Kitela Lodge sits above a working coffee farm in the hills outside Karatu. It is styled like an old colonial farm, but with a clear touch of luxury. The Ngorongoro highlands rise behind it, green and forested. A waterfall nearby makes a lovely guided walk.

Elegant Chalets

The chalets are elegant and roomy. Each one has a fireplace, a large bathroom and a private terrace. The décor blends classic farm style with fine fabrics and furniture. Views take in the gardens, the coffee farm and the wooded hills. Evenings by the fire feel wonderfully calm.

Dining and the Organic Garden

Days at Kitela start with coffee grown on the farm. The kitchen builds its menus around the lodge’s own organic garden. Dinners are served by candlelight, with fresh vegetables, good meats and homemade breads. The food is one of the lodge’s proudest features.

Spa, Pool and Walks

Guests can swim in the pool or enjoy a massage at the spa. Guided walks lead through the coffee estate and up to the waterfall. The gardens are full of birds. Karatu town, with its lively markets, is a short drive away.

Location and Access

The Ngorongoro gate is close by, which makes early crater starts easy. You can be inside the crater soon after sunrise, when the wildlife is most active. Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi and the road to the Serengeti are all within reach. Kitela is a superb upmarket choice for the Ngorongoro part of any safari.

Best Time to Visit

Kitela Lodge is rewarding all year, because the crater never empties of wildlife. June to October gives dry, clear days. The green season brings misty mornings, lush gardens and quieter roads. Highland evenings are cool, which makes the in-room fireplaces a real pleasure. Two nights is ideal, with a full day in the crater between them. Kitela suits honeymooners and travelers who want luxury at the Ngorongoro stage of their safari.