How to Get to The Retreat at Ngorongoro
The Retreat at Ngorongoro is in the Tloma area of Karatu, in Tanzania’s Arusha Region, overlooking the Ngorongoro Forest and close to Endoro Falls. It is not on the Ngorongoro Crater rim: the Lodoare Gate into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is 20 to 30 minutes away by road, and Lake Manyara National Park is 30 minutes away.
Drive Times from The Retreat
| Destination | Distance or drive time |
|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Lodoare Gate) | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Lake Manyara National Park | 30 minutes |
| Lake Manyara airstrip (LMN) | About 20 km, 30 to 45 minutes |
| Lake Eyasi | 1 hour, via the Rift Valley track |
| Tarangire National Park | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Arusha town and Arusha Airport (ARK) | 140 km, 2.5 to 3 hours |
Arriving by Road from Arusha
Most guests arrive by road with their safari guide. The drive from Arusha to The Retreat covers about 140 km and takes 2.5 to 3 hours, passing Mto wa Mbu and Lake Manyara before climbing to Karatu. Driver-guides stay in dedicated accommodation on the estate, so your guide is on hand for an early start to the crater.
Arriving by Air at Lake Manyara Airstrip
Scheduled and charter flights land at Lake Manyara airstrip (LMN), about 20 km from the lodge. The road transfer takes 30 to 45 minutes. Ask our reservations team about arranging your transfer when you book.
Visiting Ngorongoro Crater from The Retreat
The Lodoare Gate is 20 to 30 minutes from the lodge, which makes a full day in Ngorongoro Crater easy to plan from The Retreat. Many guests also pair the crater with a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, a day at Lake Eyasi, or the guided hike to Endoro Falls and the elephant caves.
See things to do at The Retreat and around Karatu or compare our villas.
Map and Contact Details
Open The Retreat at Ngorongoro in Google Maps
Reservations (Arusha office): WhatsApp +255 688 300 600, res@theretreatatngorongoro.co.tz
Lodge direct: WhatsApp +255 687 300 500, landline +255 27 261 0250
Getting Here: Common Questions
Is The Retreat on the Ngorongoro Crater rim?
No. The Retreat is in Karatu, below the crater highlands. The Lodoare Gate into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is 20 to 30 minutes away by road.
What is the nearest airstrip?
Lake Manyara airstrip (LMN), about 20 km and 30 to 45 minutes from the lodge.
How long is the drive from Arusha?
About 140 km, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Where does my driver-guide stay?
Driver-guides stay in dedicated accommodation on the estate.