The Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge is a tented camp perched on a wooded hillside in the highlands of Karatu, at the edge of Ngorongoro Crater. It caters to travelers exploring Tanzania's northern circuit who seek a base near the major parks while maintaining the comfort of a forest lodge.

Why choose this lodge

The lodge occupies a strategic position along the northern safari circuit. The entrance to Ngorongoro Crater is 15 km away, Lake Manyara National Park 10 km away, and Lake Eyasi 30 minutes' drive. Tarangire Park remains accessible in 1.5 hours. This location allows you to organize several excursions from a single base without changing accommodations each evening.

The second advantage lies in the immediate surroundings: the lodge perches on a hill overlooking the forest covering the crater's slopes. The tent-on-stilts structure beneath an acacia canopy extends this forest immersion into the very rooms themselves.

Atmosphere

The setting evokes a permanent camp at the forest's edge, away from main roads. Nocturnal forest sounds replace typical disturbances, and evenings extend around an outdoor campfire. Common areas — lounge and dining room — are finished with rustic wooden flooring that lends the property an artisanal character, without ostentatious luxury.

The tents

The lodge comprises 12 tents on stilts beneath a canopy of acacias and indigenous trees. The elevated placement preserves valley views and minimizes ground impact. The tents are well-ventilated and benefit from light filtered through the canopy.

Family tents equipped with desk, safe and private bathroom are available for travelers seeking extra space or staying between safari days.

Services

• Meals served in the shared dining room
• Outdoor pool overlooking the forest
• Evening campfire
• Shared lounge with wooden flooring
• Safe and desk in family tents

Location and access

The lodge sits on the heights of Karatu, in the forested zone bordering Ngorongoro Crater. The journey from Lake Manyara airport takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Most travelers arrive as part of an organized circuit that includes transfers between parks.

Nearby attractions

Northern Tanzania's parks

Lake Manyara National Park (10 km away) is known for its wooded zones, hippopotamuses and water birds. Tarangire Park (1.5 hours' drive) stands out for its elephant herds and baobabs. The entrance to Ngorongoro Crater lies 15 km away, allowing early departure for your descent into the caldera.

Encounters at Lake Eyasi

30 minutes' drive away, Lake Eyasi is home to two neighboring communities: the Hadza, one of East Africa's last hunter-gatherer groups, and the Datoga, pastoralists and blacksmiths of Nilotic origin. Visits are conducted with a local guide within an ethical framework established with the communities; depending on conditions, it's possible to observe part of a morning hunt or a gathering session.

Other lodges in the region

If you're comparing options around Karatu, also consider the Bashay Rift Lodge, the Country Lodge or the Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, closer to the Hadza communities.

Planning your stay

Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge naturally integrates into a northern circuit combining Manyara, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. To build your complete itinerary in Tanzanie, consult our Tanzania journeys.