FLABBERGAST FACTOR: 7.3/10
VIBES: 7/10
DESIGN: 6/10
HOSPITALITY: 8/10
SLEEP QUALITY: 8/10
EXTRAS: 7/10
LOCATION: 8/10
After five days in a Serengeti camp (we glamped, but still...), the Plantation Lodge just hits different - the calm, quiet atmosphere, the lush grounds and a shower with actual plumbing. This place is a full spiritual reset after staying out in the bush. Located on the outskirts of the town of Karatu, this hotel is extremely convenient for the Ngorongoro Crater, sitting about a 45-minute drive from the gate. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and ours had a particularly large bathroom. The bed was genuinely comfortable too, and we finally had a full night’s sleep without a 3am wake-up call from wildlife. The interiors aren’t trying to make a design statement, but everything is clean, comfortable, and well presented. Food is a standout here; everything is all-inclusive and every meal was genuinely very good - from dinner to the packed lunch they sent us off with for our safari day at the crater. It’s delicious, elevated home cooking that just hits the spot. Staff are friendly and attentive - special shout out to the poolside barman who kept the bar open just for us on our first evening. Overall this hotel is great value for money if you’re looking for a nice place that’s within a convenient drive to Ngorongoro Crater.
Top Tip: If you plan to do a day trip to the Ngorongoro Crater, you absolutely must get there as early as you can manage. We got to the park gates at 6am and there was already a queue to get in (and heads up, it only gets worse the later you leave it!).
Date of our stay: October 2025