About The Retreat at Ngorongoro
A haven of nature, tranquility, and restoration in the heart of the Ngorongoro area
The Story Behind The Retreat at Ngorongoro
What is now a thriving, forested lodge was once barren land on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Established in 2004, The Retreat at Ngorongoro was built on a single conviction: that the land deserved to be restored, not simply occupied. Over 40,000 indigenous trees were planted across the 60-acre estate, bringing birds, orchards, and life back to this corner of Tanzania. Today, guests wake up inside a private forest, with the Ngorongoro Crater an hour away and the highlands all around them. Karibu Nyumbani.
60 Acres, 40,000 Trees, and a Forest We Built Ourselves
A Nature-First Lodge in the Ngorongoro Area
Every detail at The Retreat at Ngorongoro reflects a commitment to nature and the local community. Solar panels heat the water. The kitchen draws on vegetables, fruit, and coffee grown on the property. Staff are recruited from surrounding villages. The lodge harvests its own honey, roasts its own coffee, and uses firewood from the trees it planted. This is not a lodge that sits within nature. It is a lodge that has grown back into it.
Double Cottages
- 2 Beds
- 40 Sq ft
- 2 Guests
Six double cottages sit across the upper and lower sections of the lodge. Some interconnect with twin rooms and can be used as a standalone room or opened up as a connected double, giving groups the flexibility to configure their stay as needed.
Ranked No. 1 in Karatu on TripAdvisor
Guests consistently describe The Retreat at Ngorongoro as a place they wished they had stayed longer. Spacious cottages, immaculate gardens, warm staff, and food grown on the property make this one of the most highly rated lodges in the Ngorongoro area. Rated 4.9 out of 5 across over 1,200 reviews.
Everything You Need for a Restful Stay in the Ngorongoro Area
From safari arrangements to a lakeside afternoon, The Retreat offers a full range of amenities and activities within a 60-acre estate.
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 grounds, 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.
Spa & Wellness
Unwind after a day on safari with a treatment at our spa. A quiet space to rest and recover in the stillness of the Ngorongoro area.
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.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
High-speed Wi-Fi is available across the lodge, including in all cottages and common areas, throughout your stay.
Biking Trail
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Fishing Lake
Our private lake offers a quiet, unhurried fishing experience away from the main lodge, available on request for guests looking for a slower kind of afternoon.
Conference
A modern conference facility accommodating up to 100 guests in a theatre setting, and one of the best-equipped venues in the Ngorongoro area for corporate retreats and private events.
Restaurants & Bars
Fresh produce, local flavour, and world cuisine served in the heart of the Ngorongoro area.
Spa & Wellness
Authentic Thai treatments in a quiet, nature-facing setting available throughout your stay.
Activities
Trails, cycling, fishing, and more across 60 acres of the Ngorongoro area