The Manor: Our full report

The Manor is a stunning new lodge located in the Ngorongoro highlands just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sister to Tarangire Treetops and Migration Camp, it is of a similar high quality with great food and service, and it is an great base from which to explore the Ngorongoro Crater floor.

Built in a Cape Dutch style, The Manor is reminiscent of a smart farmstead which is quite apt considering its location on the 1500 acre, Shangri-La Coffee Estate. The main areas are located within the large central farmhouse, with the lounge and dining area being divided by a central reception hall.

The lounge is dotted with dark-wood furniture, Persian rugs, sumptuous leather and fabric sofas, and huge fresh flower arrangements. There is even a grand piano in the corner. Then the dining area is simply decorated with fabric chairs and tables covered in white linen table clothes. Smart silver service dining is offered here in the evenings. For less formal dining, the outdoor terrace looks out over the plantation, and serves tasty and fresh lunches.

Guests will also find a spa, cinema, library and a billiard room to help pass any free time. Though the more active might like to arrange a horse or bike ride into the coffee plantation.

The 20 bedrooms at The Manor are dotted through the lodges gardens in numerous small cottages; two rooms occupy one cottage. All of the rooms look out over the rolling green hills of the escarpment and are continuation of the smart Cape Dutch style. Each room has its own private courtyard and deck, a fireplace which is welcome during the cooler months of the year, and high quality dark wood period furniture.

The en-suite bathrooms have a free-standing claw foot bath, rain shower and twin sinks. The bathrooms are quite minimalist and stylish though still in keeping with traditional look of the lodge. Courtyard and deck

Our view

The Manor is an elegant and smart new lodge and though on the surface it appears quite formal, it is actually very laid back. When we visited in August 2009, we thought it felt more like a family home than a lodge. All the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming and will make sure that every guest is well looked after and spoiled.

We also really liked the Afro-European architecture of The Manor which is quite unlike any of the other plantation-style lodges in Tanzania. The mix of natural tones, classic furniture, polished wooden floors and traditional architecture results in a smart colonial style that works really well.

Geographics

Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ideal length of stay: Spend two nights at the Manor to have a full day exploring the Crater floor. Though travellers with more time may like to spend three nights here and use the additional day to explore the local area.

Directions: The Manor is just ten minutes from Karatu and about 40 minutes from the Crater rim.

Key personnel

Owner: Property Chain - Elewana

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: When we were last at The Manor in August 2009, we only had time to stop for lunch but it was very tasty and beautifully presented.

Guests staying here for longer will enjoy a breakfast of homemade muesli, cereals, fruit and various breads. You can also order a cooked breakfast with bacon, sausage and eggs or perhaps a hearty bowl of hot porridge.

Lunch is a la carte with a menu that differs daily. There are always a variety of light meals such as sandwiches, fresh salads, pasta and soup. Deserts are also on the menu and include home-made ice cream, fresh fruit and other sweet delights.

Between lunch and dinner guests can help themselves to high tea with cakes, scones and cream. This is usually available from around 3 – 6pm

The silver service dinner starts at 7:30 in the evening and consists of five light courses. Start with an appetizer, before a starter such as soup. Then break with a sorbet to freshen your palate before the main course and desert.

Most of the food served at The Manor is grown on the farm and so is as fresh as it can possibly be. We certainly felt that it was tasty and fresh when we ate here and we only wish we had been able to stay for one of their dinners which sound exceptional.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Drinks are usually included, except for cellar wines and Champagne.

Children

Attitude towards children: The Manor happily welcomes children of all ages.

Equipment: Cots and high chairs

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: The Manor has some larger rooms with a lower veranda, which is great for small families with younger children. Larger families with older children may prefer the family cottage which has lots of space.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: The Manor has good cell phone coverage but there are no phones in rooms. Wifi is available in entire main area and guests can use the office laptop for free.

TV & radio: The Manor has a small cinema with a TV.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The managers at The Manor are first aid trained, and there is a doctor and clinic only 25-minutes away.

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: There are Askaris dotted around The Manor.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers at all fire places and a fire hose is shared between every two rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry is included at The Manor, and if given to the staff in the morning it is a same day service. Clothes are machine washed.