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Twin Villas
- 2 Beds
- 250 sq ft
- Up to 4 Guests
Nature Reimagined. Luxury Refined.
A Luxury Lodge in Karatu, Close to Ngorongoro Crater
Welcome to The Retreat at Ngorongoro, a luxury lodge in Karatu, Tanzania, overlooking the Ngorongoro Forest. Relax in one of our 30 spacious villas with private decks and wood-burning fireplaces. Savour meals featuring produce from our organic gardens, unwind by the infinity pool, and return to peaceful comfort after exploring the Ngorongoro Crater.
Why We Are Different
Why Stay in Karatu, Not on the Crater Rim
The Retreat is in Karatu, 20 to 30 minutes from the Ngorongoro gate and 30 minutes from Lake Manyara National Park. It is not on the crater rim. That puts you between both parks, a little warmer at night, and close to Lake Eyasi and Endoro Falls. See how to get here.
Some believe a safari lodge must be basic to be authentic. We think differently.
Tanzania is a land of immense natural wealth, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class wildlife. We believe your accommodation should honor that abundance, not strip it away. Providing a beautiful, world-class sanctuary to rest, dine, and rejuvenate after an exhilarating day on the safari circuit isn’t a distraction from nature, it is a celebration of it.
FEEL ALIVE
Gardens, a Forest Trail and Farm-to-Table Dining
Our entire property is purposefully designed to bridge the gap between elevated comfort and a deep sense of closeness to nature, wrapping you in tranquility without leaving a heavy footprint.
- A Living Oasis: Wander through vibrant greenery anchored by our beautiful man-made lake, a peaceful magnet for local birdlife.
- Farm-to-Table Dining: Taste the richness of Tanzanian soil. Our restaurant serves crisp, delicious meals made with fresh ingredients harvested straight from our own organic orchard and gardens.
- The 1.5 km Forest Trail: Start your morning or wind down your evening with a jog or walk along our dedicated path, winding through manicured gardens and preserved natural forest.
A Hotel near Ngorongoro Crater with a Spa, Tennis and an Infinity Pool
Your adventure into the wild deserves a soft, luxurious landing.
- The Oasis Spa: Melt away the dust of the safari circuit with professional, deeply soothing body treatments.
- International-Standard Tennis Court: Play a few sets or enjoy a friendly match on our premium tennis court, built strictly to international standards.
- Generously Sized Villas: Unwind in massive private sanctuaries. Every villa boasts an expansive private deck equipped with a chaise lounger, table, and chairs offering wonderful views of the forest where watching the birds and hearing their chirps becomes a therapy of its own.
- Thoughtful Family Villas: Experience the wild together. Our spacious family configurations offer the perfect balance of shared space and absolute privacy.
Why choose between the wild and world-class comfort? Have both.
30 Private Villas for Couples, Friends and Families
Return from your day on safari to a furnished deck, a warming fireplace and the quiet of the gardens. Find a comfortable space for couples, friends or families, and compare our luxury villas near Ngorongoro or check the 2026 rates.
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Double Villa
- 1 Bed
- 200 sq ft
- Up to 2 Guests
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Interconnected Villas
- 3 Beds
- 450 sq ft
- Up to 6 Guests
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2 Bedroom Classical Villa
- 2 Beds
- Sofa beds
- 550 sq ft
- Up to 6 Guests
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2 Bedroom Traditional Villa
- 4 Beds
- 450 sq ft
- Up to 6 Guests
Dining in karatu. NGORONGORO
Dining Inspired by Our Gardens
At our little paradise in Karatu, dining reflects the landscape around us. Our culinary team combines international cuisine with fresh local ingredients, creating meals to savour throughout your stay. From relaxed lunches to intimate dinners and special celebrations, discover welcoming spaces and thoughtful food here in Karatu.
Farm-to-Table Freshness
Enjoy creative meals prepared with fresh, pesticide-free produce harvested daily from our on-site organic orchard and vegetable gardens. These homegrown ingredients are a highlight guests consistently praise.
Kipepeo Dining
Enjoy all-day interactive dining beside the crackling fireplace in the vibrant Kipepeo Dining Room. Or unwind with a premium beverage and board games in the cosy, bird’s-nest-themed Nest Lounge.
Our Signature Venue
Share a romantic, candlelit poolside dinner beside our infinity pool, enjoy a safari-style bush meal within the lodge grounds, or celebrate with an exclusive gala dinner in our outdoor amphitheatre.
Dietary Inclusivity
Our kitchen caters to a wide variety of dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free meals, as well as allergy-related restrictions. Share your needs before arrival so our team can give your meals personalised attention.
Our Delicious Cuisine
Where Every Safari Begins
Your Gateway to Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit
Three of Tanzania’s greatest parks sit within an hour of your cottage door.
The Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara. Tarangire. Each one a different world. Each one within reach before the morning mist has lifted from the highland forest.
For guests building a full northern circuit, The Retreat sits at the heart of it. The Serengeti is further, but the road runs through here, and our team knows every kilometre of it.
Tell us where you want to go. We handle everything else.
Our Amenities
Airport Transfers
We arrange reliable transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha. Ask our team to include this when booking your stay.
Infinity Pool
Cool off after a long day in the bush. Our infinity pool looks out over the highland forest, with the sounds of birds settling into their nests as the afternoon fades.
Restaurant & Bar
Kipepeo Dining and the Nest Lounge are open throughout the day, serving world cuisine prepared with fresh produce grown on the property, alongside a full selection of drinks and light refreshments.
Spa & Wellness
Unwind after a day on safari with a treatment at our spa. A quiet space to rest, recover, and take in the stillness of the Ngorongoro highlands.
Concierge Service
From safari bookings to special arrangements, our concierge team is on hand to make sure every detail of your stay is taken care of. You only need to ask.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
High-speed Wi-Fi is available across the lodge, including in all cottages and common areas, throughout your stay.
Step Outside the Lodge
Explore Beyond the Lodge
Immerse yourself in active exploration and nature with our diverse selection of recreational activities, both within our vast estate and into the breathtaking immediate neighborhood.
Outdoors
Endoro Falls Forest Walk
Join a guided walk through the forest near the lodge to Endoro Falls and the elephant caves. Take in the greenery, listen for birds and explore the landscape beyond our grounds.
Outdoors
Tennis Court Matches
Enjoy a friendly game or a competitive match on our full-sized outdoor tennis court. It is an inviting way to stay active and spend time together during your stay.
Outdoors
Kayaking & Fishing
Spend a quiet afternoon at our man-made lake, kayaking or enjoying catch-and-release fishing. For a slower pace, bring a book and watch the birds along the water’s edge.
Outdoors
Yoga at the Amphitheater
Stretch and unwind in our peaceful outdoor amphitheatre. Enjoy your own yoga practice surrounded by nature, or ask our team about arranging a session during your stay.
A Modern Venue in Karatu
Executive Conferencing & Events
Combine business with the tranquility of the highland forest. Our property features professional, modern facilities tailored for successful corporate events, retreats, and private gatherings.
- Up to 100 Persons Capacity: Our modern, air-conditioned Conferencing Facility is designed to comfortably accommodate high-level executive meetings, seminars, and team-building retreats.
- State-of-the-Art Setup: Fully equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, premium audio-visual equipment, and flexible seating configurations tailored to your event layout.
- Flawless Infrastructure: Powered by our reliable grid connection and guaranteed automatic backup generators, your presentations will run without interruption. We can seamlessly pair your corporate schedule with bespoke catering, amphitheatre events, and group team-building along our trails and lake.
What Guests Say About Us
FEATURED IN
How Far Is The Retreat from Ngorongoro Crater?
The Retreat is in the Tloma area of Karatu, overlooking the Ngorongoro Forest. It is not on the crater rim, but it sits within easy reach of every park on the northern safari circuit.
| From The Retreat to | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Lodoare Gate) | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Lake Manyara National Park | 30 minutes |
| Lake Manyara airstrip (LMN) | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Lake Eyasi | 1 hour |
| Tarangire National Park | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Arusha town and Arusha Airport (ARK) | 2.5 to 3 hours (140 km) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Retreat on the Ngorongoro Crater rim?
No. The Retreat is in the Tloma area of Karatu, below the crater highlands and overlooking the Ngorongoro Forest. The Lodoare Gate into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is 20 to 30 minutes away by road.
How do I get to The Retreat?
Most guests drive from Arusha, 2.5 to 3 hours and 140 km away, or fly to Lake Manyara airstrip, 30 to 45 minutes from the lodge. Driver-guides stay in dedicated accommodation on the estate.
Is The Retreat good for families?
Yes. Interconnected Villas and the two two-bedroom villas sleep up to six, children under 3 stay free, and there is kayaking on the lake, a 1.5 km jogging trail, a tennis court and guided garden walks. Compare the family villas.
Do you offer all-inclusive stays?
Yes. All inclusive covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-house drinks, excluding Champagne and single malts. Alcohol is not served to guests under 18. Full board, with meals only, is also available.
Can I pay in cash?
No. The Retreat is strictly cashless. You can pay by bank transfer (EFT or SWIFT) or by card.
Is there Wi-Fi and reliable power?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi runs throughout the lodge, and power comes from the national grid with automatic generators 24 hours a day.