SUMMARY:

Plantation Lodge offers a chic and upscale experience in a beautiful environment. Nestled within three hectares of meticulously cared-for gardens, it is conveniently located just a short distance from Karatu, one of Tanzania’s vibrant market towns. The original farm building, constructed in 1997, is privately owned and operated, reflecting the charm of the German colonial era.

We typically suggest a two-night stay, which is ample time to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Your stay includes full-board accommodations, featuring all meals, parking, and WLAN internet access.

ACCESSIBILITY & POSITION:

The lodge is conveniently reachable with a 20-minute road transfer from Lake Manyara Airport, or a 3½-hour drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Located near the town of Karatu, this property sits at an elevation of 1,600 metres and is set within beautifully landscaped grounds that span around 10 hectares.

LODGING & AMENITIES AT PLANTATION LODGE:

We offer four distinct options for our guests: a standard room (15), a suite (7), a family unit (1), and a family suite, which is also referred to as the garden house (1). All are spread throughout the grounds. Each room and suite features unique decor and is named distinctively, including options like Bamboo, Blue Mountain, and Cassia. The standard room option offers a delightful amount of space, complete with a comfortable king-size bed or twin beds adorned with mosquito nets, a cozy seating area featuring a charming fireplace, a tea-and-coffee station, and well-equipped en-suite facilities. Several of these rooms feature a private veranda as well. The family unit consists of two interconnected standard rooms, whereas the family suite includes four rooms along with a lounge and dining area. Every suite provides additional floor space compared to the standard room, along with a more private setting as well. This choice features a distinct lounge equipped with a wood-burning stove, a mini-bar, and a complete en suite bathroom. If you’re in search of something truly exceptional, we suggest the Zanzibar suite, featuring a delightful corner location and an incredibly luxurious bathroom!

The communal lounge, dining areas, and bar at The Plantation Lodge are located within the farmhouse of the property, accessible via well-maintained stone paths that meander through the gardens, leading from the guest suites and rooms. The interiors showcase lofty ceilings supported by robust beams, complemented by vibrant white walls embellished with captivating artefacts and monochrome photographs. A couple of straw mats on the floor create a genuine rustic ambiance. The lounge features an abundance of cozy seating arranged around coffee tables, and each of the two dining rooms provides options for both individual and group table setups, all furnished with elegant campaign chairs. Visitors are invited to enjoy delightful food and beverages in the farmhouse’s cool courtyard, while the stylish bar provides a wonderful atmosphere for mingling with fellow travelers! Underneath the bar, you’ll find a wine cellar filled with a variety of selections, perfect for arranging tasting sessions. The lodge’s souvenir shop offers a delightful experience for browsing during your downtime, or you might prefer to unwind on the terraces while enjoying the stunning garden views. Additionally, you will find a swimming pool, equipped with lounge chairs and complimentary towels for your convenience! Enjoy the convenience of in-room massages and mani-pedis at your leisure.

ACTIVITIES AT PLANTATION LODGE:

The Plantation Lodge offers a few on-site activities.

Enjoy guided walks through the plantation – This experience features a stroll through the coffee fields and a visit to a nearby farm, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local community. Feel free to explore the stunning gardens of the lodge, and enjoy the delightful experience of birdwatching!
Safari activities – The gate into Ngorongoro is only half an hour by road from the lodge, while the drive to Lake Manyara takes just 45 minutes. Both areas are home to an incredible variety of wildlife! The Crater is home to all of the Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – in addition to numerous smaller predators and herbivores. Highlights of Lake Manyara include the tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos. There’s plenty of birdlife to enjoy in the Ngorongoro Crater too.
* This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.

For further information on either region, please get in touch with a member of our team.