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.
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023