Kitela Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater | Timbuktu Travel
Ngorongoro Crater

Kitela Lodge

Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Kitela Lodge

Affordable style and comfort with one of the best views in the area.
This small, intimate lodge is stationed away from the crowds but is a stone’s throw from the action. Set amongst the coffee plantations of the Karatu Highlands, on an elevated site, the lodge reaps the benefits of its height with wonderful farm views that extend to the eastern crater edge. The serene main areas, together with the wellness spa, guarantee a relaxing escape. Comfortable functionality, affordable style and a convenient location make Kitela a winner on all counts.
From $340 per person/per night
City
20 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Kitela’s communal facilities are well appointed with dining and lounge areas built with a raised deck to maximise the views. The decor is stylish and comfortable with a splash of colour and plenty of fireplaces to warm your body and soul. Relaxation is always on the cards in the form of lunch with a view or a quiet spot to read a book. The heated pool area further enhances incredible the valley's scenery from the comfort of a reclining deck chair.

The rooms

There are twenty large thatched suites, each with a luxurious bathroom and panoramic views. The suites’ even distribution on the landscaped gardens enhance the sense of space and privacy, while the personal decks give guests the opportunity for relaxing both in and outdoors. The rooms have large comfy beds with mosquito netting, soft inviting chairs and coffee tables. The perfect place for a little privacy after a long day of exploration.

Activities

There’s no shortage of activities. Explore the game-rich paradise that is the Ngorongoro Crater and enhance the experience with a private lunch or picnic in the crater itself. Hiking in the greater Ngorongoro Conservation area offers beautiful scenery with incredible birdlife. A cultural walk with the local Maasai people will let you into the secrets of their rich culture, traditions and history. If all the exploring leaves you somewhat spent, there’s always the option of a relaxing massage at the lodge.

What you'll love

What you'll love

The view! The rooms are comfortable and the location is convenient, but the best thing Kitela has to offer is it's eye-catchingly brilliant view.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Spare some time to enjoy the activities that aren't focused on wildlife-watching and enjoy strolls around the farm and vegetable gardens, forest hikes, community visits and meetings with the local communities.
Something to think about

Something to think about

The area around the lodge is growing rapidly and a few, less-than-attractive developments have sprung up recently. Don't let it put you off however - none of them can be seen from the lodge and the area is still incredibly pretty.
Lodge positive impact

Positive Impact

The impact of your stay

The organisation supports various community projects, including the de-snaring project in the Serengeti, medical care solutions like the Olmoti Clinic in Western Kilimanjaro, and educational opportunities like the Emusoi Centre in Arusha. Additionally, initiatives like the Children’s Health Program in Nairobi and contributions to Wildlife Management Areas and Tanzania National Parks underscore their commitment to community well-being and environmental conservation.

Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

The jewel in Tanzania’s crown where the Big Five roam free and there’s an animal around every corner.