Overview
Perched gracefully on a hillside in the lush Karatu region, Kitela Lodge offers an enchanting escape amidst Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Highlands. Surrounded by vibrant gardens and a sprawling coffee plantation, the lodge gazes out over a cascading waterfall and the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife. This tranquil haven, just 8 kilometers from the bustling market town of Karatu, is perfectly poised for adventurers eager to explore the crater’s abundant ecosystems or the flamingo-flecked shores of Lake Manyara, both within easy reach. The air here is crisp, the vistas endless, and the promise of discovery ever-present.
Kitela’s colonial-style charm blends seamlessly with modern African elegance, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort. Think thatched cottages adorned with local artistry, sprawling lawns that invite barefoot strolls, and a pool that mirrors the distant crater forests. Whether you’re sipping a sundowner by the firelit lounge or indulging in a spa treatment after a day of exploration, the lodge feels like a luxurious home away from home. Accessible via a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Arusha or a short flight to Lake Manyara Airstrip followed by a 30-minute transfer, Kitela Lodge is a gateway to both adventure and repose.
Facilities & Features
Kitela Lodge boasts 20 luxurious chalet-style suites, each a spacious retreat with en-suite bathrooms featuring showers and bathtubs, mosquito-netted beds, and private terraces overlooking the coffee plantation or Ngorongoro’s forested slopes. Interconnected rooms cater to families, while expansive suites offer extra indulgence for couples. The lodge’s heart is its farmhouse-style main building, where a cozy lounge with a fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and an elegant dining area serve up farm-fresh, organic cuisine. A heated swimming pool invites relaxation, while the African spa offers rejuvenating massages. Solar power, Wi-Fi, and a souvenir shop complete the experience, ensuring both sustainability and connectivity.
Highlights
Prime Location: Nestled in the Ngorongoro Highlands, with easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Lake Eyasi’s cultural treasures.
Wildlife Wonderland: Game drives reveal the Big Five, black rhinos, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra in the crater’s unbroken caldera.
Cultural Immersion: Guided walks to Maasai villages, Hadzabe hunter-gatherer encounters, and tours of local brickworks and farms.
Organic Indulgence: Savor buffet-style meals crafted from the lodge’s vegetable garden, paired with views of the coffee plantation.
Spa Serenity: Unwind with a massage or soak in the heated pool, framed by coconut trees and highland vistas.
Eco-Conscious Luxury: Solar-powered facilities and a commitment to supporting local communities ensure a sustainable stay.
