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Ngorongoro Farm House

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Base for Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
- Farm tours & treks with Maasai guides
- 51 rooms
- Pool and lovely gardens

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Overview

Ngorongoro 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.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • 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

    MissingJuhae 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”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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