Access & Location:

The lodge is reachable through a 20-minute vehicle transfer from Lake Manyara Airport and a 3½-hour drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. It is located near the village of Karatu, at an elevation of 1,600 meters, among manicured grounds of around 10 hectares.

Accommodation & Facilities At Plantation Lodge

There are four categories of guest accommodation: regular room (15), suite (7), family unit (1), and family suite, referred to as the garden home (1). All are dispersed throughout the grounds. Each room and suite is uniquely furnished and designated with a distinct name, like Bamboo, Blue Mountain, and Cassia. The standard room option is generously spacious, equipped with a comfortable king-size bed or twin beds with mosquito nets, a seating area with a cosy fireplace, a tea-and-coffee station, and well-appointed en-suite facilities. Several of these rooms also feature a private veranda. The family unit consists of two interconnected standard rooms, whilst the family suite includes four rooms together with a lounge and eating area. Each suite provides greater floor area than the ordinary room and a more private location as well. This option features a distinct lounge equipped with a wood-burning stove, a mini-bar and a complete en suite bathroom. For a truly exceptional experience, we propose the Zanzibar suite, including a delightful corner location and an opulently designed bathroom.

The public lounge, dining rooms and bar at The Plantation Lodge are located in the property’s farmhouse, accessible via well-maintained stone walkways through the grounds from the guest suites and rooms. The interiors boast elevated ceilings supported by robust beams, above luminous white walls embellished with intriguing artefacts and monochromatic photographs. A few straw mats on the floor provide an authentic agricultural ambiance. The lounge features ample comfortable seating arranged around coffee tables, while each of the two dining rooms provides distinct table configurations for individuals or groups, equipped with traditional campaign chairs. Guests are invited to indulge in delectable cuisine and beverages in the farmhouse’s shaded courtyard, while the sophisticated bar provides an excellent environment for socialising with fellow travellers. Below the bar, there exists a well-appointed wine cellar, where tasting sessions may be organised. The lodge’s gift shop offers enjoyable browsing between activities, or you may choose to relax on the terraces while admiring the garden vistas. The facility has a swimming pool, equipped with loungers and complimentary towels. In-room massages and manicure-pedicure services are offered.

Activities At Plantation Lodge

The Plantation Lodge has several on-site activities.

• Guided walks around the plantation: This entails a guided tour of the coffee plantations and a visit to a nearby farm to acquire insights into the livelihoods of the local populace. You may also explore the lodge’s exquisite grounds and enjoy observing many lovely birds.
• Safari activities: The entrance to Ngorongoro is an only thirty minutes by road from the lodge, whilst the journey to Lake Manyara requires only forty-five minutes. Both regions possess a substantial abundance of fauna. The Crater hosts all of the Big Five — lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – along with several lesser predators and herbivores. Notable features of Lake Manyara encompass the tree-climbing lions and extensive congregations of flamingos. The Ngorongoro Crater is also abundant in avian species.

Note: This property is unfenced and situated in a wildlife region, allowing huge and potentially hazardous animals to traverse the vicinity. If you want to remain here, remain vigilant while traversing the camp and solicit a staff member to accompany you if you have any apprehensions. All guests are accompanied after dusk as a standard procedure.

Ngorongoro Crater Safaris

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Embark on a guided ascent to the summit of Olmoti for breathtaking vistas or visit the soda lake in Empakaai Crater to observe thousands of pink flamingos. Approximately 25,000 large mammals inhabit the 30,000-hectare Ngorongoro Crater, recognised as one of Africa’s Seven New Natural Wonders.

Ngorongoro is an exceptional safari destination in Tanzania throughout the year. To circumvent crowds, we advise going in January and May. Conversely, July and August provide optimal animal observation opportunities, however they are also the most crowded months.