Overview
Tucked into the lush, rolling hills of Karatu, Ngorongoro Farm House is a sanctuary of rustic sophistication set on a sprawling 500-acre coffee plantation. Just 5 kilometers from the Lolduare Gate, this colonial-style retreat offers a front-row seat to the wonders of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with the majestic Oldeani Volcano framing the horizon. The surrounding landscape teems with life, from the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with the Big Five—to the flamingo-flecked shores of Lake Manyara, a short drive away. Here, the air carries the scent of roasted coffee and blooming jacarandas, inviting you to slow down and savor the rhythm of the Tanzanian highlands.
The lodge’s atmosphere blends old-world charm with modern comforts, its thatched roofs and whitewashed walls evoking a bygone era of explorers and settlers. Spacious verandas overlook manicured gardens and the distant volcanic slopes, while evenings are warmed by crackling fireplaces and the sounds of Maasai songs under starlit skies. Accessibility is seamless: a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha along scenic routes or a swift 25-minute flight to the Manyara Airstrip, followed by a short transfer. Whether you’re embarking on a northern Tanzania safari or seeking a tranquil retreat, Ngorongoro Farm House is a perfect base for adventure and relaxation.
Facilities & Features
Ngorongoro Farm House offers 52 chalet-style rooms, including 3 suites, each adorned with local materials and featuring private verandas with sweeping views of the plantation or valley. En-suite bathrooms are equipped with tiled showers, and some suites boast carved stone bathtubs for a touch of indulgence. The main lodge, a grand thatched structure, houses an open-plan dining room, cozy lounge with a fireplace, and an expansive deck for al fresco meals. Guests can unwind by the sparkling outdoor pool, indulge in a massage at the dedicated spa room, or browse the curio shop for handcrafted souvenirs. The lodge is eco-conscious, powered by solar panels with generator backup, and offers limited Wi-Fi and cell phone connectivity. Fresh produce from the farm’s organic gardens and dairy ensures farm-to-table dining, complemented by Tanzania’s famed coffee, roasted on-site.
Highlights
Prime Location: Just 5 km from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s entrance, ideal for day trips to the crater’s wildlife spectacle, home to lion, rhino, and elephant.
Wildlife Adventures: Explore the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater or spot tree-climbing lions and flamingos at nearby Lake Manyara National Park.
Cultural Immersion: Join Maasai-guided walks to learn about local traditions or visit the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes at Lake Eyasi for a glimpse into ancient ways of life.
Coffee Plantation Tours: Stroll through the farm’s fragrant coffee fields and organic gardens, discovering the art of Tanzanian coffee production.
Eco-Friendly Elegance: Relax in solar-powered chalets with farm-fresh cuisine, blending sustainability with colonial-inspired luxury.
Scenic Serenity: Savor sundowners on the deck with panoramic views of Oldeani Volcano, framed by vibrant sunsets and rolling highlands.
