The Plantation Lodge — Safari Stay Near Ngorongoro
The Plantation Lodge Tanzania — Complete Safari Guide
When planning a safari in Tanzania, one of the most important choices you will make is where to stay. Your lodge is not just a place to sleep; it’s where you relax after long days on safari, enjoy delicious meals, and create memories in between your wildlife adventures. One of the most charming and ideally located places to stay in northern Tanzania is The Plantation Lodge. This beautiful retreat is tucked away among coffee plantations and lush gardens near the town of Karatu. Its convenient location makes it the perfect base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the Serengeti.
At Tanzania Safari Experience, we recommend The Plantation Lodge for travelers who want comfort, personal service, and easy access to the northern safari circuit. It combines authentic Tanzanian charm with modern hospitality, making it a favorite among families, couples, and groups alike.
Safari Highlights Near The Plantation Lodge
When staying here, you’ll have access to four of Tanzania’s most famous safari destinations within a short drive.
Ngorongoro Crater
Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this UNESCO site offers an unmatched wildlife viewing experience. Lions, rhinos, elephants, and thousands of wildebeest roam the crater floor.
Serengeti National Park
The endless plains of the Serengeti are just a few hours away, making Plantation Lodge a great starting point for multi-day safaris. Witness the Great Migration or enjoy year-round big cat sightings.
Lake Manyara National Park
A smaller but incredibly diverse park, Lake Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and large herds of elephants.
Tarangire National Park
If you love elephants, Tarangire is the place to go. Its massive herds and ancient baobab trees make it one of Tanzania’s most scenic safari parks.
The Plantation Lodge 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
At Tanzania Safari Experience, we consider The Plantation Lodge one of the best choices for anyone traveling to northern Tanzania. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort, charm, and affordability. Its central location makes it easy to explore the main safari parks, while its peaceful gardens and welcoming atmosphere make it a true retreat.
For families, it offers a safe and enjoyable environment. For couples, it provides romance and privacy. For groups, it’s a practical and convenient hub. Compared to ultra-luxury lodges, The Plantation Lodge is more budget-friendly, yet it does not compromise on comfort or service. That makes it an excellent value for travelers who want a genuine safari experience without unnecessary extravagance.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
The Plantation Lodge Highlights
- Best location to connect to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Manyara
- Beautiful garden setting
- Stylish comfy rooms
- Family-friendly lodge
- Fresh tasty meals
- Easy safari access
- Warm personal service
At a glance
- Tanzania
- Safari Accommodation
Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
Looking for The Plantation Lodge for your dates ?
Receive a free Tanzania safari quote straight to your email within 6 hours! Customize your preferences, and we’ll craft a unique experience just for you. Prices vary based on group size and accommodation choice.
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- 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);
Connect with our local experts for personalized travel planning
Plan your The Plantation Lodge Safari today
Looking for more?
We can design a safari for you from scratch, or you can choose from our tailor-made safari proposals below. You’ll receive a free Tanzania safari proposal with no obligation, featuring trips created for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.
8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari Itinerary
- Tanzania Classic Safari Itinerary
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
7 Days The Great Serengeti Migration Safari
- The Great Serengeti Migration Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
6 Days Tanzania Safari Tour
- Tanzania Safari + Wildlife Sanctuary
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
4 Days Tanzania Safari Tour
- Tanzania Safari Unlimited Game Drive
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
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.
The Plantation Lodge is located in Karatu, northern Tanzania, making it one of the most strategically placed lodges for safari travelers. The lodge lies between the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park, both of which are only a short drive away. Its location along the northern safari circuit means you can easily access Tarangire National Park and even the Serengeti. Many guests choose Plantation Lodge because it offers the perfect balance of convenience and comfort—close enough to world-class wildlife destinations, yet peaceful enough to enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by gardens and coffee plantations.
Yes, The Plantation Lodge is an excellent choice for families. Unlike some lodges that mainly cater to couples or luxury travelers, Plantation Lodge is welcoming to parents and children alike. The spacious rooms and safe grounds make it easy for families to settle in, while the lodge also offers activities that children can enjoy, such as guided nature walks or cultural visits to nearby communities. The friendly staff are always attentive and willing to assist with special requests, whether that’s preparing kid-friendly meals or arranging shorter safari excursions that suit younger travelers. This makes it a wonderful base for families who want to experience Tanzania together.
The Plantation Lodge is just a 30-minute drive from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance gate, which makes it one of the best bases for visiting the crater. Guests staying here can enjoy early morning departures to reach the crater floor at sunrise, which is one of the most magical times to see wildlife. After a full day of exploring the crater’s diverse habitats and spotting animals like lions, elephants, and even the rare black rhino, you can return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. The short distance means you spend less time driving and more time enjoying the wonder of Ngorongoro.
Guests at The Plantation Lodge can enjoy a wide variety of activities, both on-site and nearby. Within the lodge grounds, you can take guided walks around the gardens or through the coffee plantations, learning about the plants, birds, and local farming traditions. For cultural experiences, a trip to Lake Eyasi allows you to meet the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and the Datoga blacksmiths, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Tanzania’s living heritage. Of course, the main highlight is access to nearby safari parks. From game drives in Lake Manyara to exploring Ngorongoro Crater, or venturing further into Tarangire and Serengeti, there are countless opportunities to experience Tanzania’s wildlife. For quieter days, guests can simply relax by the swimming pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or savor a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the gardens.
The Plantation Lodge stands out because it offers a perfect balance of comfort, location, and value. Unlike ultra-luxury properties that can feel overly commercial, Plantation Lodge maintains an authentic and personal atmosphere. The rooms are individually designed, the gardens are beautifully maintained, and the service is genuinely warm and attentive. Its central location means you can explore several top safari destinations without long transfers, making your safari more efficient and enjoyable. It is also more budget-friendly compared to many luxury lodges, while still providing excellent facilities, delicious dining, and comfortable rooms. For travelers who want an unforgettable safari experience without compromising on charm or convenience, The Plantation Lodge is one of the best choices in northern Tanzania.