Kankari Lodge, Karatu

Kankari Lodge is a small accommodation located in Karatu; in the Ngorongoro Highlands. This lodge lies on the main safari route between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Owned by the Bougainvillea Group Lodges, Kankari Lodge is run by experienced experts. It’s a haven for upper mid-range safari-goers who want to explore Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Karatu.

Why Choose Kankari Lodge?

Easy access to iconic destinations: Kankari Lodge is a base for your Northern Circuit safari. From here, you can visit Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, all of which are promising places for wildlife viewing.

Budget-friendly haven: At Kankari, you strike a balance between your budget and comfort. The lodge offer mid-range safari stays that don’t compromise on quality of service. You will be served by highly trained staff and take advantage of its premium amenities and strategic location.

Do yo wish for a slight upgrade from Kankari Lodge? Your best options include Farm of Dreams Lodge, Rhotia Hills Cottage, and Marera Valley Lodge.

Best Time to Stay at Kankari Lodge

Kankari Lodge is open year-round. But because most of travelers come here for wildlife safaris, here’s a little piece of advice. June through October is the best period for wildlife viewing for many reasons.

During this time, animals concentrate in specific locations where water and food are abundant. Tarangire, for example, attracts hundreds of thousands of animals during this time to the life-giving Tarangire River. The same is observed for Lake Manyara.

Finally, the grass is short, and the weather is predictable. It’s easy to spot animals because the vegetation is thin and the grass is short. Clear skies and dry trails also allow you to navigate the bush safely.

January to February is another great time to stay at Kankari Lodge. This time, you will enjoy low crowds in parks, green, photogenic landscapes, and a myriad of birdlife. Thousands of newborns are brought into life during this time. In the southern plains of the Serengeti, for example, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born. There’s plenty of new life everywhere.

Activities available at Kankari Lodge

Game drives

You can organize a game drive to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater. In Tarangire, you will encounter 300-strong elephant herds, and in Lake Manyara – tree-climbing lions. You also have great chances of spotting the Big Five animals in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Cultural tours

Kankari Lodge is very close to a variety of iconic local tribes—the Iraqw, Maasai, and Hadzabe, and the list goes on. A visit to these communities will make you learn a lot. The Maasai will teach you how to dance and dress in their unique traditional attire. The Hadzabe will show you how to hunt (which is why they haven’t left the ancient ‘hunter-gatherer’ lifestyle).

You can also walk around local markets to shop for local produce and handicrafts. The Mto wa Mbu village is a cultural melting pot near the lodge. You will be proud to meet every tribe in this busy village.

Coffee tour

Farmers around the lodge grow coffee and bananas in medium and large plantations. A coffee tour is the best way to explore these farms. You will learn more about how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed.

The coffee grinding process is very interesting. Most locals work together in communal groups when turning coffee beans into a mug. This process is often accompanied by vibes and energizing songs. At the end of the tour, you will taste coffee and (maybe) enjoy a locally prepared lunch.

Hiking tours

Kankari Lodge is located in the Ngorongoro Highlands. The lodge offer guided hikes in the Ngorongoro Forest, where you can spot lots of flora and fauna species. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger for your safety. And please don’t forget your camera – many scenes are worth a picture.

Discover our handpicked safari packages that can be customized to include a stay at Kankari Lodge, offering prime access to Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife and unforgettable game viewing experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kankari Lodge family-friendly?

Yes. Kankari welcome all families. The four luxury tents can suit large groups looking for high-end stays. Plus, eight standard rooms also have twin beds suitable for small families and honeymooners.

How far in advance should I book?

At Safari Desire, we recommend booking 3-6 months in advance for peak season (June-October and during the festive season—late December through January). The lodge have a few spots (just 12) that sell out early. For the low season, we recommend booking at least 1-2 months in advance. Slots may fill early as some lodges close due to weather conditions.

What wildlife can I expect to see at Kankari Lodge?

You can see a lot of wildlife, including the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater, tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and baboons in Lake Manyara, and elephants in Tarangire. Others include giraffes, hippos, impalas, hyenas, and cheetahs.

Is Kankari a luxury lodge?

Kankari is an upper-midrange lodge. It caters to both mid-range visitors (in 8 standard rooms) and luxury travelers (in four luxury tents).

Secure Your Spot Today

Kankari Lodge is the best spot for your Northern Circuit safari. You will not only enjoy affordable rates but also easy access to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. Book with Safari Desire to enjoy discounted rates. Email us at info[@]safari-intanzania.com.