Highlights
- Base for Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
- Farm tours & treks with Maasai guides
- 51 rooms
- Pool and lovely gardens
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireNgorongoro Farm House is nestled in a 500 acre coffee plantation near Karatu in North Tanzania, just 4 kilometres from the Lolduare entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where volcanic craters form a stunning backdrop to some of Africa’s richest grazing grounds. This expansive property, with its far-ranging views, is in close proximity to the Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Preservation of the traditional lifestyles of local tribes is a priority here, and there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the Maasai and Irawq communities.
The main building, with its thatched roof, houses the comfortable lounge area, restaurant and library. Expansive decking areas offer spectacular views of the Oldeani Volcano and there is a curio shop, a good-sized pool and plenty of shade in the well-established gardens. Massage treatments are also available.
Activities here include exploring the plantation itself, and also trips to nearby Lake Manyara National Park, home to a diverse set of landscapes and wildlife, or to the breathtakingly vast Ngorongoro crater, stalking ground for up to 30,000 animals at any one time. This is the best place in Tanzania to see the Big 5, so high volumes of vehicle traffic can be expected at times. Although hikes in the crater itself are not possible, there are plenty of trekking opportunities in the wider conservation area. Closer to home, walks around the coffee plantation, farm and extensive vegetable garden are offered by Maasai guides, introducing guests to local culture and customs. Note that it’s worth choosing the time of your visit carefully since the high altitude does mean that the area is prone to relatively high rainfall, on the plus side the altitude creates a malaria-free micro-climate.
The accommodation is comprised of 3 separate camps with a total of 51 spacious suites, each with its own seating area, en-suite bathroom and viewing veranda. There is a good range of room types from double, twin and triple to family suites. While the property is large, the rooms are well spaced out amidst the luscious foliage and guests can still enjoy tranquility. Be aware, however, that some of the rooms are a long walk from the main building. The lodge has eco-friendly solar power with a back-up generator, cell phone reception and limited land lines. There is no air conditioning.
Provision for children at the Farm House is good, with no age restrictions. Each of the 3 family suites have 2 interconnecting rooms with en-suite bathrooms, indoor seating and verandas. Games such as volleyball and croquet are often set up in the mature, well-tended gardens. Note that the lodge is unfenced, so children must be well behaved and kept under constant parental supervision.
Belonging to the Tanganyika property portfolio, Ngorongoro Farm House is one of the best options in its price range and is popular with families and groups. Guests can expect a comfortable stay with good facilities and reliable service.
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