Highlights
- Convenient for Ngorongoro Crater
- Lovely Gardens
- Swimming Pool
- Farm Walks
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquirePlantation Lodge is a lovely, independently owned property set in lush, tropical grounds near Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands, Northern Tanzania. The lodge is located near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is accessible by road or plane, with the nearest airport a 20 minute drive away.
The main lodge is built in an attractive colonial style and houses two dining rooms, a large bar and a cosy lounge area complete with wood burning stove. Dining can be arranged indoors, outside on the terrace, in the pretty grounds or even the wine cellar. The gardens are a delightful feature of this property and there’s a lovely kidney-shaped swimming pool.
The accommodation comprises 15 standard rooms and 7 suites dotted around the gardens. Some rooms are fully detached while others are clustered together. Each standard room has a double bed (mattresses can be unzipped to make 2 singles) and an en-suite bathroom with shower. Every room has a veranda and the suites have separate lounge areas with wood burners for the cooler months. The Garden House has 4 bedrooms with a shared lounge, perfect for groups or families, and private dining can be arranged. Do bring warm clothing since the Lodge sits at an altitude of 1600m and temperatures can cool down as low as 8 degrees Celsius overnight in the winter months (May - November).
Like its nearby alternatives, Gibb's Farm and Tloma Lodge, we tend to recommend this property for a 2 - 3 night stay as a base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, with some time built in for relaxation in the lodge and gardens. Animal sightings are possible year-round, although in April and May the rains mean that roads may be unpassable. Guided walks to nearby coffee plantations or neighbouring farms are offered, and there’s also the lodge’s wine cellar to explore!
Families are well catered for, with accommodation available in the Garden House, or in the two-bedroom family suite with its own dining area, lounge and fireplace. Highchairs and cots are available. Although there is no age restriction at the property, children under the age of 12 are unable to participate in guided walks. However, the large pool and extensive gardens provide children with plenty of outdoor entertainment during down-time between game drives. Although parents can be reassured by the fence around the property to keep wildlife at bay, children must be kept under constant supervision.
Plantation Lodge is a characterful property offering a good level of comfort and plenty of rest in charming surroundings. This is an excellent choice in its moderate price range.
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024