About Plantation Lodge
Privately owned Plantation Lodge, opened in 1998, lies between Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara ...
... National Park, a short distance from the bustling Tanzanian market town of Karatu. Set in three hectares (seven acres) of beautifully maintained gardens, it is staffed entirely by local residents. The lodge is mainly used by visitors travelling with their own guide and vehicle, as a base for visits to the Ngorongoro Crater and sometimes to Lake Manyara National Park.
We have always been impressed by the attention to detail and personal care at Plantation Lodge. It is comparatively affordable compared to many of the lodges on the rim of the crater and we feel it offers excellent value for money. Conveniently located, it makes a lovely, tranquil base from which to explore both the Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara areas.
- Accommodation
- 23 rooms
- Children
- Best for 12+
- Open
- All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Safaris visiting Plantation Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meTraveller reviews of Plantation Lodge
45 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 20 pictures of Plantation Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryOur travellers’ wildlife sightings from Plantation Lodge
Click an animal to see our traveller's success in sighting them.
How we work this out.

75% success

63% success

63% success

63% success

63% success

50% success

38% success

29% success

29% success

14% success

14% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Plantation Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Plantation Lodge.
When to go to Ngorongoro Crater
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Plantation Lodge in Ngorongoro Crater
Other areas in Tanzania
Tanzania fact file
Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Plantation Lodge

Flights to Tanzania
How to get to and within the country

LGBT travel in Tanzania
Attitudes, the law & our experiences

Privately guided safaris
Safari with a private guide in your own 4WD

The Great Wildebeest Migration
Info to maximise the experience

Tanzania general info
Essential travel information

Tanzania safari packing list
Advice and tips on what to take on safari

Tipping in Tanzania
Expectations & guidelines for tipping

Weather & climate
The best time to visit Tanzania
Excursions from Plantation Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Plantation Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Other lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.