Off to the Plantation Lodge outside Karatu

We leave the airport for our almost 5 hour drive to Plantation Lodge (would have been shorter but the President was visiting Arusha that day so the main roads were closed – pic below).  The countryside is stunning – reminds us of Tuscany (no kidding).  Intensely cultivated – nice people – safe.

 

Of course the Plantation Lodge is wonderful – it’s a Liz booking.

Liz here – thank you Richard – we are booked at Plantation Lodge for 4 nights, from where we will travel to see Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater as day trips.  It is an unusually long booking – which I’ve intentionally done as we prefer not to move hotels every day and are happy to drive up to 90 minutes to sight see to avoid changing hotels.  But it does have people scratching their heads – from the original travel agent to Felix to the check in staff - “4 nights?” they confirm. It was absolutely the right choice for us as we settled in and really enjoyed the Lodge and its staff. Back to Richard!

They upgraded us to a suite (4 nights!) – there are wonderful flower gardens and a fabulous kitchen garden.  The head gardener Bryson takes us on a tour and we see the vegetables we’ll eat that night being picked.  They also have a flock of free range turkeys – kept hoping for turkey on the menu.  Food and service are very good and it’s our headquarters for the next 4 days from which we’ll visit Lake Manyara, the Crater and a countryside tour.

Reception building, with dining room and great bar

View from bar

Onions hanging to dry in the Kitchen Garden

Pics of our Suite – the Blue Mountain

And lunch on the patio

Comments

[Ann McMaster]

Oh m'gosh - that bedroom ! And what a beautiful dining room. We're putting together 2-wks in Fla w/Caribbean cruise which pale compared to what you're doing. You both look wonderful - enjoy !

[Kathy Carbone]

When I looked at those pictures, the first thing that popped up in my mind is that summer house feeling. If ever I would have the chance to set foot in a house that looks like that, the first thing I'm gonna do is curl up on the couch and take a nap. Haha! By the way, the tiles in the dining area look amazing, and they fit well with the other types of flooring used for the other rooms.