The Plantation Lodge — Hotel in Arusha

If 10 out of 10 characterizes the best of the best, The Plantation Lodge qualifies for a solid 12!! Nestled in the lush green foothills of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area above the small town of Karatu, the Lodge is a true heaven on Earth. Although the arrival might be a bit challenging, as the mud road leading to the Lodge can get quite slippery and bumpy; but once you’re through the gate, you’ve arrived in paradise.

Over the last thirty years German born Renate Marahrens, who everyone around refers to as Mama, has created an outstanding hospitality gem. About 20 guestrooms and suites are scattered around the vast park with age old trees, meticulously cut lawns and colorful bushes and flowerbeds. The property offers a beautiful pool with pool bar, restaurant, bar, lounge with library, terraces and gift shop plus various other amenities. What really stunned me – particularly as a hotelier – is that perfect, quiet and yet totally unpretentious service of the whole team. Literally everyone we encountered was exceptionally friendly, guest focused and attentive. My friend’s gluten free diet was proactively taken care of – one evening the restaurant’s dinner menu even offered a gluten free option or the chef offered a special desert; I left my dirty trekking shoes outside our suite and within minutes they were thoroughly scrubbed clean; we spoke about our upcoming trip to Ngorongoro Crater, in the morning lunch boxes (including one for our guide!) were prepared and so on…

All rooms, public or guestrooms are extremely well appointed. No, they do not provode the newest gadgets of Apple or the likes, everything is just thoughtful, specific and very tastefully arranged – and works properly. On top, the whole lodge is extremely well maintained; although not brand new, rooms, gardens, furniture, table top and so on do not show any wear and tear.

I truly recommend this place to every avid traveller and particularly to those friends in the industry, who consider their property as the epitome of hospitality - go, have a look!!! We really, really enjoyed every single minute of our stay and did not find anything to criticize, except perhaps the road – but hey, apparently a golf course is under development close by and may also bring a new road....

Wow what a place! The Plantation Lodge blew our minds - so many things we did not expect from our safari holiday in Tanzania. Not only was it an absolutely stunning place, it also had a very tropical feel - as though we were in Sri Lanka.||There are 24 lodges set in a beautiful botanical garden. On arrival we were met by the staff who offered us a welcome drink and cake near the stunning pool. They took us to our rooms which were gorgeous and comfortable. Then when we went to the restaurant WOW - the bar had a view into the cellar (where you could also sit). The food was absolutely fantastic - with fruit and veggies grown in their own gardens. ||The staff were extremely efficient, attentive, and got to know us all by name - making our stay very personal. ||It's a fantastic location near the Ngorongoro Crater. If you are heading to Tanzania on safari, this is a must see, and a must STAY! ||Note: The website does not at all reflect the beauty of this place.||Make sure you build time in to enjoy the lodge...

My wife and I stayed here for 2 nights while visiting the Ngorongoro crater. The whole grounds feel like a plantation, with many trees, a quiet atmosphere, and great attention to the comforts for travelers. The lodge was down a long and bumpy road so away from the main roads and secluded making it quiet and peaceful.||Food was wonderful, with a simple menu and we had the same waiter for all meals (thanks to Jacob who was new to Plantation, amazing and so kind and attentive to anything we needed).||Rooms were nice, with a patio and good beds and showers. We did not use the pool, but it looked nice although I sense not warm enough depending on the time of year for some to swim.||I cannot speak to value compared to other places as we booked this through a travel agent package, but overall a wonderful stay and staff, and like other places in Tanzania, our stay was amazing due to the people and their warmth and attention to making us feel welcome. Thanks Plantation Lodge staff for a...