The Retreat at Ngorongoro is a four-class lodge in the Tloma area of Karatu, on the highland road toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It has an outdoor pool and a children's pool with a poolside bar, a terrace and garden, an on-site spa, a gym and bike rental. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a free continental breakfast is included. Rooms are large mountain-view cottages and deluxe rooms of around 1,066 square feet, with fireplaces, furnished balconies and bathrobes. Free Wi-Fi and free self parking are included, and there are ecotours and a playground. Early guest scores are exceptional, although the number of reviews so far is small.
Location and getting around
Karatu is the gateway town to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and staying here shortens the pre-dawn drive to the crater compared with leaving from Arusha. Lake Manyara National Park is roughly a 43-minute drive away and Arusha airport about 151 minutes by road, so allow the best part of a morning to arrive from Arusha. Safari operators can usually collect you from here for a crater day, so ask the lodge to help with arrangements.
The rooms
The deluxe rooms and cottages are among the more spacious in the area, with a mountain view, a fireplace for chilly highland evenings and a balcony. They suit couples and families, and the lodge offers childcare services, free infant beds and a children's pool.
Good to know
The lodge is at altitude, so evenings are cool and a fire is welcome; bring warm layers. Check-in starts from 11 am and check-out is at 10 am. Pets are not allowed. Because the number of reviews is small, treat the top score as an early signal, but the amenities are strong for the area.
This is the lodge in the guide for travellers who want to sleep near the crater, take the Ngorongoro day trip without a dawn drive from Arusha and add a Lake Manyara day from the same base. Multi-day safaris beyond this are outside the scope of this guide.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool and children pool
- ✓Spa and gym
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Free continental breakfast
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Fireplaces and balconies
- ✓Childcare services
Good questions
Why stay in Karatu for Ngorongoro?+
It cuts the long drive from Arusha and makes the crater day far less rushed. Many safari operators can collect you from Karatu.
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, a free continental breakfast is included. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner.
Is it suitable for families?+
Yes, the lodge has a children's pool, a playground, childcare services and free infant beds. Rooms are large and some sleep four.
