Plantation Lodge (elevation 5,607 feet) is located on a 45-acre estate in the rich fertile farmland of the Ngorongoro highlands, just outside the southern edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Lodge is conveniently located near the small town of Kiratu, about midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater . A 45-minute drive up the crater highlands to the north takes you to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. If you head south from the lodge, you could be at the Lake Manyara park gate in about 30 minutes.

The lodge consists of 17 rooms with en-suite bathrooms spaced throughout the gardens. Each room is in its own chalet or part of larger house with several rooms suitable for families or groups. The small size of the lodge combined with its colonial charm provides for a very intimate and simply delightful atmosphere.

Every room is uniquely decorated with authentic safari antiques and Tanzania arts and crafts. The rooms and en suite bathrooms are spacious and extremely comfortable. There are also private verandahs, which are well furnished that look out over the surrounding grounds. For honeymooners or romantic couples, there is the Jacaranda House, otherwise known as the honeymoon suite, which is decorated a little bit more exotic and comes equipped with a larger bathroom and sunken Jacuzzi/Shower.

For families or groups there are two options to choose from. First, there is the family unit consisting of two rooms with a private dining room available. Secondly, there is the Garden House, which is superbly equipped for families, couples or groups and includes 4 bedrooms. The building is split level with two bedrooms; the living area is on the top floor and two bedrooms and a private dining area are on the bottom floor. Each room has its own en suite bathroom and they meet the same high standards as the other rooms on the property. This latter option is really quite remarkable and is the best group/family orientated accommodation we have seen with the exception of the exclusive Tree Camp at the Crater Lodge, which has 6 rooms as opposed to the 4 rooms in the Garden Suite.

The main facilities are just as charming as the rooms. There are a few dining rooms to choose from if you are not located in a chalet with a private dining area. The dining rooms are fantastic and are a great way to mingle and talk with other guests. They are all family style with one large table though private dining is always an option.

The pool terrace is spectacular and offers great views of the surrounding farmlands. The grounds in general are well manicured and there is plenty to see (flowers, birds, etc.) if you decide to take a stroll around the property.

The majority of the menu at Plantation consists of locally grown vegetables from the surrounding farms as well as meats from locally raised livestock. Save your appetite as Plantation Lodge offers some of the tastiest dishes you will encounter on safari! The majority of the food provided is organically grown right on the nearby farm. Vegetarians are well catered to as well.

The meals in general, especially dinner, are superb. There is also an excellent selection of fine South African wines. Though wines and other alcoholic beverages are not typically included at Plantation Lodge, they are very reasonably priced. Dinner is served in four fantastic courses. Two starters or appetizers are offered plus a salad before the main course. You may select from several dishes for the main course including both meat and vegetarian plates. Lastly, desert is offered plus coffee or tea.

Depending on occupancy, meals are often served family style, although a private table can always be arranged upon request.

• Private game drives into the lovely Lake Manyara National Park or the famous Ngorongoro Crater
• Nature Walks
• Picnic lunches
• Safari boutique and gift shop
• Internet access at an additional fee
• Full housekeeping services
• 24 hour electricity
• Swimming Pool
• Cultural visit opportunities nearby
• Birding from the lodge
• Laundry service at an additional fee
• Beverages available including soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits at an additional fee (or included with Luxury suite package