Eileens Trees Inn – Karatu
Eileen’s Tree Inn Karatu — Safari Stay in Tanzania 2025/2026
When planning a safari in Tanzania, one of the most important decisions travelers face is where to stay. A comfortable lodge can transform your journey from simply memorable to absolutely unforgettable. Eileen’s Tree Inn, located in the welcoming town of Karatu, is one of those special places that stands out for its warmth, charm, and location. Surrounded by lush gardens and decorated with colorful flowers, this family-friendly lodge offers a peaceful retreat that perfectly balances relaxation with adventure.
Eileen’s Tree Inn is not just a stopover. It is a destination in itself where guests can unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy true Tanzanian hospitality. With spacious guest rooms, a sparkling swimming pool, delicious meals prepared from farm-fresh ingredients, and attentive service, it provides everything a traveler needs before or after exploring the national parks of northern Tanzania. Whether you’re preparing for an exciting safari or winding down from days in the Serengeti, Eileen’s Tree Inn promises comfort, value, and authenticity.
📍 Location: The Gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit
Karatu is often described as the gateway to the northern safari circuit, and for good reason. Its location is ideal for those visiting Tanzania’s most famous national parks. When you stay at Eileen’s Tree Inn, you are never far from adventure.
To the north lies the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. A short 30-minute drive takes you into this natural wonder, where you can encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, and even endangered black rhinos in a breathtaking volcanic caldera. Just 25 minutes from Karatu is Lake Manyara National Park, home to flamingos, elephants, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
A slightly longer journey of 90 minutes will bring you to Tarangire National Park, which is renowned for its massive elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. For those eager to experience the legendary Serengeti National Park, Karatu serves as a perfect resting point before continuing the journey deeper into the plains. The Serengeti is about a 2.5-hour drive away, making it accessible for those following the full safari circuit.
With all these destinations within reach, Eileen’s Tree Inn is more than just a lodge. It is a strategic base that allows travelers to explore northern Tanzania with ease and comfort.
Eileens Trees Inn – Karatu Photo gallery
These are real photos from our clients on their Tanzania safaris. They show the wildlife, landscapes, and special moments you can experience on your own safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
Our safari experts consistently recommend Eileen’s Tree Inn because of its strategic location in Karatu, close proximity to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and genuine hospitality. For families, it offers a safe and comfortable environment where children can enjoy the outdoors. For couples, the peaceful gardens and cozy verandas make it a romantic escape. For solo travelers and groups, the inn provides a warm, social environment that encourages sharing safari experiences.
If you are looking for a lodge that combines comfort, convenience, affordability, and authentic Tanzanian charm, Eileen’s Tree Inn is an excellent choice.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Eileens Trees Inn – Karatu Highlights
- Peaceful lodge in Karatu surrounded by gardens
- Close to Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire & Lake Manyara
- Spacious rooms with verandas & en-suite bathrooms
- Farm-fresh meals with Tanzanian hospitality
- Swimming pool, bar, Wi-Fi & gift shop
- Perfect for families, couples & safari groups
- Great value mid-range safari accommodation
At a glance
- Tanzania
- Safari Accommodation
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Why Choose Eileen’s Tree Inn in Karatu?
Many safari travelers want accommodation that is welcoming, comfortable, and affordable without sacrificing quality. Eileen’s Tree Inn delivers exactly that. The lodge is designed to feel like home, yet it gives guests a strong sense of Tanzanian culture through its design, food, and hospitality.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Eileen’s is its prime location. The property is just outside Karatu town, close to the road that leads to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This makes it very convenient for safari goers who want to explore multiple destinations without long detours.
Another highlight is that the inn is owner-operated by Tanzanians who have many years of experience in safaris and hospitality. This ensures a personal touch and authentic service that larger chain hotels often lack. The gardens are beautifully maintained, filled with flowers, shrubs, and trees that create a calming environment and attract birdlife.
Guests also appreciate the spacious rooms, each with a private veranda, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and writing desks for journaling safari adventures. The dining experience is another favorite, offering farm-fresh food that combines international flavors with local recipes. Considering its pricing and amenities, Eileen’s Tree Inn provides some of the best value for money in Karatu, making it a top recommendation for travelers.
Activities in and Around Karatu
While the main draw of Karatu is its proximity to Tanzania’s national parks, the area itself has much to offer. Guests at Eileen’s Tree Inn can take part in cultural, natural, and adventure activities that enrich their safari journey.
A visit to the Ngorongoro Crater is often at the top of every traveler’s list. The crater is considered one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. Just a short drive away, Lake Manyara National Park impresses visitors with its birdlife, hippos, and tree-climbing lions. For elephant lovers, a day trip to Tarangire National Park offers incredible encounters with these giants, especially during the dry season.
Closer to Karatu, visitors can explore the town’s colorful markets, tour local coffee plantations, or engage in cultural experiences with the Iraqw people, an indigenous community of the region. Those who enjoy hiking can explore trails in the Crater Highlands, offering stunning views of the countryside.
Eileen’s Tree Inn therefore provides not only a safari hub but also access to authentic cultural experiences that make a trip to Tanzania even more rewarding.
Travel Tips for Staying at Eileen’s Tree Inn
To make the most of your stay, here are a few travel tips. The best time to visit Karatu depends on what you want to see. The dry season from June to October is ideal for game drives, as wildlife is easier to spot. The green season from November to May is quieter and offers lush scenery, fewer crowds, and good birdwatching.
When packing, bring light, breathable clothing for the day, but also pack a sweater or jacket for the cool evenings in the highlands. Swimwear is useful if you want to enjoy the pool. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.
Karatu is about a three-hour drive from Arusha, the starting point for most northern circuit safaris. The currency used is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), although US dollars are widely accepted.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make your stay at Eileen’s Tree Inn even more enjoyable.
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- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Eileen’s Tree Inn is in Karatu, northern Tanzania, just a short drive from Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Serengeti.
The lodge has 25 en-suite rooms, including single, double, triple, and family options, each with verandas, mosquito nets, and hot showers.
Yes. The lodge is ideal for families with spacious family rooms, safe gardens, and a swimming pool for children to enjoy.
Facilities include a swimming pool, bar and lounge, dining hall, free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, and a 24-hour front desk.
Yes. Tanzania Safari Experience includes Eileen’s Tree Inn in many itineraries, making it easy to combine your stay with guided safaris.
Its prime location in Karatu, warm Tanzanian hospitality, farm-fresh meals, and affordable mid-range pricing make it one of the best safari lodges in the area.