Destination: Ngorongoro
Farm of Dreams Lodge
- byGeetika Malhotra
- - April 24, 2023
Overview About Farm of Dreams Lodge
Located in Karatu, Tanzania, Farm of Dreams Lodge is ideally positioned at the gateway to several key attractions, including the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, and Tarangire National Park. The lodge offers a tranquil escape with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and lush gardens, making it a perfect retreat for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Facilities and other details about Farm of Dreams Lodge
- Dining: A restaurant serving a variety of dishes, including bush breakfasts and BBQ dinners, paired with a bar and lounge for relaxation.
- Swimming Pool: A large outdoor pool surrounded by comfortable loungers, providing a perfect spot to unwind after a day of safari.
- Event Spaces: Facilities for weddings and other special events, catering to both intimate and larger gatherings.
- Gardens: The lodge’s gardens are filled with vibrant flowers and vegetables, contributing to the serene atmosphere and providing fresh ingredients for meals.
- Bar: The lodge offers a well-stocked bar and lounge where guests can unwind after a day of exploration.
- Bush meals: Guests can enjoy a bush breakfast, a scenic lunch, and a barbeque dinner, all set in the stunning surroundings of the Tanzanian wilderness.
- Additional facilities: Airport transfers
Additional Information:
- Guests can check in at 12:00 and check out by 10:00.
- Open all year round.
Services:
- Tours & Excursions: The lodge organizes guided tours to nearby attractions like Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and local cultural visits, ensuring an immersive experience.
What can be expected:
- Cultural Tours: Visit local tribes and communities to gain insight into the rich culture and traditions of the region.
- Hiking & Trekking: Opportunities for hiking in the surrounding hills and valleys, with breathtaking views at every turn.
Seasonal Weather:
At Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu, Tanzania, you can expect a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year. The lodge is located at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level, which contributes to cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- During the dry season, which runs from June to October, you can expect sunny days with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the day, and cooler nights that can dip to around 10°C (50°F). This is also the best time for wildlife viewing.
- The wet season occurs from November to May, with two distinct rainy periods: the short rains in November and December, and the long rains from March to May. During this time, daytime temperatures remain moderate, but afternoons can be marked by heavy showers, making the surrounding landscape lush and green.
- This climate makes the lodge an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, offering comfortable weather conditions for both relaxation and adventure
Room type
- It has 40 Standard Rooms and 8 Family Rooms, each featuring a terrace with garden or reserve views.
- Standard Rooms: Comfortable and cozy, featuring en-suite bathrooms with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and telephones.
- Family Rooms: Spacious accommodation designed for families, offering additional space and privacy.
Approximate Price range
- At Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu, Tanzania, room rates begin at $271.
- For children, the lodge offers special pricing: those under 5 years old stay free of charge, children aged 5 to 12 are charged 50% of the adult full-board room rate, and children aged 13 to 17 are charged 75% of the adult full-board rate.
Location and How to reach
- Location: Situated in Karatu, on the southern slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge is easily accessible from major towns and safari destinations.
- Getting There: The nearest major airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a scenic drive through the Tanzanian countryside to reach the lodge.
Why choose Farm of Dreams Lodge
With its prime location close to major attractions like Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, Farm of Dreams Lodge serves as an excellent base for exploring Northern Tanzania’s safari circuit. The lodge’s commitment to providing a personalized experience ensures that every guest’s stay is memorable, while its integration of sustainable practices, such as sourcing fresh produce from its gardens, reflects a dedication to eco-friendly hospitality.
Kitela Lodge
- byGeetika Malhotra
- - April 19, 2023
Overview About Kitela Lodge
Kitela Lodge is a charming, exclusive lodge located in the Karatu area of Northern Tanzania, overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater’s eastern wall. Nestled amidst a coffee plantation and lush gardens, the lodge offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and exploration.
Facilities and other details about Kitela Lodge
- Main Lodge: A two-story farmhouse-style building with a central courtyard, comfortable lounge areas, a cozy bar, and a dining area.
- Swimming Pool: Heated and located in front of the main building, surrounded by sun loungers for relaxation.
- Gardens: Beautiful, well-maintained gardens perfect for leisurely strolls.
- Massages: After an exciting day on a game drive, treat yourself to a soothing and revitalizing massage. Choose from a 90-minute full-body massage, a head massage, or opt for a manicure or pedicure.
- Wi-Fi: Available in public areas for guests.
- Power: Available throughout the day.
- Additional facilities: Airport shuttle, laundry service, free parking
Additional Information:
- Guests can check in at 12:00 and check out by 10:00.
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Open all year round.
- Eco-friendly.
- Facilities are available for travellers with special needs.
Services:
- Game Drives: Guided excursions into the nearby Ngorongoro Crater. It’s a highlight for guests, offering the chance to see diverse wildlife in one of Africa’s most famous conservation areas.
- Guided Walks: Guided tours are available around the coffee plantation and surrounding areas with knowledgeable guides.
- Sundowner: In a stunning setting, savor an appetizer and cocktail as you unwind at the end of the day.
What can be expected:
- Tranquil environment: Guests can expect a blend of privacy and sociability, with both secluded spots for quiet time and communal areas for mingling. The lodge prides itself on its tranquil environment, enhanced by its scenic location and thoughtfully designed spaces.
- Cultural Visits: Experience a unique opportunity to visit the Wahadzabe and Wadatoga tribes living around Lake Eyasi, as well as the Wairaqw tribes.
Seasonal Weather:
- Dry Season (June to October): Daytime temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Nights can be cooler, dropping to around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The weather is generally dry and clear, with minimal rainfall.
- Wet Season (November to May): Daytime temperatures usually range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with nighttime temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This period includes intermittent rainfall, with heavier showers occurring from March to May, and increased humidity.
Room type
- 20 spacious cottages styled like old-colonial farmhouses, each with an en-suite bathroom, mosquito nets, and serene garden views.
- Suite rooms can accommodate 2-3 guests and interconnected rooms can have 4-5 guests.
- All are equipped with modern amenities while maintaining a rustic charm, providing comfort amidst nature.
Approximate Price range
Rooms at Kitela Lodge in Karatu, Tanzania are available starting at $300 per night.
Location and How to reach
Kitela Lodge is perched on a valley top, offering views of a coffee plantation on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater and a stunning waterfall.
- By Air: Scheduled and charter flights operate daily between Arusha and Manyara Airstrip, with a flight duration of approximately 25 minutes. Connections are available to and from Serengeti and Zanzibar.
- By Road: Kitela Lodge is 151 km from Arusha, about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive.
Take the A104 road to Makuyuni, then turn right onto B144 heading towards Ngorongoro. The drive is an easy, scenic 2-hour journey on a tarmac road.
Why choose Kitela Lodge
Kitela Lodge boasts a stunning location with breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. The camp offers an exclusive atmosphere with only 20 cottages, providing a private and intimate experience for guests. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local Maasai culture through guided tours and village visits. Its proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater makes it a convenient and ideal base for exploring this remarkable area.
Tloma Lodge
- byscarfacepride
- - April 19, 2023
Tloma Lodge has been built on the foothills of the highlands of Ngorongoro, a small and exclusive lodge with 24 small cottages built in colonial style and 12 rooms overlooking the garden in the main building. The excellent location of Tloma on the top of a valley offers fantastic views over a coffee plantation and the walls of the Ngorongoro cráter which can be enjoyed from the private terraces of the rooms.
The gardens, full of flowers and bushes, are particularly attractive, although guests find it difficult to choose between a walk around the gardens or relax around the heated pool.
Ngorongoro Farm House
- byGeetika Malhotra
- - April 19, 2023
Overview About Ngorongoro Farm House
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Farm House is a charming and exclusive retreat built on a sprawling 500-acre coffee plantation. This luxurious lodge offers an authentic Tanzanian experience, seamlessly blending comfort with the rustic charm of colonial-era farms. It’s an ideal stop-off during a safari on the Northern Circuit of Tanzania, offering convenient access to the Ngorongoro Crater and a variety of unique excursions.
Facilities and other details about Ngorongoro Farm House
- Dining: Ngorongoro Farm House is committed to sustainability and farm-to-table dining.
- The restaurant serves market-style dishes made with fresh, organic produce grown on the farm.
- Guests can enjoy meals in the restaurant, on the terrace with views of the Oldeani Volcano, or in a private setting.
- A complimentary breakfast and welcome drink are included, with options for special diets available.
- Delicious picnic lunches are prepared for you to enjoy during your full-day safari.
- Spa and Wellness: After a day of exploration, guests can indulge in a range of rejuvenating massages, including full-body, head massages, manicures, and pedicures.
- Swimming Pool: The outdoor swimming pool offers a refreshing escape with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation and soaking in the beauty of the Ngorongoro Highlands.
- Souvenir Shop: Explore the on-site souvenir shop, offering unique mementos and local crafts to remember your stay.
- Wi-Fi Service: Stay connected with our complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your stay.
- Payment: We accept all major credit cards for a seamless payment experience.
- Power: Enjoy uninterrupted power with our 24-hour electricity service. The Lodge is powered by environmentally friendly electricity generated through solar panels, with a backup generator in place for added reliability.
- Accessibility: The lodge is wheelchair accessible and suitable for guests with special needs. For specific requirements, it’s recommended to inquire in advance.
- Additional facilities: Free parking, laundry service, banquet room, BBQ facilities, secured parking.
Additional Information:
- Open year-round.
- Ngorongoro Farm House welcomes families with children. The lodge offers various room configurations, including interconnected rooms for families.
- Check-in is at 12:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM.
- Eco-friendly
Services
- Farm and Coffee Plantation Walk: Take a guided tour of the farm and coffee plantation to learn about the organic farming practices and the journey of coffee from plant to cup. This walk is a relaxing way to enjoy the scenic surroundings and immerse yourself in the farm’s daily activities.
- Cultural Visits: Engage with local communities through organized cultural visits. Experience the rich heritage of the area and connect with the people who call this region home.
- Sundowners and Al Fresco Dining: End your day with a sundowner in the beautiful landscape, accompanied by cocktails and appetizers. Dinner can also be served on the terrace deck, providing a delightful al fresco dining experience under the African sky.
- Walking safaris: Enjoy activities like trekking safaris to the volcano or embarking on excursions to Lake Eyasi in the Rift Valley, where the Hadzabe tribe still calls home.
- Guided walks in the Ngorongoro Conservation area: The lodge offers guided walks providing an immersive experience to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
What can be expected:
- Wildlife and surroundings: The area is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, zebras, and a variety of bird species. The lodge’s proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders, makes it an excellent base for exploring the wildlife and landscapes of Northern Tanzania.
- Cultural encounters: You also have the incredible opportunity to visit the Hazabe and Datoga tribes in the Lake Eyasi region.
Seasonal Weather:
Guests visiting the lodge can expect an average temperature of around 20ºC, providing a comfortable climate year-round. The temperatures typically range between 10ºC and 30ºC, so it’s wise to pack for varying conditions.
- Dry season: The dry season runs from June to October, offering clear skies and minimal rainfall, perfect for outdoor activities and safaris.
- Wet season: Conversely, the wet season spans from November to May, when the area experiences occasional showers, refreshing the landscape and bringing lush greenery.
Whether in the dry or wet season, the lodge provides a welcoming atmosphere with weather suiting various preferences.
Room type
- Chalet-Style Rooms: The lodge features 52 chalet-type rooms, each situated at ground level with private terraces or balconies overlooking lush gardens or the expansive coffee plantation.
- The Standard Room comfortably accommodates 2 to 3 guests, offering a cozy and intimate stay.
- The Interconnected Rooms are ideal for groups, with the ability to host 3 to 5 guests, providing both space and privacy.
- The Suite Room is designed for two guests, perfect for a luxurious and relaxing experience.
- The Quadruple Room is tailored for families or small groups, with ample space for up to 4 guests.
- The family suite features two separate rooms connected by an adjoining door.
- All rooms are designed with ample space and comfort in mind, featuring hand-plaited thatched rooftops, colonial interiors, luxury beddings, en-suite bathrooms with showers, and modern amenities such as mosquito nets, tea and coffee-making facilities, and safes.