Karatu · Safari Lodge
Karatu Simba Lodge by Simba Portfolio
Garden cottages on the edge of Karatu, an easy rest between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
About
Karatu Simba Lodge sits in the green farming highlands of Karatu, beside the Ngorongoro Forest and a short drive from the road up to the Ngorongoro Crater. Twenty three cottages are spread through gardens that look out over fields, forest and the distant Crater rim, and the whole place runs on solar power with solar heated water.
This is Karatu country, the natural overnight point on almost every northern circuit safari. The lodge is about thirty minutes from the Lake Manyara gate and within easy reach of the Crater, which makes it a practical base for the two parks while staying out of the busier lodges closer to the rim.
The cottages are built from stone and canvas with a solid private bathroom, hardwood furniture, mosquito nets and a small deck. Meals are full board and lean on the kitchen garden and local produce, with bread baked daily and coffee grown nearby. A swimming pool, a lounge, a bar and an evening campfire round out a calm, unhurried stay.
It suits first time travellers and families who want a comfortable, friendly place to break the journey between Tarangire and the Crater, with warm service that guests return to in their reviews.
Signature experiences
Ngorongoro Crater game drive
A full day on the Crater floor, one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The lodge sits within easy reach of the access road.
Lake Manyara day trip
Game drives among the groundwater forest, flamingos and tree climbing lions of Lake Manyara, about thirty minutes away.
Ngorongoro Forest walk
A guided walk into the forest behind the lodge, with elephant caves and rich birdlife along the way.
Karatu coffee and culture
A visit to a working coffee farm and nearby villages for a taste of daily life in the highlands.
Amenities
- Swimming Pool With Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi In Common Areas
- Garden Grounds
- Campfire
- Solar Power
Best for
- First Time Safari
- Families
- Crater And Manyara Base
- Couples
Wildlife you might see
- Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Within Reach
- Lake Manyara Tree Climbing Lions And Flamingos
- Forest Elephant And Buffalo Behind The Lodge
- Rich Highland Birdlife
Best time to visit
January, February, June, July, August, September, October
Location & access
Karatu
Fly-in: Fly to Lake Manyara airstrip, around 30 minutes from Arusha by light aircraft, then about a 40 minute road transfer up to the lodge.
Drive: About 4.5 to 5 hours by road from Kilimanjaro International Airport, through Arusha and up onto the Karatu highlands. Roughly 3 to 4 hours from Arusha town.
Room types
Garden Cottage
Stone and canvas cottages set among the gardens, each with a solid private bathroom, hardwood furniture, mosquito nets and a small deck. Available as single, double, twin or triple.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (3 Meals Daily)
- Tea And Coffee
- Bottled Water In The Room
- VAT And Tourism Development Levy
Not included
- Park Entry Fees
- Game Drives
- Drinks Other Than Water In The Room
- Laundry
- Telephone Calls
- Travel And Medical Insurance
- Flights And Airport Taxes
- Transfers
- Gratuities
- Items Of A Personal Nature
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many rooms does Karatu Simba Lodge have?
Twenty three garden cottages, available as singles, doubles, twins and triples.
Where is the lodge and what is nearby?
It sits in the Karatu highlands beside the Ngorongoro Forest, about thirty minutes from the Lake Manyara gate and within easy reach of the Ngorongoro Crater.
How do guests reach the lodge?
Most guests arrive by road, about 3 to 4 hours from Arusha. You can also fly to Lake Manyara airstrip and transfer about 40 minutes by road.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes. Children aged six and over are welcome, and under thirteens share a room with an adult.
What is included in the rate?
Full board with three meals daily, tea and coffee, and bottled water in the room. Park fees, game drives and drinks other than water are charged separately.
When is the best time to visit?
The lodge is open year round. The dry months from June to October are the classic game viewing season for the nearby Crater and Lake Manyara.
What's nearby
- Ngorongoro CraterOne of the seven natural wonders of Africa, a short drive from the lodge for a full day of game viewing on the Crater floor.
- Lake Manyara National ParkAround thirty minutes away, known for its forest, soda lake birdlife and tree climbing lions.
- Lake EyasiA cultural day trip to meet the Hadzabe and Datoga communities who live around the lake.
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