Kitela Lodge

Set on a hillside above a working coffee plantation in the Ngorongoro Highlands, Kitela Lodge occupies land overlooking the eastern wall of Ngorongoro Crater and a waterfall. Twenty suites sit in individual cottages built in a colonial style and surrounded by gardens. Each suite includes an en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower, a private balcony or terrace, a fireplace, and an electronic safe. Two family suites interconnect via a linking door. All rooms face either the plantation or the highlands.

The main building holds a restaurant divided into two sections, a lounge, and a terrace with views across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A swimming pool and massage treatment cabins sit within the grounds. The spa offers treatments including full-body massage, head massage, manicure, and pedicure.

Guided afternoon walks lead through the coffee plantation and the organic vegetable farm. Cultural visits run to the Hadzabe and Datoga communities near Lake Eyasi and to the Iraqw. Full-day excursions descend into Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch; game drives cross the crater floor. Sundowner drinks are served at a viewpoint overlooking the conservation area. Staff speak English, Spanish, and Swahili. The lodge lies 151 kilometres from Arusha via the B144 road through Karatu — approximately two and a half hours. Manyara Airstrip receives scheduled and charter flights from Arusha in 25 minutes.