A Serene Escape in the Heart of Northern Tanzania
Set atop Umbwe Hill in the lush, green Karatu region, Bashay Rift Lodge offers a peaceful retreat near to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater.
Location: Surrounded by panoramic 360° views of the Karatu highlands, Lake Eyasi, and the Rift Valley, the lodge boasts 35 charming rooms scattered across a beautifully landscaped garden, each styled with rustic elegance in a warm "Farm in Africa" theme. Guests can unwind in the inviting main lounge and bar, enjoy locally inspired dishes at the terrace restaurant, or relax by the eco-friendly swimming pool that stays warm well into the evening. Ideally positioned along the Northern Safari Circuit yet blissfully secluded, Bashay Rift Lodge provides easy access to unforgettable adventures in Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Eyasi, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Rooms: The lodge is made up of 35 rooms, each exuding a warm "Farm in Africa" ambiance. The rooms range from doubles to spacious family rooms, all set within the beautifully landscaped gardens. Every room offers unique views and has been carefully designed to provide comfort and connection to the surrounding nature.
Activities: During your stay you can unwind by the eco-friendly swimming pool or enjoy their spa services. For the more adventurous, the lodge offers mountain biking through the local farming areas as well as cultural excursions to visit the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, providing fascinating insights into traditional Tanzanian lifestyles.
Sustainability: Bashay are committed to sustainable practices. The lodge maintains a working farm that includes a coffee plantation, organic vegetable and fruit gardens, and beehives producing honey for guests. These initiatives not only supply fresh ingredients for the restaurant but also help support the local ecosystem and community.
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When to go to Tanzania
Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.
- During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
February
The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.
- Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
March
March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.
- Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
April
April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
May
During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
June
June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.
- Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
July
July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.
- The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
August
August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.
- The migration still remains in the north.
September
Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.
- The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
October
Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.
- The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
November
November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.
- Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
December
Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.
- Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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