Plantation Lodge

A farmhouse-style hotel in the pretty Karatu area of rural Tanzania and near Ngorongoro.

An upmarket lodge that caters for a wide variety of interests. The birding is plentiful, the Big Five await just 12 km away in the Ngorongoro Crater and the spa offers indulgent pampering.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Plantation Lodge

This mid-sized, owner-run lodge is located in the hills of rural Karatu, about halfway between Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park - and a short drive to Tarangire National Park and the extraordinary Serengeti. Set in 10 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, Plantation Lodge offers a great mix of lush surroundings, lodge comfort, excellent food, spa pampering, aesthetically pleasing African style and access to Tanzania's most scenic national parks.

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From $260 person/night

Lodge

24 Rooms

Karatu & Surrounds, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

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What you'll love

Every so often, a moment of quiet is needed in a jam-packed safari schedule and the gardens here are just the place to relax. Filled with hibiscus, jacaranda, and fluttering butterflies and birds, they are scent-filled and heavenly.

Insiders tip

The standard suites are lovely, but if you're staying for a couple of nights, you could do worse than upgrading to one of the suites with their enormous bathrooms, cosy living areas and secluded patios.

Something to think about

The lodge is certainly a good base from which to visit the Ngorongoro Crater and its melee of wildlife, but it will take at least 30 minutes to reach the gate and the road can be bumpy.

The property

The main area is a central house that includes dining, lounge and bar facilities, all under one roof and decorated in elegant colonial style. In the dining area, the tables are intimate and comfortable, the cuisine is excellent and the atmosphere is warm. Seating areas are scattered across the central area, and most have a fireplace as their focal point. Outside, a veranda leads to rolling lawns and a swimming pool surrounded by chairs.

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The rooms

There are 15 standard rooms at the lodge, but actually they are far more than simply ’standard’! Extremely spacious and beautifully decorated, they all have fireplaces and cosy seating areas, and some also have small outdoor verandas. Bathrooms are sparkling and just as big. For families, there are two-bedroom suites. The six suites are newer additions and are equally as lovely but a touch larger and definitely more private.

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Activities

Cultural

Game Drives

Bush Walks

Birding

At Plantation Lodge the in-house experience takes centre stage, with external activities taking an unexpected supporting role. There are guided walks through an aromatic coffee plantation and visits to the neighbouring community for a taste of culture. The impressive wine cellar provides the opportunity for a little wine tasting. Explore the garden's exotic birdlife and if you fancy a pamper, the spa is ready and waiting. If you're venturing into the parks, request a personal guide – most are helpful and knowledgeable.

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Reviews

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NaN out of 5 stars

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NaN out of 5 stars

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NaN 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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