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.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024