Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is a long-time favorite on the northern safari circuit. It sits in flowering gardens on the edge of Karatu town. The lodge is halfway between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro gate. The bright bougainvillea flowers give the lodge its name and its color.

Cottage Rooms

The cottage rooms are warm and practical. Each one has a private bathroom, a fireplace and a veranda facing the gardens. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are kept spotless. Family rooms are available for those traveling with children.

Dining and the Pool

The main building holds a friendly restaurant and bar. Meals are fresh and locally sourced from the farms around Karatu. Breakfast sets you up for the crater. Dinner welcomes you back. A swimming pool and sunny terraces help wash off the safari dust.

Things to Do

Guests can add coffee farm tours and visits to Karatu’s busy markets. Hikes in the nearby Ngorongoro forest are rewarding. Cultural visits to Iraqw villages show local highland life. Or simply rest in the gardens before an early crater descent.

Location and Access

The location is ideal for the classic northern circuit. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate is a short drive west. Lake Manyara National Park lies down the road to the east. Tarangire and the Serengeti are both within reach. Arusha is about three hours away on tarmac. Reliable, friendly and well placed, Bougainvillea is one of Karatu’s most trusted mid-range lodges.

Best Time to Visit

Bougainvillea works well in every month of the year. The crater offers reliable game viewing in all seasons. June to October is dry and busy. November to May is greener, quieter and better value. The gardens bloom beautifully after the rains. Most guests stay one or two nights on their way between parks. The lodge suits families, small groups and value-minded travelers who want a trusted name in Karatu.