The Plantation Lodge

What a great place this is! Great people, going beyond. Food is fantastic. Rooms super clean. We booked an extra night because we loved it so much!

If 10 out of 10 characterizes the best of the best, The Plantation Lodge qualifies for a solid 12!! Nestled in the lush green foothills of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area above the small town of Karatu, the Lodge is a true heaven on Earth. Although the arrival might be a bit challenging, as the mud road leading to the Lodge can get quite slippery and bumpy; but once you’re through the gate, you’ve arrived in paradise.

Over the last thirty years German born Renate Marahrens, who everyone around refers to as Mama, has created an outstanding hospitality gem. About 20 guestrooms and suites are scattered around the vast park with age old trees, meticulously cut lawns and colorful bushes and flowerbeds. The property offers a beautiful pool with pool bar, restaurant, bar, lounge with library, terraces and gift shop plus various other amenities. What really stunned me – particularly as a hotelier – is that perfect, quiet and yet totally unpretentious service of the whole team. Literally everyone we encountered was exceptionally friendly, guest focused and attentive. My friend’s gluten free diet was proactively taken care of – one evening the restaurant’s dinner menu even offered a gluten free option or the chef offered a special desert; I left my dirty trekking shoes outside our suite and within minutes they were thoroughly scrubbed clean; we spoke about our upcoming trip to Ngorongoro Crater, in the morning lunch boxes (including one for our guide!) were prepared and so on…

All rooms, public or guestrooms are extremely well appointed. No, they do not provode the newest gadgets of Apple or the likes, everything is just thoughtful, specific and very tastefully arranged – and works properly. On top, the whole lodge is extremely well maintained; although not brand new, rooms, gardens, furniture, table top and so on do not show any wear and tear.

I truly recommend this place to every avid traveller and particularly to those friends in the industry, who consider their property as the epitome of hospitality - go, have a look!!! We really, really enjoyed every single minute of our stay and did not find anything to criticize, except perhaps the road – but hey, apparently a golf course is under development close by and may also bring a new road. We’ll be back…

Just a short drive from the main highway on the way from Ngora Ngora Crater to Arusha you will find this fabulous Lodge. The Lodge is built on land that was once a coffee plantation. The staff are dedicated to providing excellent friendly service. The accommodation is classic, meals are individually created, the wine cellar is an art. Taste is good too. We highly recommend.

We had a one night stay during a ten days Safari.
The Lodge was great.
Nice rooms. Great Garden. Really nice People. Great Food.

Next time we will stay for longer.

Lovely place and charming.Great staff who really care about you. Best food so far

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Plantation Lodge. It is hidden down a dirt road away from the main road between Karatu and the Ngorogoro Conservation Region and is so fantastically peaceful. As well being well located for the Ngorogoro Crater it is also close to the Lake Manyara National Park.
There was a set menu for dinner each night which included at least a couple of options for main courses and all those we tried were delicious. There is a lovely bar area which has plenty of choice for drinks.
The rooms are large and clean with a bed I found very comfortable. The staff are exceptionally friendly and the grounds are lovely.

This is an incredibly beautiful lodge. The grounds are gorgeous and very well maintained. What a great place to spend time while in Tanzania!

Very luxury lodge in Karatu, near Ngorongoro crater.
Huge rooms with confortable beds and mosquito nets. Very nice bathrooms!
The food also was very good, however it could be a little bit more extravagant for the class of the lodge, however, overall can not complain.

The whole lodge is arranged in a wonderful garden which is worth a walk around. The area is fenced, so no animals around and safe walks. Furthermore there is a pool

The Plantation Lodge was exactly what we needed. An idyllic spot, green all around, perfect to escape from the city and have a tranquil, relaxed few days. The place is just stunning, the staff was great and the food, made with fruits and veggies they grow themselves, was incredibly tasty. Oh and we absolutely loved the bathtub in our room, perfect cherry on top.

Plantation Lodge was a peaceful island in Tanzania. Located within close proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge is a safe haven. Filtered water, delicious gourmet cuisine, and wonderful accommodations. After a week on Safari and riding in a LandRover, this place is perfect. The houses were well equipped with soft sheets and towels spacious with a very comfortable bed. Setting is truly a plantation with excellent food, drinks, and polite staff. Be sure to dip into the warm water pool and enjoy the grounds. Stay more than one night, because you will truly enjoy. The owner is a German woman and in true German fashion, she pays attention to details. Superb!

Beautiful place, stunning rooms, great service, fantastic food. Also very close to the entrance to Ngorongoro Crater park.
We lived it here and would stay again.

lovely location, stunning architecture, beautiful rooms, excellent food, nice swimming pool, lovely staff. Ask the gardener to show you around the coffee Plantation and gardens. Best to say at Plantation Lodge and visit the safari sites as day trips.

Wounder place. Great people, staff etc. Warm and comfortable atmosphere. Highly recommend this place. 🇨🇦

We have been here after a hiking on a very hot day and enjoyed the pool as well the restaurant in the evening. Thanks to Renate and her Team!

Very peaceful, comfortable and relaxing. A perfect place to unwind after a hard day on safari. The staff are also lovely.

An amazing lodge. Great experience!! Excellent food, super service, unbelievable landscape. I loved the place and would highly recommend

Amazing lodge.
Exceptional rooms and food.
Very close to Ngorongoro Crater.

Highly recommended.

One of the nicest places I have ever stayed. Wonderful and charming service, elegant accommodations, and excellent food.

One of the most beautiful places I've ever been!

Beautiful lodge, wonderful people! Totally worth staying here. Food was fantastic and they cater for vegetarians.