Tloma Lodge

Tloma Lodge, also referred as Tloma Mountain Lodge, is a comfortable, mid-range, small and exclusive lodge situated on the eastern shoulder of the Ngorongoro Highlands in Karatu, just 15 minutes from Ngorongoro Crater and only a few minutes' drive from Lake Manyara National Park gates. The lodge is built on the foothills of the highlands on the raised shoulder of a valley, offering magnificent sweeping views across extensive coffee plantations to the eastern wall of the Ngorongoro Crater and the extinct Oldeani volcano in the distance. It was built in the style of a colonial coffee plantation to evoke the atmosphere of colonial plantations and farms featured in many books and films.

Rooms

The lodge comprises 36 large rooms in total: 24 spacious colonial farm-style cottages (small bungalow-style cottages) and 12 garden-view rooms in the main building. Each room features large beds (queen-size), walk-in shower, en-suite bathroom, tiled floors, white-washed walls, comfortable chairs, private verandah/terrace, and air conditioning where the verandas make the most of the views. The cottages are spread widely within the large grounds, ensuring a good level of privacy, while the 12 rooms in the main building overlook the garden.

About

The communal areas are very large and informal, with the lounge, bar, and restaurant located in the main building. The lounge has an interesting mix of functional furniture, while the dining area is a sprawling space with hardwood tables and iron chairs. The kitchen uses own products a lot, including dairy, vegetables, and fruit from the lodge's own sources. The lodge looks out onto impressive views of plantations, Oldeani extinct volcano, and the eastern wall of Ngorongoro Crater, creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere with a warm welcome and homely feel.

General facilities

The standout feature is the heated swimming pool and terrace at the foot of the garden, offering a view of the Ngorongoro Highlands – the perfect spot to relax and admire the views. The surrounding gardens are well-maintained, full of flowers and bushes, making evening strolls or drinks on the terrace particularly attractive. The lodge has eco-friendly electric power supplied by solar panels with a generator as backup, offering a sustainable approach. Guests find it difficult to choose between walking around the gardens or relaxing around the heated pool.

Tloma Lodge is an ideal base for exploring both Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, offering comfortable accommodation at a good price point with friendly and welcoming staff. The lodge provides comfortable, mid-range accommodation with all amenities you would expect from a comfortable hotel. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, surrounded by beautiful countryside and mature gardens, making it a serene and exclusive retreat nestled in the Ngorongoro Highlands that offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty.