Family Safari Lodge in Karatu, near Ngorongoro
Two-bedroom and interconnected villas that sleep up to six, children under three free, an infinity pool and wide gardens to explore, all 20 to 30 minutes from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Space to Rest Between Game Drives
The Retreat at Ngorongoro is a family-friendly safari lodge in the Tloma area of Karatu. Families stay in standalone villas spread across large gardens, so children have room to play and parents get real rest after early starts in the crater.
Every villa has a wood-burning fireplace for cool Karatu evenings and a private deck looking over the gardens. A golf cart can collect you from your villa at any time, which helps with small legs and late dinners. Stays are on full board or all inclusive, so meals are covered and there is no need to track spending on every snack.
Family Villas
Choose two private rooms with a shared door, or one villa with two bedrooms under one roof.
| Villa | Bedrooms and beds | Sleeps | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interconnected Villas (3 pairs) | A Twin Villa (1 king, 1 queen) and a Double Villa (1 king), each with its own outer door and joined by an interleading door | Up to 6 | Parents who want their own room next to the children |
| Classical Two-Bedroom Villa | Two king en-suite bedrooms, a shared living area with sofa beds and a large forest-view deck | 2 couples and 2 children (up to 6) | Two couples travelling with children |
| Traditional Two-Bedroom Villa | Bedroom 1: two queen beds. Bedroom 2: two single beds. Both en-suite | Up to 6 | Larger families and older children |
| Twin Villa (21) | 1 king and 1 queen bed in one room | 2 adults and 2 children | Families of four on a tighter budget |
Interconnected and two-bedroom villas are limited, so book them early for school holidays. See all villa types.
Children Under Three Stay Free
- Under 3: free.
- Ages 3 to 15 sharing with two adults: 50% of the per-person twin rate.
- Ages 3 to 15 sharing with one adult: the adult pays the single rate, and the child pays 50% of the per-person twin rate.
- Ages 3 to 15 in their own villa: 75% of the villa rate.
On the all-inclusive plan, alcoholic drinks are not served to guests under 18. See the full 2026 and 2027 rates.
Things for Children to Do at the Lodge
Infinity Pool
Cool off in the infinity pool after a dusty game drive, with sun loungers and outdoor dining close by.
Lake and Kayaks
Paddle a kayak or canoe on the lodge's lake, try catch-and-release fishing, and spot water birds from the bank.
Garden Walks
Walk the gardens and organic orchard with our gardeners, find bird nests and taste fruit straight from the trees.
Tennis and Trail
Play on the full-size tennis court or run the 1.5 km walking and jogging trail through the grounds.
Endoro Falls Hike
Older children can join a guided hike to Endoro Falls and its elephant caves, close to the lodge.
Games in the Nest Lounge
Settle in for pool and life-size chess in the Nest Lounge while the fire is lit in the evening.
An Easy Base for a Family Safari
Karatu sits in the middle of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, so drives stay short, which matters with children.
| From The Retreat to | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Lodoare Gate) | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Lake Manyara National Park | 30 minutes |
| Lake Manyara airstrip | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Lake Eyasi | 1 hour |
| Arusha | 2.5 to 3 hours (140 km) |
For a family trip, we suggest at least two nights: one to settle in, and one full day for the Ngorongoro Crater with a packed breakfast and picnic lunch. Your driver-guide stays on the estate in dedicated accommodation, so early starts are simple. See how to get to The Retreat.
Meals the Whole Family Will Eat
Our kitchen cooks with produce from the lodge’s own organic orchard and gardens. We cater for vegan, gluten-free and allergy needs, so tell us about your children’s diets when you book. Eat by the fire in the Kipepeo Dining Room, on the terrace, beside the pool, or out in the bush for a special family dinner. Explore dining.
Family Stays: Common Questions
Is The Retreat at Ngorongoro good for families with young children?
Yes. Families stay in standalone villas with space to spread out, including Interconnected and Two-Bedroom Villas for up to six. There is an infinity pool, large gardens, a lake with kayaks and a golf cart service between your villa and the main lodge.
Do children stay free?
Children under 3 stay free. Children aged 3 to 15 pay 50% of the per-person twin rate when sharing with two adults. See the Tariffs page for all children’s rates.
Can we book connecting rooms?
Yes. Our three Interconnected Villa pairs join a Twin Villa and a Double Villa with an interleading door, and each has its own outer door. They sleep up to six.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes, an infinity pool with loungers and outdoor dining nearby.
Is the lodge fenced?
No. The estate is unfenced and wildlife can pass through the grounds, so children should be supervised outdoors. Use the golf cart service to move between your villa and the lodge after dark.
Can you cater for children's diets and allergies?
Yes. We cater for vegan, gluten-free and allergy needs. Please share your children’s requirements when you book.
How far is the Ngorongoro Crater with children?
Lodoare Gate is 20 to 30 minutes from the lodge. Allow about another hour from the gate down to the crater floor, so most families leave straight after an early breakfast.
Book Your Family Villa
Tell us your dates, the number of adults and your children’s ages, and our reservations team will suggest the right villa and send a quote.