge are easy to find and just to the left. From the gates to the lounge is only about a 3-5 minute walk.

The Twiga Lounge is accessible to Priority Pass cardholders, which is how my friend and I got in. I could access the lounge with my Priority Pass card from my American Express Platinum Card, including free guest access (for up to two people).

I could have also gained access from my Ethiopian Airlines business class ticket, as some airlines contracted the lounge for different premium cabin flyers. 

Twiga Lounge by Aspire Kilimanjaro International Airport

After passing through check-in, there was a small area on the left with cubbies that you could lock your baggage in. To the right, there was a large table. The lounge is very well-lit, thanks to the massive windows along the right side.

The dining area was further back into the lounge and to the left. It was equipped with plenty of table seating and a large buffet, but more on that later. 

In the back left of the lounge was the bathrooms. If you want to use the shower facilities of the lounge, it is an additional cost beyond the entry. 

In the back of the lounge, there were small, divided-off sections with seating that was perfect for small groups. To the right, there is even more seating, with comfortable lounge chairs that feature amazing views out onto the tarmac.

Food and Beverage

I was not expecting to eat much in the lounge, given that I had ordered a gluten-free meal on board the flight. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed, so I returned for additional snacks. 

There were a variety of both hot and cold snacks. Everything from chicken and soup to quiches, cheeses, and fruits was available. There were also more snack-like options, such as chips and popcorn. 

To drink there were plenty of soft drinks and juices. There were also alcoholic options, including champagne, wines, and beers if you are interested. The food itself did not seem the most fresh, given it was late in the evening, but I was impressed by the overall variety. I cannot say that I am a fan that most of the food was covered in plastic wrap.

The Last Point

The Twiga Lounge by Aspire Kilimanjaro International Airport is a great palace to wait for your flight. It is close enough to the gate and easy to access with Priority Pass that it is worth visiting before your departure. 

The food was decent, and the lounge was beautifully designed. I think that it makes a lot of sense to rest before your flight here.