Kitela Lodge

Affordable style and comfort with one of the best views in the area.

This lodge is a unique mix of farm comfort and afro-chic style, set on a coffee plantation, a stone's throw from the Ngorongoro Crater. Encounter the Big Five and so much more on the crater floor.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Kitela Lodge

This small, intimate lodge is stationed away from the crowds but is a stone’s throw from the action. Set amongst the coffee plantations of the Karatu Highlands, on an elevated site, the lodge reaps the benefits of its height with wonderful farm views that extend to the eastern crater edge. The serene main areas, together with the wellness spa, guarantee a relaxing escape. Comfortable functionality, affordable style and a convenient location make Kitela a winner on all counts.

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From $310 person/night

Lodge

20 Rooms

Karatu & Surrounds, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

What you'll love

The view! The rooms are comfortable and the location is convenient, but the best thing Kitela has to offer is it's eye-catchingly brilliant view.

Insiders tip

Spare some time to enjoy the activities that aren't focused on wildlife-watching and enjoy strolls around the farm and vegetable gardens, forest hikes, community visits and meetings with the local communities.

Something to think about

The area around the lodge is growing rapidly and a few, less-than-attractive developments have sprung up recently. Don't let it put you off however - none of them can be seen from the lodge and the area is still incredibly pretty.

The property

Kitela’s communal facilities are well appointed with dining and lounge areas built with a raised deck to maximise the views. The decor is stylish and comfortable with a splash of colour and plenty of fireplaces to warm your body and soul. Relaxation is always on the cards in the form of lunch with a view or a quiet spot to read a book. The heated pool area further enhances incredible the valley's scenery from the comfort of a reclining deck chair.

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The rooms

There are twenty large thatched suites, each with a luxurious bathroom and panoramic views. The suites’ even distribution on the landscaped gardens enhance the sense of space and privacy, while the personal decks give guests the opportunity for relaxing both in and outdoors. The rooms have large comfy beds with mosquito netting, soft inviting chairs and coffee tables. The perfect place for a little privacy after a long day of exploration.

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Activities

Cultural

Game Drives

There’s no shortage of activities. Explore the game-rich paradise that is the Ngorongoro Crater and enhance the experience with a private lunch or picnic in the crater itself. Hiking in the greater Ngorongoro Conservation area offers beautiful scenery with incredible birdlife. A cultural walk with the local Maasai people will let you into the secrets of their rich culture, traditions and history. If all the exploring leaves you somewhat spent, there’s always the option of a relaxing massage at the lodge.

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Positive impact

The organisation supports various community projects, including the de-snaring project in the Serengeti, medical care solutions like the Olmoti Clinic in Western Kilimanjaro, and educational opportunities like the Emusoi Centre in Arusha. Additionally, initiatives like the Children’s Health Program in Nairobi and contributions to Wildlife Management Areas and Tanzania National Parks underscore their commitment to community well-being and environmental conservation.

Reviews

Norman Allmen

7 months ago

A nice change of pace to stay in a real room versus luxury tents. The overall grounds were very nice - we enjoyed the coffee & garden tour. The pool area was the nicest we saw during our trip. The food was good, but not great like the previous camps we were at. Service and staff was excellent. One suggestion - need to provide soap dishes by the sinks.

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5 out of 5 stars

Yolanda Cartusciello

7 months ago

This has to be one of the most beautiful and magical places we’ve ever stayed in our lives. It was such a pleasure to be at a relaxing environment and yet so close to the Ngorongoro Crater. Great food and lovely grounds made for a truly special stay.

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5 out of 5 stars

Peter Pritchard

2 years ago

This lodge is a more typical permanent lodge that was less exciting than the others but provided everything we required including packed lunches.

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4 out of 5 stars

About Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

The jewel in Tanzania’s crown where the Big Five roam free and there’s an animal around every corner.

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Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Rare

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

Occasional

White Rhino

None

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Occasional

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Abundant

Buffalo

Abundant

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Abundant

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

The Ngorongoro Crater, also known as Africa's Eden, is a place of remarkable beauty and diversity, with a mix of forest, savannah and grassland providing the perfect environment for wildlife to thrive. On the crater floor, experience the Big Five with great black rhino encounters, dense numbers of wildebeest, zebra, eland and exciting lions and cheetah sightings.

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