Country Lodge Karatu – A Tranquil Retreat in Tanzania’s Highlands

Located on the outskirts of Karatu, in the lush Ngorongoro Highlands, Country Lodge Karatu offers a peaceful and affordable retreat in Northern Tanzania’s scenic green belt district. Nestled between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the lodge is ideally situated for travelers exploring Tanzania’s rich landscapes, vibrant cultures, and world-renowned wildlife destinations.

At Country Lodge Karatu, we embrace the essence of simple country comforts, warm Tanzanian hospitality, and farm-to-table cuisine, growing much of the produce served in our lodge.

A Place of Natural Beauty & Comfort

Set within five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, our lodge is surrounded by rolling hills, coffee estates, and tropical flora. Bougainvillea, fruit trees, and flowering plants create a haven for birds and butterflies, offering a serene escape from the everyday hustle.

Garden paths lead to twelve double cottages, thoughtfully designed to provide a cozy and restful stay. Whether enjoying the tranquil garden views from your veranda or warming up by a fireplace on a cool highland evening, you’ll feel right at home.

Why Choose Country Lodge Karatu?

✅ Convenient Location – The perfect base for Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Lake Eyasi.
✅ Affordable Luxury – Comfortable lodging with excellent food and service at an attractive price point.
✅ Authentic Farm-to-Table Cuisine – Fresh, locally grown ingredients.
✅ A Warm, Homey Atmosphere – Experience genuine Tanzanian hospitality.
✅ Peaceful Natural Surroundings – A lush, flower-filled retreat with abundant birdlife.

As part of the Bougainvillea Group of Lodges, we are committed to outstanding service and authentic experiences.

Accommodation – Spacious & Cozy Cottages

Each of our twelve double cottages is designed with comfort and simplicity, ensuring a restful stay.

🛏️ King or Twin Beds – Cozy, inviting, and fitted with mosquito netting.
🔥 Fireplace – Request a warm, glowing fire on cool evenings.
🌿 Veranda with Seating – Relax with a view of the lush gardens.
🚿 Stone-Enclosed Bathrooms – Featuring a shower and dressing area.
💡 Soft Lighting & Writing Desk – Ideal for journaling about your safari adventures.
🌍 Wi-Fi in Common Areas – Stay connected when needed.

Unforgettable Activities & Excursions

Surrounded by bustling markets, coffee farms, and Tanzania’s iconic safari destinations, Country Lodge Karatu offers countless opportunities for adventure, cultural immersion, and wildlife encounters.

🌍 Nearby National Parks & Wildlife Adventures
🦁 Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife wonders.
🌳 Lake Manyara National Park – Home to tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse ecosystems.
🐘 Tarangire National Park – Famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

🌿 Cultural & Local Experiences
🏹 Lake Eyasi & Hadzabe Bushmen – Experience one of Africa’s last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes.
🏡 Visit a Coffee Plantation – Learn about Tanzania’s renowned coffee industry.
🏘️ Explore Karatu Village – Visit local markets, farms, and artisans.
🧱 Meet a Brickmaker – Discover traditional construction techniques in rural Tanzania.

🚶‍♂️ Nature & Relaxation
🌳 Hike in the Ngorongoro Forest – Explore the lush, green highlands.
🐦 Birdwatch in the Lodge Gardens – Spot colorful and exotic species.
🚶 Wander Scenic Country Roads – Enjoy peaceful walks amidst nature.

Lodge Facilities & Services

✔ Swimming Pool
✔ Dining Room & Outdoor Seating
✔ Large Lounge with Fireplace
✔ Gift Shop
✔ Massage Services
✔ Wi-Fi in Common Areas

🕑 Check-In: 1:00 PM | Check-Out: 10:00 AM

Discover the Charm of Country Lodge Karatu

A peaceful retreat, a gateway to adventure, and a place where warm hospitality meets breathtaking scenery.

Come experience the tranquility, comfort, and rich cultural heritage of Tanzania’s Northern Highlands.

The Plantation Lodge – A Green Oasis of Comfort and Elegance

Nestled amidst red-brown hills and lush gardens, The Plantation Lodge is a tranquil retreat offering individualized comfort and relaxation. Every corner of this owner-run lodge exudes charm, with hand-selected furnishings and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Our attentive service ensures that no request goes unfulfilled, allowing guests to fully unwind and immerse themselves in East Africa’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Ideally located near Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park, the lodge provides effortless access to some of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, including Tarangire National Park and the Serengeti.

Rooms & Suites

Whether you’re seeking luxury, intimacy, or family-friendly comfort, The Plantation Lodge offers accommodations tailored to every traveler’s needs.

• Luxurious Suites – Elegantly designed for ultimate relaxation.
• Stylish Standard Rooms – Cozy and beautifully appointed.
• The Garden House – A spacious retreat with four double bedrooms, ideal for families or groups.

Each space is designed to provide an atmosphere of well-being, ensuring a rejuvenating stay after a day of safari adventures.

A Legacy of Passion & Hospitality

The Plantation Lodge is the realization of a dream nurtured by German proprietors, Renate and Udo Marahrens. With a background in farming across West Africa and Tanzania, they acquired their first Tanzanian plot in 1997 and built Plantation House, initially for private use.

Over the years, their passion transformed the former farmstead into an exquisite safari lodge, expanding the estate with new rooms, suites, and lush gardens boasting over a thousand newly planted trees.

Today, The Plantation Lodge is celebrated as one of East Africa’s most beautiful safari accommodations, cherished by guests and tour operators alike.

Safari & Nearby National Parks

Tanzania is a wildlife paradise, home to Africa’s largest continuous population of wild animals.

From The Plantation Lodge, guests enjoy seamless access to some of the continent’s most famous parks:

Nearby National Parks

🌿 Ngorongoro Conservation Area – A UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse wildlife.
🌿 Serengeti National Park – Home to the Great Migration and Africa’s iconic “Big Five.”
🌿 Lake Manyara National Park – Famous for its tree-climbing lions and birdlife.
🌿 Tarangire National Park – Renowned for its massive elephant herds and baobab-studded landscapes.

Unforgettable Safari Experiences

🚙 Game Drives in Open-Top Jeeps – Witness wildlife in its natural habitat.
📍 Picnic in the Savannah – Enjoy a serene meal at a scenic, safe location.
🦁 Spotting the “Big Five” – Buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino—an adventurer’s dream.

Discover The Plantation Lodge

Where elegance meets adventure, and every moment is an invitation to experience the wild beauty of Tanzania.

A Sanctuary of Tranquility & Warm Hospitality

Why Choose Heart & Soul Lodge?

At Heart and Soul Lodge, we offer an intimate, modern retreat infused with relaxed elegance and warm hospitality. Our spacious suites provide comfort and all essential amenities, ensuring a seamless stay for travelers.

Set amidst lush gardens and open lawns, our lodge is home to vibrant birdlife and smaller wildlife. The pool area invites you to unwind, while evenings bring the mesmerizing calls of hyenas and other nocturnal sounds—reminding you that adventure is never far away.

Our Commitment to Community and Nature

In celebration of Earth Day 2023, we had the honor of welcoming District Commissioner Daniel H. Kolimba and his team, who graciously planted trees in our gardens as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and conservation.

The Place Called Home

A story of heart and soul, our lodge was born from a fateful meeting in Zanzibar between Joseph and Birgit—two individuals whose paths converged in a shared vision.

Their passion for East African warmth and German hospitality laid the foundation for Heart and Soul Lodge—a place where guests, travelers, and nature harmoniously coexist. With a deep commitment to community and sustainability, this lodge is more than a destination; it’s a home filled with history, connection, and the promise of a meaningful stay.

Experiences & Activities

The African Galleria – A Safari Through Art

A fusion of workshop and contemporary gallery, African Galleria is dedicated to showcasing exquisite African art and craftsmanship. Visitors can explore unique, hand-crafted pieces, witnessing creativity at its finest.

Explore the Local Village Market – Mto Wa Mbu

Nicknamed the “melting pot of cultures,” Mto Wa Mbu is home to representatives from all 120 Tanzanian tribes, coexisting in harmony. Guided by a local expert, you’ll gain first-hand insight into the vibrant market life and traditions of this unique village.

Banana Tasting – A Taste of Tanzania

Did you know that this region is the banana capital of the world? Our guided banana tasting experience allows you to discover over 30 unique banana varieties, all cultivated in our rich Tanzanian soil.

Travel Information

Location

Heart and Soul Lodge is conveniently situated between Mto Wa Mbu and Karatu, along the main safari route from Arusha, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara, leading towards Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

By Air

• Daily chartered flights operate to Lake Manyara Airstrip from Serengeti, Arusha, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.
• The lodge is just a 15-minute drive from the airstrip.

By Road

• A 2-hour drive from Arusha Airstrip to Heart and Soul Lodge.
• Private transfers can be arranged upon request 

Weather & Climate

Tanzania enjoys a comfortable tropical climate, with our lodge’s higher elevation offering cooler evenings and mornings—perfect for relaxation.

Rainfall

• March to April: Long rainy season (Masika)
• Late November: Shorter rains (Vuli)