Peaceful hilltop retreat, excellent access to Ngorongoro and rich cultural encounters in Karatu.
Location
Kilimani House sits high on a hilltop in the heart of a working coffee plantation in the Karatu region, with far-reaching views towards the foothills of the Ngorongoro Crater. Its position is both scenic and strategic, just 10 minutes from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance, making it an ideal base for guests planning multiple crater visits.
Rooms
This small, adults-only lodge with just 12 rooms, is designed for privacy and tranquillity. Rooms are comfortably furnished and suited to couples or friends travelling together, with double, twin and triple configurations available. There are no family, connecting or quadruple rooms, reinforcing the lodge’s calm, grown-up feel. Interiors are simple and welcoming, allowing the surrounding views and setting to take centre stage after a day on safari.
Facilities
Despite its intimate size, Kilimani House offers all the essentials for a relaxed and comfortable stay. There is an on-site restaurant and bar, serving meals in a convivial yet low-key setting, and a swimming pool perfectly placed for unwinding while taking in the views. Guests can also enjoy a massage service, a small souvenir shop, and laundry facilities. Internet access is available in the main building, encouraging a slower pace while still keeping you connected when needed.
Activities
Kilimani House is well placed for a wide range of activities, blending wildlife, culture and gentle exploration. Game drives into the Ngorongoro Crater are a highlight, while excursions to Lake Eyasi offer the chance to meet the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Closer to the lodge, guests can enjoy guided walks, mountain biking, visits to local villages, and tours of the surrounding coffee plantations. Time spent meeting the Iraqw people and exploring Karatu adds valuable cultural depth to the stay.
Sustainability
The lodge's small scale and location within an active coffee plantation naturally support a low-impact approach to tourism. By focusing on local activities, cultural visits and walking or cycling experiences, the lodge encourages meaningful engagement with the surrounding communities. Employment and excursions are rooted in the Karatu area, helping to ensure tourism benefits remain local, while the adults-only concept supports a quieter, more considerate presence within the landscape.
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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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