Quick facts
Destination
karatu town
Country
Tanzania
Category
Safari Lodge
Price tier
Luxury
Starting from
$260 per night
Star rating
4 / 5
Number of rooms
22
Nearest airport
Lake Manyara Airstrip or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — Approx. 20-minute drive from the nearest airstrip, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance
Best for
Families and couples wanting an independently owned, homely colonial-style base near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance
Child policy
Family-friendly with cots and highchairs; children under 12 cannot join guided walks
Last reviewed
June 2026
Plantation Lodge
Plantation Lodge is an independently owned property set in lush, tropical grounds near Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands, located close to the entrance of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with the nearest airport around a 20-minute drive away. Alongside nearby alternatives Gibbโs Farm and Tloma Lodge, it is typically recommended for a 2โ3 night stay as a base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, combining game-drive days with relaxation in the lodge gardens.
Rooms
The main lodge is built in an attractive colonial style, housing two dining rooms, a large bar, a cosy lounge with a wood-burning stove, and a wine cellar that guests can explore. Accommodation comprises 15 standard rooms and 7 suites dotted around the grounds, including a Garden House and a two-bedroom family suite with its own dining area, lounge and fireplace.
Gardens and Activities
The gardens are a delightful feature, centred on a kidney-shaped swimming pool. Guided walks to nearby coffee plantations and neighbouring farms are offered. Families are well catered for with highchairs and cots available; while there is no age restriction at the property, children under 12 cannot join guided walks, though the large pool and gardens provide entertainment between game drives.
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WhatsApp UsLocation & getting there
Nearest airport
Lake Manyara Airstrip or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Transfer time
Approx. 20-minute drive from the nearest airstrip, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance
Facilities & amenities
Rooms & accommodation
Standard Room
Colonial-style room in the lodge grounds with en-suite bathroom and garden surroundings.
Suite
Spacious suite with additional seating area, set within the lush lodge gardens.
Two-Bedroom Family Suite
Family suite with two bedrooms, its own dining area, lounge and fireplace.
Activities offered
Best time to visit
โ Good season โ Low / wet season
Ready to plan your stay at Plantation Lodge?
WhatsApp UsSafariBando's view
Plantation Lodgeโs independent ownership gives it a distinct character among the Karatu-area lodges, with a genuinely homely colonial atmosphere centred on its wine cellar, wood-burning lounge and lush tropical gardens. The 22-room scale and family suite with its own fireplace and lounge make it a strong choice for families wanting more space, while the kidney-shaped pool and garden walks give younger children plenty to do during downtime between Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara game drives.โ The SafariBando team
