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.
It was FANTASTIC! Beautifully organised, everything worked like clockwork. We agreed that we had the best support team ever (and we have experience) - all delightful, very professional and nothing was too much bother.
It clearly couldn't have been a better route, such a wonderful mix of landscapes. And plenty of acclimatisation time. Nonetheless, I was glad of my summit oxygen.
Kit excellent. Double good mattresses made for most comfortable trek camping ever. Tents v good. Mess tent pretty windproof, which was vital for enjoyment. Best camp loo ever!
My favourite day was Shira Cathedral. Amazing.
William M
reviewing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
on 15 April 2020
Hi Lisa,
The safari trip was excellent! The stay, the food and the people were all very nice. We were happy to have Ryan and Stanley as our game drive guides they brought us up close to the animals and Ryan gave very good information throughout.
Would definitely recommend to friends who are interested in safaris :)
Also, thanks much for your help, particularly keeping the room for my Brother and his wife they’ve enjoyed the safari very much too!
Best regards,
Woan Chyi
Woan Chyi L
reviewing Cape Town & Kruger Safari
on 16 October 2019
We had a fantastic time and all the arrangements worked perfectly.
We were very impressed with the quality and service levels of all 4 locations visited and it was truly a holiday of a lifetime.
Thank you to you and to Lisa for giving us this experience.
Particular highlights for us – really the whole experience, but of particular impact:
Breathtaking scenery at Cathedral Peak Hotel
Rhino Ridge game drives incredible, thanks to guide (we had their head guide, Hala, who’s knowledge, enthusiasm, kindness, interaction, ability to spot wildlife was out of this world)
Luxury of Rhino Ridge (shower, food, views, service)
Immersion in nature, torch lit meal on last night and beach trip at Kosi Forest Lodge
Level of service, quality of food throughout
Catherine F
reviewing South Africa Safari, Beach and Wetlands
on 04 September 2019