Karatu Villas Lodge Book
Two villas with hipped roofs behind the swimming pool and lawn at Karatu Villas Lodge

Karatu · Northern Tanzania

Karatu Villas Lodge

A comfortable, owner-run lodge on the safari route, midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

4.9 Rated 4.9 of 5 on Tripadvisor
from 68 reviews
A villa with its veranda and chimney at sunset

About the lodge

Built by a Karatu local, for travellers on the safari route

Karatu Villas Lodge is the latest project of its proud owner, Mr. Kastuli Safari Naali. A member of the local Iraqw community, Kastuli has lived in Karatu his entire life. Though passionate about farming, he moved into hospitality after seeing the demand for comfortable, affordable accommodation so close to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.

The lodge sits on Karatu’s main road along the safari route. Its villas are set in a horseshoe around the large main building, making it the perfect place to unwind before or after your safari.

Rooms

Spacious rooms, each with a fireplace and a private patio

Choose twin or king-size beds, with additional beds if needed. Some rooms connect to an adjoining room, which is ideal for families and groups.

Single room with a carved wooden bed and kitenge throw

Single Room

  • 1 guest
  • 1 bed
  • 1 bathroom

Comfort and privacy for solo adventurers or business travellers: a cosy retreat with modern amenities, 13 km from Ngorongoro’s main gate.

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Double room with a king-size bed, bedside lamps and red cushions

Double Room

  • 2 guests
  • 1 bed
  • 1 bathroom

A spacious room for couples or friends travelling together, with premium bedding, a private bath and a peaceful atmosphere after a day in Ngorongoro or the Serengeti.

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Room with beds under mosquito nets, blue curtains and a brick fireplace

Triple Room

  • 3 guests
  • 3 beds
  • 1 bathroom

Ample space and comfortable bedding for three: a convenient choice for families or small groups exploring the Northern Circuit.

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Brick corner fireplace with a fire burning Bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC Tea and coffee tray with cups and sachets

In every room

  • Cosy fireplace
  • Private patio with chairs
  • Large walk-in shower & separate WC
  • Crisp linens & fluffy towels
  • Writing desk & reading chair
  • Tea & coffee station
  • Hair dryer
  • Toiletries in pump jars
  • Plenty of luggage space

Restaurant & bar

Fresh, local food, served family-style

The menu uses fresh ingredients from the surrounding farmland for a true taste of Tanzania. Meals come to your table family-style, and the expansive outdoor deck overlooks the pool for al fresco dining.

To drink, there is a curated collection of South African and Tanzanian wines, spirits and cocktails. Safari lunchboxes are available on request for your day out.

Lunch
Daily 11:30–18:00
Dinner
Daily 18:00–22:00
Meal plans
Bed & breakfast, plus lunch and dinner
Dining hall with wooden tables under pendant lights and a high timber roof Candlelit table setting with a striped runner Bar shelves of wine and spirits

Facilities & services

Everything you need between safaris

The swimming pool lit up at night in front of the villas and main building
  • Swimming pool

    A refreshing dip and a place to unwind after a day of exploring.

  • Restaurant & bar

    Local and international dishes, wines and cocktails, with a deck over the pool.

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in the lodge’s public areas.

  • Housekeeping

    Rooms cleaned daily, with fresh linens throughout your stay.

  • Laundry service

    Travel light and keep your clothes fresh on the road.

  • Secure parking

    On-site parking for guests while you explore Northern Tanzania.

  • Locally sourced food

    Dishes made from regional ingredients.

  • Spa

    Coming soon.

Aerial view of the lodge beside the main road through Karatu

Karatu as your base

Day trips, highlands and village life

  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area The main gate is 13 km from the lodge.
  • Lake Manyara National Park The lodge sits on the road midway between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.
  • Serengeti & the Northern Circuit A natural stop before or after the parks.
  • Karatu town tour Sip freshly brewed local coffee and learn about the daily lives of the Iraqw people.
  • Ngorongoro Highlands hikes A day’s walking through lush greenery and breathtaking views.

Location

On the main road through Karatu

Karatu Villas Lodge is on Karatu’s main road along the safari route, midway between Lake Manyara National Park and the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 13 km from Ngorongoro’s main gate.

Karatu, Arusha, Tanzania

Get directions in Google Maps

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