Reviews of Plantation Lodge
(92%) From 33 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Peaceful, beautiful gardens
We were very fortunate to be given the Zanzibar suite. Huge room.
Nice pool and gardens, it was good for a change of pace and to relax a little.
Food good. Room had a kettle so we could make our own tea.
Plantation Lodge review
This was proposed by Expert Africa as a great base for visiting the crater. We spent two nights here. To be honest we didnt look too closely at the details trusting Olivia to have made a good choice. Crikey. An amazing choice.
I'm sure we could have stayed somewhere less well set up, but having been here I'm not sure I'd want to. Simply amazing. Beautiful grounds, a lovely 'room' (Full suite would be closer). Staff were great and the restaurant is excellent. Met up again with a Swiss family who had been at Olivers on night 2. Far removed from the camp experience, but a very very pleasant interlude.
Trip to the Crater was relatively short allowing an early entrance and allowed us all day in there. An incredible place to visit. Hippos, lions, elephants and the usual plethora of antelope/beests. Watched lions tracking a group of buffalo, but in fact the only 'kill' we saw was a wart hog killed by hyenas (grisly but part of the experience) and the bird life was also amazing. Rhinos too far way to see from our vehicle (this is pretty much the norm apparently), but were able to spot a couple (specs admittedly) from the viewing area.
Geologically incredible place to visit, and fascinating to see a burnt out caldera, having been in an active one (Yellowstone) some years ago.
Plantation Lodge
Plantation Lodge was our least favourite stop-off.
The setting is nice, the rooms are clean and the veranda is a good place for a gin & tonic at the end of a long day. However, the food was extremely disappointing and the dining area and main areas on the whole lack any atmosphere. I think they could do a lot more with this place.
Breathtaking scenery at Ngorongoro
Amazing lodge and amazing safaris at the Ngorongoro crater. The service was really nice.
Perhaps they could have organised a sandowner within their really beatiful lodge.
Great Experience Overall
Plantation Lodge was our first Stop and we were sure we could not better it. The Lodge itself was so picturesque with beautiful greenery all around. The staff were there to help whenever needed and the Lovely Renata who runs the place is a Gem.
Our guide Barakka drove us first to Lake Manyara where we got our first taste of a Safari. He was knowledgeable about all animals and made sure we were comfortable throughout. Within a few minutes of being in Lake Manyara we came across a giraffe who walked up to our jeep so gracefully we all stared in awe. What a beautiful experience!!
Ngorongoro Crater was even more interesting where animals are concerned. We saw lions sleeping under jeeps and so much more.
Returning to the Lodge after the Safari was always enjoyable, with a swim in the pool before dinner.
Great Rooms
The Plantation was a nice lodge to enjoy some time away from the tented camps. It is more packed than the other places which allows you to mingle with other guests and enjoy conversation with new people. We liked that part a lot. The grounds are secluded, safe and very beautiful. We didn't get time to enjoy the pool but it looked lovely. We each enjoyed a 60 minute massage which was unreal. It was a great end to our safari day, totally relaxing and very reasonable priced.
The lodge had wi-fi in the main bar/restaurant area which was nice to catch up with family and friends finally. The food was pretty good, not a la carte, which seems typical in these areas but still delicious.
We didn't feel as comfortable with the staff here but since it is a bigger lodge vs the intimate camp setting, I understand the difference. We liked the Plantation Lodge for the 2 nights we were there but we wouldn't have wanted to stay any longer.
Our room was secluded and gorgeous. Another large bathroom, with a huge hot shower. This place did not provide a blow dryer or laundry service.
We made friends with the resident cats here as well, always a treat!
Georgeous Lodge!
This place was truly spectacular yet tucked away and felt undiscovered. Wow! Food was excellent, staff very professional and the gardens were gorgeous.
They even upgraded our room! The location was perfect to see the Crater and Lake and then head out to another destination.
5 stars!
Great place to stay after long journey
Arrived tired after long journey from London and trip to Lake Manyara, so we especially appreciated being told we had been upgraded to a suite.
The welcome, accommodation, grounds, food and service were outstanding: more than worth the long bumpy access track from the main road. The Lodge greatly exceeded our expectations. It is well placed for access to Ngorogoro and Lake Manyara though obvously not as close as the larger lodges on the rim.
