Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge sits at Changarawe Village in the Karatu highlands, in a mountain setting on the road to the crater. It is a luxury property with fifty rooms, listed with a five-star class, and its Luxury Double or Twin Rooms have mountain views and a king bed or two twins. Rooms have air conditioning, a safe, a desk, a memory foam mattress, a refrigerator, a kettle and coffee maker, free bottled water, a deep soaking tub and a separate shower. Mosquito nets are provided, and there is room service around the clock.
Dining and leisure
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Explorers' Bar is a relaxed place for a drink after a day in the field. Some rates are all-inclusive, with on-site food and drinks included under some restrictions, which can simplify a trip where there are few restaurants nearby. The outdoor pool has loungers and umbrellas, the spa has two treatment rooms offering facials, massages and manicures, and there is a game room with billiards, an arcade and a library. A garden and terrace complete the picture.
Location
Karatu is the usual overnight base for the crater, and this lodge puts you in the highlands within reach of Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara National Park is about fifty minutes by road, and the town of Karatu is a short drive, with restaurants. Lake Manyara Airport is a longer drive away. Check the distances to the crater gate with the lodge, since getting there early is the key to a good day.
Who it suits
Couples, families and small groups who want to sleep near the crater rather than driving from Arusha will value the saving in time and the comfort at the end of a long day. It also suits travellers who want a restful base between park days, with a pool and spa. The all-inclusive rates are good for those who prefer to avoid thinking about meals.
Good to know
Check-in runs from noon to early evening, and check-out is before ten, so plan your crater pickup around that. The lodge has no lift, accepts Visa and Mastercard with a small surcharge and does not accept cash for stays, so bring a card. Photo identification is required at check-in. Children are welcome, and a couple of young children can stay free in existing beds. Free cancellation applies to selected rates. For a night before the crater, it is a calm, comfortable choice in the Karatu hills.
A few more tips
Ask the lodge to arrange a packed breakfast if your crater departure is very early, and confirm the time of the gate transfer the evening before. The rooms can be cool at night in the highlands, so bring a warm layer, and use the spa the afternoon after a long day on the crater floor. Book early for the dry season, when the lodge fills, and tell the staff about dietary needs in advance.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Spa with two treatment rooms
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Explorers' Bar
- ✓All-inclusive rates available
- ✓Game room and library
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Free parking
Good questions
Is the lodge near Ngorongoro Crater?+
It is in the Karatu highlands on the way to the crater. Ask the lodge for the drive time to the gate.
Are meals included?+
Some rates are all-inclusive. Check your rate for what is covered.
Can I pay in cash?+
The lodge accepts Visa and Mastercard and does not take cash for stays, so bring a card.
