Rating: Mid-range
This is a privately owned and run lodge on a working coffee plantation in the fertile Karatu region bordering the Ngorongoro Highlands. There are wonderful views over the lodge's pretty gardens, surrounding farmland and the Ngorongoro forest.
There are 28 guest chalets located in the gardens. Each has a bedroom, sitting room and bathroom providing plenty of space. They are equipped with air conditioning, TV, IDD phone, safe, minibar and coffee maker, and you'll have a private terrace.
While here you can enjoy safaris in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the national parks of Lake Manyara and Tarangire, tour the farm, visit Karatu town, meet local tribes people, and go for guided hikes and bike rides.
Lodge facilities include a lounge and bar where you can unwind, a coffee shop and a dining room with a terrace where you can enjoy healthy and flavoursome local produce. Relax with a swim in the pool or a massage at the spa. Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas so you can keep in touch with family back at home.
Open: Acacia Farm Lodge is open all year.
Location: Acacia Farm Lodge is in Karatu, on a 10 hectare coffee farm. Lake Manyara airstrip is a 20 minute drive away, and the nearest major airport is Arusha, about 130kms away.
Rooms: There are 28 single storey chalets, each with a bedroom, lounge and bathroom. All have 2 twins beds or a king size bed with mosquito net, plasma screen TV, IDD phone, intercom, Wi-Fi, coffee maker, minibar, safe and hairdryer. All have private decks with views of the farm. Free room service is available.
Activities: The lodge has naturalist guides who conduct nature walks and hikes in the grounds and in the Ngorongoro forest and cycle routes in the forest. You can take a guided tour of the farm, or visit Karatu town, market and school. Game drives can be arranged to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. There are opportunities to meet local tribespeople including the Iraqw, Maasai and Bushmen.
Facilities: There is a dining room with a terrace for al fresco meals, a lounge, bar, well equipped gym, massage room and beauty salon, and gift shop. The lodge has an outdoor swimming pool and deck with sun loungers. There is a business centre on site. The lodge offers a laundry and dry cleaning service.
Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables in the dining area, on the terrace, in the coffee shop and in the gardens by the pool. Food is contemporary African with international influences, using much produce from local farms. There is an extensive selection of wines to accompany meals. Sundowner drinks are served in the bar, on the terrace and by the fire in the garden.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Each chalet has room for an extra bed or cot. Some of the chalets are interconnecting. Babysitting can be arranged.
Health: This is not a malarial area.
Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access, and there are computers in the business centre for guests to use.
Notes: The whole lodge is accessible by wheelchair.