The Plantation Lodge is a country hotel located just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the village of Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Plantation Lodge is a great base from which to explore both Lake Manyara National Park and the incredible Ngorongoro Crater, a 30 minute drive from the lodge, whilst travelling on a privately guided road safari through northern Tanzania. The accommodation is extremely comfortable, without being overly luxurious, and the food and service is very good. The lodge has character and the grounds are very pleasant and offer somewhere relaxing to retreat back to after a busy day game viewing. Management and staff are friendly and efficient. Plantation Lodge is a great all round 4 star option and offers decent value for money.

ACCOMMODATION

Plantation Lodge caters for around 50 guests in 23 large, spacious rooms and suites located in various cottages set around the lovely gardens. Each of the 15 rooms and six suites are individually decorated and all have plumbed…

AREA & ACTIVITIES

The Ngorongoro Highlands sit on the western edge of the Great Rift Valley as it curves south-westwards from the desolate Lake Natron past Lake Manyara to the remote Lake Eyasi. These highlands are the remnants of…

Families

Plantation Lodge accepts children of all ages and their family rooms and suites are very suitable for families. However, it is worth noting that the day trip to Ngorongoro Crater is quite a long day in the vehicle for young children

Conservation & community

Plantation Lodge is run as a hotel-style property and doesn’t have any specific conservation and community projects beyond their natural support of the local community, mainly in terms of employment.

Location Karatu Village, Ngorongoro Highlands
Access By road with private vehicle, nearly 3 hours from Arusha
Open Mid-May to mid-April
Pricing £££££
Camp Style Safari lodge
Focus Big game / Crater experience
Children No age restriction
Activities Game drives by private vehicle into Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara; guided walks from lodge
Vehicles All guests arrive with private vehicle and guide
Off-road Driving No
Number of Rooms 23 rooms and suites (including 1 family room and 1 family suite)
Family Accommodation 1 two bedroomed family room / 1 two bedroomed family suite / 1 four bedroomed Garden House
Bathroom Flush toilet / Plumbed basin / Plumbed shower / Bath (in some rooms and suites)
Power for charging In room
Lighting Electric / Solar / Generator
Hairdryer Provided in room
Heating/Cooling Standing fans / Wood burning stoves in suites
Room Safe Yes
Laundry Service Complimentary in booked suites only
Communication in room No
Wi-Fi Throughout (slow)
Mobile Reception Yes (limited)
Swimming Communal
Wellness Massage
Dining Style Restaurant for residents only
Drinks Included House drinks in booked suites only
Credit Cards Visa and Mastercard